Top 15 Art Schools In North Carolina And Fees (2025)
North Carolina has long been known for its vibrant arts scene — from Asheville’s bohemian charm to Charlotte’s contemporary art hubs and Raleigh’s creative innovation. The state offers a wide variety of excellent art schools, where aspiring artists, designers, and performers can refine their skills and pursue rewarding careers in the creative industries. Whether you’re passionate about fine arts, digital design, photography, or animation, you’ll find the right program to match your vision.
In this article, we’ll explore the Top 15 Art Schools in North Carolina and their approximate tuition fees, to help you make an informed choice about where to study art in the Tar Heel State.
Top 15 Art Schools In North Carolina And Fees
1. University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) – Winston-Salem
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) is one of the most prestigious art schools in the Southeast. Founded in 1963, UNCSA combines conservatory-style training with a comprehensive academic foundation. The school offers programs in visual arts, film, design, drama, dance, and music, making it a powerhouse for multidisciplinary artistic education.
Students benefit from state-of-the-art studios, professional mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate across artistic fields. The Visual Arts program, in particular, emphasizes hands-on creativity, art theory, and exhibition experience.
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Around $9,500 per year
- Out-of-state: Approximately $25,000 per year
2. Appalachian State University – Boone
Appalachian State University’s Department of Art is housed within the College of Fine and Applied Arts and offers a wide range of degree options, including BFA programs in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art Education. The university encourages creativity and sustainability, integrating environmental consciousness into its art curriculum.
Students can take advantage of gallery exhibitions, artist residencies, and field trips to art centers across the state. The department’s emphasis on community engagement helps prepare students for real-world art careers.
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Around $8,200 per year
- Out-of-state: About $24,000 per year
3. East Carolina University – Greenville
East Carolina University’s School of Art and Design is among the largest and most respected art programs in the Southeast. The school offers more than ten concentrations, including Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Illustration, and Metal Design.
With modern studio facilities and professional art galleries, ECU provides an environment where creativity thrives. Students also have opportunities to intern with local art organizations or pursue international exchange programs to enhance their portfolio.
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Approximately $8,400 per year
- Out-of-state: Around $24,500 per year
4. North Carolina State University (NCSU) – Raleigh
The College of Design at North Carolina State University is highly regarded for its rigorous and innovative programs in Art + Design, Industrial Design, and Graphic Design. Students work on interdisciplinary projects that merge technology, architecture, and art, preparing them for careers in design, media, and creative industries.
NCSU’s partnerships with top design firms give students real-world exposure and employment opportunities upon graduation. Its strong focus on research and creative experimentation sets it apart from other art schools.
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Around $9,100 per year
- Out-of-state: About $30,000 per year
5. Meredith College – Raleigh
Meredith College is a private women’s college that offers a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art Education. It provides small class sizes, personalized mentorship, and a supportive creative community.
The art department emphasizes both traditional and digital media, helping students explore different artistic techniques. Meredith’s location in Raleigh gives students easy access to museums, galleries, and design internships.
Tuition Fees:
- Approximately $42,000 per year
6. Davidson College – Davidson
Davidson College offers a well-rounded liberal arts education with a strong Art Department that integrates studio art with art history. Students can major or minor in studio art and gain hands-on experience in painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art.
Davidson is known for its commitment to academic excellence and creative exploration. Students often display their work in on-campus galleries, and the school regularly hosts visiting artists and curators from around the country.
Tuition Fees:
- Approximately $60,000 per year
7. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill)
UNC-Chapel Hill’s Department of Art and Art History offers dynamic programs in Studio Art and Art History. Students gain access to advanced printmaking labs, digital media studios, and sculpture facilities.
The university also houses the Ackland Art Museum, which provides a rich resource for visual learning and art exhibitions. With its blend of artistic training and academic depth, UNC-Chapel Hill is ideal for students seeking both creativity and critical thinking.
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Around $9,000 per year
- Out-of-state: About $39,000 per year
8. Duke University – Durham
Though better known for its sciences and humanities, Duke University has a highly respected Art, Art History & Visual Studies department. The school focuses on interdisciplinary learning, blending traditional fine arts with digital technologies, film, and visual culture.
Students have access to Duke’s Nasher Museum of Art, which hosts international exhibitions and provides real-world exposure. The combination of academic rigor and creative innovation makes Duke a great choice for future artists and art scholars.
Tuition Fees:
- Approximately $65,000 per year
9. Western Carolina University – Cullowhee
Western Carolina University’s School of Art and Design provides a vibrant artistic environment in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Its BFA programs include concentrations in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art Education.
Students can explore ceramics, painting, photography, and printmaking using modern facilities. The school also runs the WCU Fine Art Museum, which features student and professional exhibitions.
Tuition Fees:
- In-state: Around $8,500 per year
- Out-of-state: About $20,500 per year
10. Queens University of Charlotte – Charlotte
Queens University’s Art Department offers undergraduate degrees in Art and Design, combining classical art techniques with modern visual communication training. Students gain experience through exhibitions, internships, and study-abroad programs.
With small class sizes and individualized attention, Queens University fosters creativity and professional growth. Its location in Charlotte allows easy networking with local art studios, galleries, and design agencies.
Tuition Fees:
- Approximately $43,000 per year
11. Barton College – Wilson
Barton College’s Department of Art and Design offers an exceptional blend of theory and practice in fine arts, graphic design, and art education. Students develop strong visual communication skills and have access to well-equipped art studios and exhibition spaces.
The college places great emphasis on portfolio development and professional readiness, ensuring graduates are prepared for both creative and teaching careers.
Tuition Fees:
- Approximately $35,000 per year
12. Pfeiffer University – Misenheimer
Pfeiffer University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Graphic Design that emphasizes creative thinking, digital design, and traditional studio art. The program is flexible, allowing students to customize their coursework according to their career goals.
Pfeiffer’s supportive environment and small class sizes encourage personal artistic growth. The school’s liberal arts foundation helps students blend creativity with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Tuition Fees:
- Approximately $31,000 per year
13. Mars Hill University – Mars Hill
Mars Hill University offers a well-rounded BFA in Studio Art, focusing on painting, sculpture, ceramics, and mixed media. Students benefit from hands-on projects, art exhibitions, and collaborative experiences with local artists.
The university’s beautiful campus near Asheville provides a perfect setting for artistic inspiration. Mars Hill’s art program prepares students for careers in fine arts, education, and creative industries.
Tuition Fees:
- Approximately $38,000 per year
14. High Point University – High Point
High Point University’s School of Art and Design offers programs in Visual Arts, Graphic Design, and Interior Design. The university combines cutting-edge digital technology with traditional artistic principles.
Students learn from experienced faculty and gain exposure through exhibitions, internships, and community art initiatives. The university’s creative atmosphere and professional resources make it one of the best art schools in the Piedmont region.
Tuition Fees:
- Approximately $48,000 per year
15. Guilford College – Greensboro
Guilford College offers majors in Art and Art History with a strong focus on creativity, ethics, and social awareness. Students can specialize in painting, ceramics, photography, or digital art.
The college’s small size ensures individualized attention and mentorship, while the campus art galleries showcase student and visiting artist works. Guilford’s commitment to social justice and community engagement adds a unique dimension to its art education.
Tuition Fees:
- Approximately $44,000 per year
Why Study Art in North Carolina?
North Carolina’s art schools are known for blending creativity with practicality. The state’s growing cultural industries — from animation and gaming to design and film — create excellent career opportunities for graduates. Students also benefit from the state’s affordability, natural beauty, and diverse artistic communities.
Whether you dream of becoming a painter, designer, animator, or educator, North Carolina offers a nurturing environment to hone your craft and build a rewarding future in the arts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right art school is about finding the perfect balance between creativity, career readiness, and personal growth. North Carolina’s top art institutions — from UNCSA to Davidson College — offer exceptional opportunities to learn, experiment, and connect with like-minded creatives.
If you’re ready to turn your artistic passion into a lifelong profession, one of these 15 schools might be the right place to begin your journey.