Top 10 Art Schools In Phoenix And Fees (2025)

Phoenix, Arizona, is known for its thriving creative scene, rich Native American heritage, and growing community of artists and designers. The city’s art schools reflect this diversity—offering programs that blend traditional fine arts with modern digital media, animation, and design. Whether you’re an aspiring painter, sculptor, photographer, or multimedia designer, Phoenix provides excellent opportunities for artistic growth and career development.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 art schools in Phoenix, highlighting their programs, features, and tuition fees to help you make an informed choice.

Top 10 Art Schools In Phoenix And Fees

1. Arizona State University (ASU) Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts

Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is one of the largest and most prestigious art schools in the Southwest. Located in nearby Tempe (just minutes from Phoenix), ASU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate art programs including painting, sculpture, ceramics, digital art, photography, and art history.

Students benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities such as the Digital Culture Lab and the School of Art’s 3D fabrication studios. The curriculum emphasizes both conceptual creativity and technical mastery, preparing graduates for professional careers in the arts, design, or academia.

Tuition Fees:

• Arizona residents: approximately $12,000 per year
• Non-residents: around $32,000 per year

ASU also offers scholarships, assistantships, and portfolio-based grants for talented students.

2. Phoenix College – Department of Art

Phoenix College, part of the Maricopa Community College District, is an excellent choice for students seeking affordable, high-quality art education. Its Department of Art offers Associate of Arts degrees in Fine Arts and Visual Communication, as well as transfer programs for students planning to continue to four-year universities.

The school’s programs include drawing, painting, ceramics, digital imaging, sculpture, and photography. Students have access to professional studios and gallery spaces, providing hands-on experience in both creating and exhibiting their work.

Phoenix College is particularly known for its strong emphasis on foundational skills and artistic expression, making it ideal for beginners or students transitioning into creative careers.

Tuition Fees:

• Arizona residents: around $2,000–$3,000 per year
• Out-of-state students: about $7,000 per year

Affordable, flexible, and community-focused, Phoenix College is a top option for aspiring artists on a budget.

3. Grand Canyon University (GCU) – College of Fine Arts and Production

Grand Canyon University (GCU), located in the heart of Phoenix, is a private Christian university offering top-tier art and design programs through its College of Fine Arts and Production. Students can pursue degrees in Advertising and Graphic Design, Digital Film, Animation, and Studio Arts.

GCU’s programs blend creativity with professional training, preparing students for careers in media, entertainment, and design industries. The curriculum includes coursework in art history, visual storytelling, color theory, and digital composition. Students also benefit from mentorship by experienced faculty and internship opportunities across Arizona’s growing creative sector.

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate: approximately $17,800 per year
• Online programs may vary

With a modern campus, advanced digital labs, and a strong Christian foundation, GCU provides a supportive environment for both creative and spiritual growth.

4. The Art Institute of Phoenix (Now Part of The Art Institute of Las Vegas Online)

Though the Art Institute of Phoenix officially transitioned its programs online, its legacy continues through The Art Institute of Las Vegas Online, serving Phoenix students remotely. This institution offers specialized degrees in Graphic Design, Digital Photography, Animation, and Media Arts.

The school focuses on career readiness and portfolio development, ensuring that students graduate with practical, marketable skills. Courses are taught by professionals who have worked in film, gaming, advertising, and digital arts.

Tuition Fees:

• Vary by program, averaging $19,000–$22,000 per year

While no longer a physical campus in Phoenix, this school remains a great choice for students seeking flexible, online creative education.

5. Mesa Community College – Art Department

Located just east of Phoenix, Mesa Community College (MCC) has one of the most respected art programs in Arizona’s community college system. MCC offers Associate degrees and certificates in Fine Arts, Photography, Ceramics, Digital Art, and Illustration.

Students benefit from well-equipped facilities such as ceramics studios, darkrooms, and digital media labs. The school’s MCC Art Gallery regularly showcases student and faculty work, giving learners valuable exposure.

MCC is ideal for students who want to build a strong portfolio before transferring to universities like ASU or the University of Arizona.

Tuition Fees:

• Arizona residents: approximately $2,100 per year
• Non-residents: about $7,800 per year

Affordable and flexible, MCC combines quality instruction with community-driven learning.

6. Scottsdale Artists’ School

Scottsdale Artists’ School, located about 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, is a nonprofit institution offering workshops and courses in classical and contemporary fine arts. Founded in 1983, it has become one of the top destinations for painters, sculptors, and illustrators in the Southwest.

The school’s instructors include nationally recognized artists who provide hands-on guidance in portrait painting, figure drawing, plein-air landscape, and sculpture. Scottsdale Artists’ School focuses on skill refinement rather than degree completion, making it perfect for both emerging and professional artists.

Tuition Fees:

• Vary by workshop, typically $400–$1,500 per course

Its intimate learning environment and professional instruction make it an excellent choice for artists seeking to sharpen their technical and creative skills.

7. Northern Arizona University (NAU) – School of Art (Phoenix Extension)

While Northern Arizona University is headquartered in Flagstaff, its Phoenix extension programs and partnerships with local art organizations allow students to access select courses in design and art education.

NAU’s School of Art offers programs in Studio Art, Art Education, and Visual Communication. Students can also explore emerging fields such as digital media and sustainable design. The school encourages creativity grounded in real-world applications, preparing students for careers as educators, designers, and artists.

Tuition Fees:

• In-state: about $11,000 per year
• Out-of-state: around $27,000 per year

For students who want a university-level art degree with flexible study options in Phoenix, NAU is an excellent alternative.

8. Sessions College for Professional Design (Online, Phoenix-Based)

Sessions College for Professional Design, headquartered in Tempe, offers fully online, accredited programs for creative professionals. Students can earn certificates or associate degrees in Graphic Design, Illustration, Digital Photography, and Web Design.

What sets Sessions apart is its focus on practical, career-driven training. The college partners with real-world clients, allowing students to build professional portfolios that demonstrate marketable design skills.

Tuition Fees:

• Associate degrees: approximately $13,000 total
• Professional certificates: around $2,000–$4,000

Sessions College is ideal for students seeking flexibility, affordability, and high-quality digital design education from anywhere in Phoenix.

9. Glendale Community College – Visual and Performing Arts Department

Glendale Community College (GCC), part of the Maricopa Community College system, offers Associate degrees in Fine Arts, Art History, and Visual Communication. The school features professional-level studios, computer labs, and a student gallery.

Programs include drawing, painting, sculpture, digital design, and art appreciation. GCC emphasizes artistic foundations, creative exploration, and portfolio preparation for transfer to four-year universities.

Tuition Fees:

• Arizona residents: around $2,200 per year
• Non-residents: approximately $7,800 per year

Glendale Community College is a top choice for beginners and intermediate artists looking to gain strong foundational skills at a fraction of the cost of a university.

10. New School for the Arts and Academics (NSAA)

New School for the Arts and Academics (NSAA) is a unique institution that blends secondary and post-secondary art education. Located in Tempe, it serves as both a charter high school and art academy, offering specialized training for young artists preparing for college-level study.

NSAA provides instruction in visual arts, performance, media arts, and creative writing. The school’s curriculum encourages self-expression, critical thinking, and technical mastery. Many graduates go on to attend top art colleges in Arizona and across the U.S.

Tuition Fees:

• Public charter school (tuition-free for Arizona residents)
• Additional art supply fees: $300–$500 per year

NSAA’s nurturing environment and creative culture make it a standout choice for young, aspiring artists in the Phoenix area.

How to Choose the Right Art School in Phoenix

When selecting an art school, consider factors such as:

• Program focus – Fine arts, digital design, or visual communication?
• Facilities and resources – Does the school provide studio access and exhibition spaces?
• Accreditation – Ensure the program is accredited for quality assurance.
• Cost and financial aid – Explore scholarships, assistantships, and grants.
• Career support – Look for schools that offer internships, exhibitions, and portfolio reviews.

Phoenix’s diverse art schools ensure that no matter your background, learning style, or financial situation, you can find a program that nurtures your creativity and prepares you for a fulfilling artistic career.

Conclusion

Phoenix continues to grow as a hub for art and culture, offering both traditional and modern creative programs that cater to a wide range of artists. From ASU’s Herberger Institute to Scottsdale Artists’ School and Phoenix College, each institution provides unique opportunities to develop your talent, connect with other creatives, and showcase your work.

Whether you’re just beginning your artistic journey or looking to refine your craft at a professional level, these top 10 art schools in Phoenix offer the ideal combination of affordability, quality, and creative inspiration.