Top 15 Art Schools In Milwaukee And Fees (2025)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, isn’t just famous for its breweries and lakeside charm—it’s also home to a thriving creative arts scene. The city is packed with art galleries, museums, and schools that nurture the next generation of visual artists, designers, and performers. Whether you’re interested in fine arts, digital design, photography, or performing arts, Milwaukee has an institution that fits your goals.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 15 art schools in Milwaukee, highlighting what makes each unique, what programs they offer, and their estimated tuition fees to help you make an informed choice.
Top 15 Art Schools In Milwaukee And Fees
1. Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD)
The Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) is the city’s premier art school, offering an extensive range of bachelor’s degree programs in fine arts, illustration, communication design, industrial design, and new studio practice. Known for its industry partnerships, MIAD gives students access to real-world projects and creative internships.
The school emphasizes small class sizes, mentorship, and hands-on studio work. MIAD’s facilities include digital labs, printmaking studios, and fabrication shops that inspire innovation and collaboration.
Tuition Fees:
Approximately $40,800 per year for full-time undergraduate programs.
2. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (Peck School of the Arts)
The Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) is one of the largest and most comprehensive art schools in the Midwest. It offers programs in fine arts, film, dance, theater, and music.
Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, exhibition opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The school’s location in a dynamic city allows students to engage with Milwaukee’s rich arts community.
Tuition Fees:
- In-state students: around $9,700 per year
- Out-of-state students: approximately $21,000 per year
3. Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) – Creative Arts Program
MATC offers associate degrees and technical diplomas for students looking to start their creative careers affordably. Programs include graphic design, animation, photography, and visual communications.
This school is ideal for those seeking a more affordable path into the creative industry or planning to transfer to a four-year institution later.
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: around $5,000 per year
- Out-of-state: about $7,000 per year
4. Marquette University – Department of Performing Arts
Marquette University is widely known for its strong academics, but its Department of Performing Arts also provides exceptional opportunities in theater arts, musical performance, and stage production.
Students can participate in numerous campus productions and collaborations with local theaters. The university’s holistic education approach also helps students develop leadership and communication skills alongside artistic talent.
Tuition Fees:
Approximately $49,800 per year
5. Mount Mary University – Art and Design Department
Mount Mary University, a private Catholic institution, emphasizes creativity and leadership. Its Art and Design Department offers programs in studio art, graphic design, and interior architecture.
With small class sizes and supportive faculty, students receive individualized instruction that nurtures both technical and conceptual skills. The campus art gallery also provides exhibition space for student and professional works.
Tuition Fees:
Around $34,500 per year
6. Alverno College – Art and Art Therapy Program
Alverno College offers an innovative Art and Art Therapy program that combines creativity with psychology. Students explore the therapeutic use of art in clinical and educational settings, making this a great choice for those interested in both the arts and human services.
Alverno is known for its ability-based learning approach, ensuring students gain real-world skills through practice and feedback rather than standardized grading.
Tuition Fees:
Approximately $33,000 per year
7. Cardinal Stritch University – Visual Art Program
Located just north of Milwaukee, Cardinal Stritch University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and portfolio development. Students can choose concentrations in painting, drawing, photography, or digital design.
The program integrates liberal arts and professional skills, preparing students for diverse creative careers or graduate school.
Tuition Fees:
Around $36,000 per year
8. Wisconsin Lutheran College – Art and Graphic Design
Wisconsin Lutheran College offers a well-rounded Art and Graphic Design program focused on developing visual communication and creative problem-solving skills. Students learn in small classes and gain access to digital labs and studio spaces.
Faith-based education is integrated with professional preparation, helping students pursue art careers with purpose and ethics.
Tuition Fees:
Approximately $33,800 per year
9. Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (MYAC)
While not a traditional college, MYAC is an important training ground for aspiring young artists in Milwaukee. The center collaborates with local schools to provide programs in theater, music, and visual arts for students from elementary through high school.
MYAC serves as a foundation for those preparing to enter advanced arts education later on.
Program Fees:
Vary depending on program; typically $300–$1,000 per session
10. Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA)
For pre-college students passionate about art, Milwaukee High School of the Arts provides specialized education in music, dance, theater, and visual arts. It’s a magnet school recognized for producing students who later attend top art universities.
Students participate in intensive studio work, exhibitions, and performances that help build their portfolios early.
Tuition Fees:
Public high school — Free for residents
11. Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) – Studio Workshops
The Milwaukee Art Museum is one of the city’s cultural landmarks. While not a degree-granting institution, MAM offers art workshops, classes, and short-term courses for students of all ages.
These workshops are perfect for those looking to enhance their artistic skills, network, or gain exposure to professional artists.
Program Fees:
Typically $50–$500 per workshop, depending on duration and materials.
12. Carroll University – Art and Photography Department
Located in nearby Waukesha, Carroll University offers excellent programs in fine arts, photography, and graphic design. Students learn from practicing artists and engage in exhibitions and internships.
The program blends creative expression with modern digital tools, preparing students for diverse roles in the creative economy.
Tuition Fees:
Approximately $37,600 per year
13. Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) – User Experience (UX) Design Program
While best known for engineering, MSOE has a cutting-edge User Experience (UX) Design program that merges art, psychology, and technology.
Students learn human-centered design, interface development, and visual storytelling—perfect for aspiring designers who want to blend art with technology.
Tuition Fees:
Around $46,000 per year
14. Herzing University – Graphic Design and Digital Arts
Herzing University offers an Associate and Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, focusing on branding, digital illustration, and motion graphics.
The school’s career-focused curriculum ensures graduates are ready for the workforce, with hands-on projects using industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Cloud.
Tuition Fees:
Approximately $14,000 per year
15. Milwaukee Repertory Theater – Professional Training Institute
For performing artists, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s Professional Training Institute (PTI) offers intensive workshops and mentorships in acting, production, and performance arts.
Students work with professional actors and directors, gaining practical experience in one of the Midwest’s top regional theaters.
Program Fees:
Vary per workshop; approximately $500–$2,000 per session
Why Study Art in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee is a city rich in creativity and cultural diversity. Its art community thrives through galleries, festivals, and artist residencies. Here are a few reasons why studying art in Milwaukee can be a great choice:
- Strong local art scene: From the Milwaukee Art Museum to street murals and pop-up exhibits, inspiration is everywhere.
- Affordable living: Compared to other major art cities like Chicago or New York, Milwaukee offers lower living costs.
- Community opportunities: Students can collaborate with local nonprofits, art collectives, and creative agencies.
- Career growth: Many Milwaukee art schools have internship pipelines into design firms, galleries, and media companies.
How to Choose the Right Art School in Milwaukee
When selecting an art school, consider these factors:
- Programs and Specializations: Choose a school offering your preferred field, whether fine arts, graphic design, or performing arts.
- Facilities: Check for modern studios, digital labs, and exhibition spaces.
- Faculty: Look for instructors who are active professionals or artists.
- Networking Opportunities: Institutions with strong ties to local industries often lead to better career outcomes.
- Tuition and Scholarships: Consider your financial plan and explore scholarships or grants offered by the school.
Scholarship Opportunities for Art Students in Milwaukee
Many Milwaukee art institutions provide scholarships to talented students. Common options include:
- MIAD Merit Scholarships – Based on portfolio and academic performance.
- UWM Peck School of the Arts Talent Awards – For outstanding creative submissions.
- Mount Mary University Creative Excellence Scholarships – For female art students.
- Wisconsin Art Education Association Grants – For aspiring art teachers and visual artists.
Applying early and maintaining a strong portfolio can significantly improve your chances of financial aid.
Conclusion
Milwaukee offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring artists, designers, and performers. Whether you prefer the focused environment of the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, the broad offerings at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, or the affordability of MATC, there’s an institution suited to your creative goals.
Each school combines professional training with exposure to Milwaukee’s vibrant cultural scene—helping students not only master their craft but also launch successful artistic careers.
If you’re ready to express your creativity, Milwaukee might just be the perfect place to start your artistic journey.