Top 15 Art Schools In Massachusetts And Fees (2025)
Massachusetts is one of the most inspiring states in America for aspiring artists. With its rich artistic heritage, world-class museums, and creative energy from cities like Boston and Cambridge, the state provides a perfect environment for students pursuing careers in fine arts, design, illustration, animation, and related fields.
Whether you dream of becoming a professional painter, graphic designer, filmmaker, or architect, Massachusetts offers some of the best art schools in the country. Below is a comprehensive list of the top 15 art schools in Massachusetts and their fees to help you choose the one that best fits your goals and budget.
Top 15 Art Schools In Massachusetts And Fees
1. Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) – Boston
Location: Boston, MA
Average Tuition: About $15,000 (in-state), $39,000 (out-of-state) per year
MassArt is one of the oldest and most prestigious art schools in the United States. As the only publicly funded independent art college in the country, it offers a wide range of programs including Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Animation, Photography, Industrial Design, and Film/Video.
Students at MassArt benefit from access to Boston’s rich cultural scene, internships at major design firms, and professional exhibitions. The school emphasizes a blend of creative exploration and professional readiness, making its graduates highly employable in today’s art and design industries.
Popular Programs: Illustration, Architecture, Communication Design, Sculpture, and Painting.
2. School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University (SMFA) – Boston
Location: Boston, MA
Average Tuition: Around $67,000 per year
The SMFA at Tufts University combines studio-based learning with liberal arts education. It’s ideal for students who want freedom to explore multiple art disciplines—painting, photography, digital media, and sculpture—without strict departmental boundaries.
SMFA students enjoy access to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, which serves as both an inspiration and a classroom. Graduates from SMFA are known for their conceptual depth, technical mastery, and readiness for global art careers.
Popular Programs: Studio Art, Art History, and Media Arts.
3. Boston University College of Fine Arts (BU CFA)
Location: Boston, MA
Average Tuition: Around $65,000 per year
Boston University’s College of Fine Arts integrates traditional artistic training with modern digital technologies. It offers degree programs in Painting, Graphic Design, Sculpture, and Art Education.
The school’s strong emphasis on art theory, research, and practice allows students to develop a professional portfolio while studying in one of the most intellectually stimulating universities in the U.S.
Popular Programs: Visual Arts, Graphic Design, and Art Education.
4. Harvard University Department of Art, Film, and Visual Studies (AFVS)
Location: Cambridge, MA
Average Tuition: About $59,000 per year
Harvard may not be known primarily as an art school, but its Department of Art, Film, and Visual Studies is among the most selective and innovative in the country. Students here combine fine arts practice with academic inquiry, working closely with top scholars and artists.
AFVS offers state-of-the-art facilities for film, photography, and mixed media, encouraging interdisciplinary creativity. Graduates often pursue careers in fine art, filmmaking, and curatorial work.
Popular Programs: Film/Video, Visual Arts, and Art Theory.
5. Lesley University College of Art and Design (LUCAD)
Location: Cambridge, MA
Average Tuition: About $36,000 per year
Lesley University’s College of Art and Design provides a nurturing yet rigorous environment for emerging artists. The school emphasizes both creative expression and professional preparation.
Students enjoy small class sizes, individualized attention, and access to cutting-edge facilities in the heart of Cambridge. LUCAD’s strong alumni network and internship programs connect students to major creative industries in Boston and beyond.
Popular Programs: Photography, Graphic Design, Illustration, and Animation.
6. Northeastern University – College of Arts, Media and Design
Location: Boston, MA
Average Tuition: Around $63,000 per year
Northeastern University’s art programs merge design, technology, and innovation. The College of Arts, Media and Design offers courses that prepare students for modern careers in visual storytelling, digital design, and multimedia production.
The school’s renowned co-op program allows students to gain real-world experience through paid professional placements. Northeastern’s global reputation and hands-on learning model make it an excellent choice for students seeking career-ready skills.
Popular Programs: Digital Art, Interaction Design, and Media Studies.
7. Boston Architectural College (BAC)
Location: Boston, MA
Average Tuition: Around $25,000 per year
BAC is ideal for students who wish to combine art with architectural design. The school offers programs in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Design Studies.
Its experiential learning model emphasizes professional practice alongside classroom education, giving students real-world experience from day one. The school’s location in downtown Boston also provides exposure to historical and modern design landmarks.
Popular Programs: Architecture, Design Studies, and Interior Design.
8. Emerson College – Department of Visual and Media Arts
Location: Boston, MA
Average Tuition: Around $59,000 per year
Emerson College is well-known for its creative focus, particularly in visual storytelling, film production, and media arts. Students are encouraged to experiment across multiple disciplines, blending traditional art forms with digital innovation.
With strong ties to Boston’s media and entertainment industry, Emerson graduates often secure roles in film, television, animation, and creative design.
Popular Programs: Media Arts, Film Production, and Visual Communication.
9. Clark University – Studio Art Program
Location: Worcester, MA
Average Tuition: Around $58,000 per year
Clark University’s Studio Art program offers an intellectually rich and artistically vibrant learning experience. Students combine creative practice with courses in history, sociology, and philosophy to produce meaningful, context-aware art.
The program emphasizes both traditional and experimental art forms, providing students access to modern studios, darkrooms, and digital labs.
Popular Programs: Studio Art, Art History, and Mixed Media.
10. Williams College – Art Department
Location: Williamstown, MA
Average Tuition: Around $64,000 per year
Williams College offers a highly respected Art Department focusing on art history, studio art, and architecture. It is known for its close ties to the Clark Art Institute and the Williams College Museum of Art.
The college’s small size and liberal arts orientation provide personalized mentoring, making it a top choice for academically driven art students who value creative freedom and critical thinking.
Popular Programs: Studio Art, Art History, and Architecture.
11. Smith College – Department of Art
Location: Northampton, MA
Average Tuition: Around $62,000 per year
Smith College, a renowned liberal arts institution, offers a strong Art Department with programs in Studio Art, Architecture, and Art History. Students benefit from small classes, mentorship from experienced faculty, and access to the Smith College Museum of Art.
Smith’s inclusive environment encourages women artists to thrive and challenge conventional norms in art and design.
Popular Programs: Studio Art, Art History, and Architecture Studies.
12. Hampshire College – School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies
Location: Amherst, MA
Average Tuition: About $55,000 per year
Hampshire College’s arts program is known for its experimental and self-directed approach. Students design their own concentrations, often merging art with digital media, social justice, or environmental themes.
The college encourages innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration, making it ideal for independent thinkers and conceptual artists.
Popular Programs: Experimental Media, Photography, and Visual Studies.
13. University of Massachusetts Amherst – Department of Art
Location: Amherst, MA
Average Tuition: $17,000 (in-state), $39,000 (out-of-state) per year
UMass Amherst provides a strong foundation in fine arts with state-of-the-art studios, digital labs, and exhibition opportunities. As part of a large research university, it allows students to blend art education with other disciplines like technology and entrepreneurship.
Graduates often move into creative industries or pursue advanced art degrees at leading universities.
Popular Programs: Fine Arts, Painting, and Printmaking.
14. Wheaton College – Visual Art and Art History Department
Location: Norton, MA
Average Tuition: About $62,000 per year
Wheaton College offers an excellent balance between studio practice and academic learning. The Visual Art program emphasizes experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional portfolio development.
Students can participate in gallery shows and internship programs in nearby Providence and Boston.
Popular Programs: Visual Art, Art History, and Digital Imaging.
15. Montserrat College of Art – Beverly
Location: Beverly, MA
Average Tuition: Around $38,000 per year
Montserrat College of Art is a small, close-knit college dedicated exclusively to visual arts education. Its programs emphasize professional readiness, creativity, and technical excellence.
Students receive one-on-one mentorship and participate in real-world exhibitions through the school’s gallery network. The college’s seaside location also provides a peaceful yet inspiring environment for artists.
Popular Programs: Animation, Illustration, Graphic Design, and Fine Arts.
Why Study Art in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts offers a unique combination of creativity, innovation, and academic excellence. The state is home to world-famous museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, as well as thriving design and film industries.
Students benefit from rich cultural exposure, access to leading art professionals, and internship opportunities with major creative organizations. Whether you want to explore fine arts, architecture, or digital design, Massachusetts provides unmatched opportunities for growth.
Conclusion
Choosing the right art school is a crucial step toward building a successful creative career. Each of these top 15 art schools in Massachusetts provides something unique—whether it’s hands-on experience, theoretical depth, or cutting-edge technology.
From the world-renowned MassArt and SMFA at Tufts University to smaller specialized colleges like Montserrat, Massachusetts continues to shape the next generation of creative thinkers and artists.