Top 10 Art Schools In Minneapolis MN And Fees (2025)

Minneapolis, Minnesota, is one of the Midwest’s most creative and culturally vibrant cities. Known for its thriving arts community, diverse galleries, and world-class museums like the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Institute of Art, the city has long been a hub for visual artists, designers, and performers.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 art schools in Minneapolis, MN, including their programs, admission details, and tuition fees, to help you choose the right fit for your creative journey.

Top 10 Art Schools In Minneapolis MN And Fees

1. Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)

Location: 2501 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Average Annual Tuition: About $42,000

The Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) stands as the premier art institution in the Twin Cities and one of the most respected art schools in the United States. MCAD offers over 20 majors and minors across undergraduate and graduate programs, including Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Animation, Photography, Illustration, and Comic Art.

Students benefit from small class sizes, cutting-edge studios, and direct mentorship from professional artists and designers. The campus is located in Minneapolis’s arts district, providing students with easy access to galleries, art fairs, and creative networking opportunities. MCAD also offers robust internship programs with local creative companies and cultural organizations.

In addition to bachelor’s degrees, MCAD provides master’s programs such as the MFA in Visual Studies and MA in Graphic and Web Design, preparing students for leadership in the creative industry. Scholarships and financial aid are available, making it an excellent choice for aspiring artists who want both prestige and professional readiness.

2. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities (College of Liberal Arts, Department of Art)

Location: 405 21st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Average Annual Tuition: $16,000 (in-state), $35,000 (out-of-state)

The University of Minnesota’s Department of Art is part of the College of Liberal Arts and offers a strong, interdisciplinary art education. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Studio Art, with concentrations in areas such as ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.

The program combines technical training with conceptual exploration, encouraging students to engage with contemporary art theory and practice. Facilities include professional-grade studios, darkrooms, and digital fabrication labs.

The University also has close ties with Minneapolis’s art scene, offering internship placements and exhibition opportunities at local galleries. Graduate students can pursue an MFA in Art, which emphasizes experimental practice, critical thinking, and community engagement.

With a balance of affordability and prestige, the University of Minnesota is ideal for students who want both academic rigor and access to the city’s cultural resources.

3. Augsburg University – Department of Art and Design

Location: 2211 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Average Annual Tuition: $42,000

Augsburg University is a private liberal arts college offering a comprehensive Art and Design Department that combines creativity with practical application. Students can major in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art History, or Art Education. The program is designed to nurture critical thinking and hands-on artistic skills simultaneously.

What makes Augsburg unique is its experiential learning model—students engage with Minneapolis’s art community through internships, gallery shows, and collaborations. The university’s proximity to the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood gives students a multicultural creative environment that enhances inspiration and perspective.

Facilities include professional-grade digital design labs, darkrooms, and well-equipped studio spaces. Students also have access to study abroad programs focused on art and design. With a student-centered approach and a supportive creative network, Augsburg University is a great choice for those looking to merge art with real-world experience.

4. Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC)

Location: 1501 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Average Annual Tuition: $6,000 (in-state)

If you’re seeking an affordable entry point into the art world, Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) is a fantastic choice. The college offers Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degrees in Fine Arts, Photography, and Graphic Design.

Students receive a strong foundation in both traditional and digital media while gaining hands-on experience through workshops, exhibitions, and fieldwork. MCTC’s Art and Design program is ideal for those who want to build a professional portfolio before transferring to a four-year art school or entering the workforce.

The school’s downtown location provides immediate exposure to Minneapolis’s vibrant art and design scene. MCTC alumni have gone on to work in design studios, advertising firms, and art galleries throughout Minnesota.

With low tuition and professional training, MCTC offers tremendous value for aspiring artists looking to start strong without the heavy financial burden of a private art college.

5. North Central University – School of Fine Arts

Location: 910 Elliot Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Average Annual Tuition: $27,000

North Central University (NCU) integrates faith and creativity through its School of Fine Arts, offering programs in Media Production, Music, and Visual Arts. The Visual Arts major provides a comprehensive education in art history, painting, drawing, digital art, and design.

NCU emphasizes the use of art as a form of communication, cultural reflection, and spiritual expression. Students are encouraged to develop their unique artistic voice while engaging in projects that serve the community.

Classes are small, ensuring personalized mentorship from experienced faculty members. NCU’s art facilities include digital media studios, photography labs, and gallery spaces. With a Christian-centered curriculum and a growing reputation in the arts, North Central is perfect for students seeking both creative and personal growth.

6. Art Institutes International Minnesota

(Note: This school officially closed in 2019, but many Minneapolis artists and designers trained here, making its legacy important in the city’s art education history.)

The Art Institutes International Minnesota once offered degrees in Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Media Arts, and Culinary Arts. Though it has closed, its alumni network continues to influence Minneapolis’s creative industries. If you’re looking for similar programs, schools like MCAD and Augsburg University now offer comparable courses with updated curricula and facilities.

7. St. Catherine University – Department of Art and Art History

Location: 2004 Randolph Ave, St. Paul, MN (close to Minneapolis)
Average Annual Tuition: $47,000

While technically located in nearby St. Paul, St. Catherine University (St. Kate’s) is an essential part of the Twin Cities art ecosystem. Its Department of Art and Art History offers degrees in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art Education.

The curriculum emphasizes both creative mastery and critical understanding of art in cultural contexts. Students work with diverse media—painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, and digital art—while learning to interpret visual culture through art history and theory.

St. Kate’s features state-of-the-art studios, a professional gallery, and opportunities for internships in Minneapolis’s thriving arts organizations. The university is also known for empowering women in creative fields, offering leadership and entrepreneurship programs tailored to female artists.

This makes St. Catherine University one of the best places in the region for aspiring artists who value both artistic depth and social engagement.

8. Dunwoody College of Technology – Design & Graphics Department

Location: 818 Dunwoody Blvd, Minneapolis, MN
Average Annual Tuition: $25,000

Dunwoody College of Technology may be known for its engineering and technical programs, but its Design & Graphics Department is one of Minneapolis’s hidden gems for aspiring graphic designers and multimedia artists.

The college offers Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees in Graphic Design, blending artistic creativity with advanced technology. Students learn about typography, branding, web design, and motion graphics—all essential for today’s digital-first creative industries.

Dunwoody focuses on practical learning and job readiness, meaning graduates often secure employment quickly after completing their programs. Partnerships with local companies and design agencies allow students to gain real-world experience through internships and project collaborations.

With an emphasis on innovation and professionalism, Dunwoody College is a great fit for those looking to turn artistic passion into a design career.

9. Normandale Community College – Art Department

Location: 9700 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN
Average Annual Tuition: $6,000 (in-state)

Located just outside Minneapolis, Normandale Community College provides a strong foundation for students interested in visual arts. The college offers Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) and Associate of Arts (AA) degrees with concentrations in Studio Art, Drawing, Painting, and Ceramics.

Normandale’s art facilities include large studio spaces, printmaking labs, and professional-grade equipment. Students also participate in annual exhibitions that showcase emerging local talent.

This college is perfect for those who want to begin their art education affordably before transferring to a four-year art school like MCAD or the University of Minnesota.

Its proximity to Minneapolis means students still benefit from access to the city’s galleries, museums, and cultural events—all at a fraction of the cost of private universities.

10. Bethel University – Department of Art and Design

Location: 3900 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN (Greater Minneapolis area)
Average Annual Tuition: $44,000

Bethel University offers an innovative Department of Art and Design that combines visual arts education with Christian values. Students can major in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art History, or Art Education.

The curriculum integrates both traditional and contemporary practices—students explore painting, sculpture, photography, and digital design. Bethel’s program stands out for its balance between aesthetic exploration and ethical awareness, encouraging students to think deeply about art’s role in culture and faith.

Facilities include modern studios, Mac design labs, and the Johnson Gallery, which showcases student and professional exhibitions year-round. The university also organizes study abroad trips to Europe for art students to explore classical and modern art in person.

Bethel University’s nurturing environment and emphasis on both craft and conscience make it one of the best-rounded art programs in the Twin Cities.

Conclusion

Choosing the right art school in Minneapolis depends on your career goals, budget, and artistic interests.

• If you’re looking for prestige and comprehensive programs, MCAD and University of Minnesota are top choices.
• For affordability and practical training, MCTC and Normandale Community College are excellent starting points.
• For a balance of creativity, faith, and personal development, Augsburg, Bethel, and North Central University provide holistic education options.

Minneapolis’s art schools are not just academic institutions—they are gateways into a thriving artistic ecosystem filled with galleries, design firms, and community projects. Whether you aim to become a professional designer, visual artist, or art educator, Minneapolis offers all the tools, connections, and inspiration you need to succeed.