Top 15 Art Schools In Nevada And Fees (2025)
If you’re passionate about creativity, design, and visual expression, Nevada offers a range of outstanding art schools and programs designed to nurture your talent. Whether you’re interested in fine arts, graphic design, digital media, photography, animation, or fashion design, Nevada has something for every aspiring artist.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 15 art schools in Nevada, their programs, tuition fees, and admission requirements to help you choose the right fit for your creative journey.
Top 15 Art Schools In Nevada And Fees
1. University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) – College of Fine Arts
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Programs Offered:
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Bachelor of Arts in Art
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Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, and Sculpture
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Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Annual Tuition Fees:
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In-state: Approx. $9,300
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Out-of-state: Approx. $26,000
Why Choose UNLV:
UNLV’s College of Fine Arts is one of the most respected in the western U.S., combining studio practice, art history, and modern technology. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, public exhibitions, and professional networking in Las Vegas’ thriving creative scene.
2. University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) – School of the Arts
Location: Reno, NV
Programs Offered:
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Bachelor of Arts in Art
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Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
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Minor in Digital Media
Annual Tuition Fees:
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In-state: Approx. $8,300
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Out-of-state: Approx. $25,000
Why Choose UNR:
UNR integrates art with science, technology, and culture, providing students with opportunities for exhibitions and internships. The Reno art community is vibrant, with plenty of art walks, galleries, and creative collectives.
3. Nevada State University (NSU)
Location: Henderson, NV
Programs Offered:
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Bachelor of Arts in Visual Media
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Bachelor of Arts in Digital Cinema
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Graphic Design and Illustration
Annual Tuition Fees:
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In-state: $7,000
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Out-of-state: $19,000
Why Choose NSU:
NSU’s Visual Media program blends digital art, storytelling, and communication. It’s ideal for students who want to explore both traditional and digital creative careers.
4. College of Southern Nevada (CSN)
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Programs Offered:
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Associate of Arts in Fine Arts
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Graphic Design
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Digital Photography
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Studio Art
Annual Tuition Fees:
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In-state: $3,500
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Out-of-state: $10,000
Why Choose CSN:
Perfect for beginners, CSN offers affordable tuition and small class sizes. Students can transfer to a four-year program or begin their art careers right after graduation.
5. Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC)
Location: Reno, NV
Programs Offered:
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Associate of Arts in Art
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Graphic Communications
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Photography
Annual Tuition Fees:
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In-state: $3,200
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Out-of-state: $10,200
Why Choose TMCC:
TMCC combines foundational art education with technical design training, preparing students for employment or transfer to a bachelor’s program at UNR or UNLV.
6. Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (LVA)
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Programs Offered:
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Visual Arts
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Theatre and Performing Arts
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Design and Media Arts
Annual Tuition Fees:
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Public Magnet School (Free for Nevada residents)
Why Choose LVA:
Though primarily a high school, LVA is a premier arts institution with professional-level facilities and training that prepare students for advanced studies in visual and performing arts.
7. Sierra Nevada University (Now part of University of Nevada, Reno)
Location: Incline Village, NV
Programs Offered:
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Fine Arts
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Digital Arts
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Interdisciplinary Studies in Art
Annual Tuition Fees:
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Approx. $33,000 before merger (UNR rates now apply)
Why Choose SNU:
Known for its intimate learning environment and Lake Tahoe setting, SNU fostered a close-knit creative community. Now integrated into UNR, it continues offering art-focused programs through the School of the Arts.
8. International Academy of Design & Technology – Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Programs Offered:
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Graphic Design
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Fashion Design
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Interior Design
Annual Tuition Fees:
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Approx. $15,000 – $20,000 per year
Why Choose IADT:
This career-focused school provides students with hands-on design experience using industry tools and technologies. Graduates often move into fashion, gaming, or advertising industries.
9. Art Institute of Las Vegas (Closed but Relevant Legacy Programs)
Location: Henderson, NV (Previously Active)
Programs Offered:
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Digital Media
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Culinary Arts
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Visual Communications
Annual Tuition Fees (when active):
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Around $18,000 per year
Legacy Note:
Although the Art Institute of Las Vegas closed, many graduates continue to influence the Nevada creative scene, and its courses inspired similar programs now offered by CSN and UNLV.
10. Western Nevada College (WNC)
Location: Carson City, NV
Programs Offered:
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Associate of Arts in Art
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Graphic Design
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Multimedia Production
Annual Tuition Fees:
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In-state: $3,400
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Out-of-state: $10,000
Why Choose WNC:
WNC’s art department emphasizes practical training in digital and studio arts, encouraging students to develop a professional portfolio early.
11. Las Vegas Art Institute
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Programs Offered:
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Fine Art Workshops
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Photography
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Mixed Media & Sculpture
Annual Tuition Fees:
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Vary per course (Approx. $1,000 – $5,000 per session)
Why Choose Las Vegas Art Institute:
Ideal for professionals or hobbyists seeking specialized training, this institute provides flexible, project-based courses taught by working artists.
12. Arts for All Nevada (Nonprofit Education Center)
Location: Reno, NV
Programs Offered:
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Community Art Classes
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Youth Art Programs
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Art Therapy Sessions
Fees:
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Affordable, usually $50 – $300 per workshop
Why Choose Arts for All Nevada:
A nonprofit dedicated to inclusive creative learning, this center promotes accessibility to art education for all ages and abilities.
13. Design Factory Nevada (at UNLV)
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Programs Offered:
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Innovation and Design Workshops
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Industrial Design Projects
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Creative Collaboration Labs
Fees:
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Integrated with UNLV tuition; some short courses cost $200 – $1,000
Why Choose Design Factory Nevada:
It’s a creative hub that connects students with industry leaders to solve real-world design problems — perfect for those combining engineering and creativity.
14. Reno Art Works
Location: Reno, NV
Programs Offered:
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Studio Art Residency
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Workshops & Exhibitions
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Community Art Projects
Fees:
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Membership-based ($50 – $200/month)
Why Choose Reno Art Works:
Reno Art Works gives artists a space to create, exhibit, and collaborate. It’s ideal for emerging artists looking to join a strong creative network.
15. Great Basin College (GBC)
Location: Elko, NV
Programs Offered:
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Associate of Arts in Art
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Graphic Design Fundamentals
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Digital Photography
Annual Tuition Fees:
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In-state: $3,200
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Out-of-state: $10,000
Why Choose GBC:
GBC offers an affordable path for rural Nevada students to gain foundational art education and transition into bachelor’s programs statewide.
Comparative Overview of Nevada’s Art Schools
| School Name | City | Type | Approx. Annual Fees (In-State) | Programs Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNLV | Las Vegas | Public | $9,300 | Fine Arts, Graphic Design |
| UNR | Reno | Public | $8,300 | BFA, BA in Art |
| NSU | Henderson | Public | $7,000 | Visual Media, Digital Cinema |
| CSN | Las Vegas | Community | $3,500 | Fine Arts, Photography |
| TMCC | Reno | Community | $3,200 | Graphic Design, Photography |
| LVA | Las Vegas | High School | Free | Visual & Media Arts |
| SNU (UNR) | Incline Village | Public | $8,000 | Fine Arts |
| IADT | Las Vegas | Private | $15,000 | Fashion, Graphic Design |
| WNC | Carson City | Public | $3,400 | Multimedia, Art |
| Las Vegas Art Institute | Las Vegas | Private | $1,000 – $5,000 | Fine Art, Sculpture |
| Arts for All Nevada | Reno | Nonprofit | $50 – $300 | Community Arts |
| Design Factory Nevada | Las Vegas | Public | $200 – $1,000 | Innovation Design |
| Reno Art Works | Reno | Nonprofit | $50 – $200/month | Studio Art |
| Great Basin College | Elko | Public | $3,200 | Graphic Design |
| Nevada State University | Henderson | Public | $7,000 | Visual Media |
How to Choose the Best Art School in Nevada
When selecting the right art school, consider the following:
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Your Career Goals:
Do you want to become a fine artist, designer, animator, or educator? Choose a school that aligns with your ambitions. -
Accreditation:
Ensure the program is accredited by recognized educational bodies for better career credibility. -
Facilities and Equipment:
Schools like UNLV and UNR offer state-of-the-art studios and digital labs. -
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Many Nevada art schools offer scholarships based on portfolio strength or academic performance. -
Location and Creative Scene:
Las Vegas and Reno both have growing creative communities — ideal for artists seeking exposure.
Conclusion
From the prestigious UNLV College of Fine Arts to the community-driven Arts for All Nevada, art education in Nevada offers something for everyone. Whether you’re pursuing a degree or a short creative course, these institutions provide the foundation and inspiration needed to excel in the visual arts industry.
If you’re ready to take your passion to the next level, explore the schools listed above, check their admission timelines, and start your creative journey today!