Top 20 Art Schools In Seattle And Fees (2025)
Seattle, Washington, is more than just the home of coffee, rain, and tech giants—it’s one of the most creative cities in America. With its thriving art scene, innovative industries, and vibrant cultural diversity, Seattle has become a magnet for aspiring artists, designers, and creative professionals.
Whether you’re interested in fine arts, digital design, film, or animation, the city’s art schools offer programs to nurture your creativity and help you build a successful career in the arts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the Top 20 Art Schools in Seattle, including details on tuition fees, program highlights, and admission tips.
Top 20 Art Schools In Seattle And Fees
1. Cornish College of the Arts
Location: Downtown Seattle
Estimated Annual Tuition: $41,684
Total Estimated Cost (Including Living Expenses): $62,814 per year
Founded in 1914, Cornish College of the Arts is one of Seattle’s most prestigious private institutions dedicated entirely to the arts. The college offers programs in Fine Arts, Design, Performance, Film, Animation, and more.
Cornish emphasizes hands-on studio work, creativity, and collaboration across disciplines. Students benefit from small class sizes, expert faculty, and numerous opportunities to exhibit their work in Seattle’s bustling arts community.
Why Choose Cornish: It’s a creative haven for artists seeking intensive studio training and a strong professional foundation.
Tip: Apply early for scholarships—Cornish awards millions annually in financial aid.
2. University of Washington – School of Art + Art History + Design
Location: Seattle
Tuition: $18,792 (resident) / $32,811 (non-resident)
The University of Washington (UW) offers one of the most respected art and design programs in the Pacific Northwest. Students can major in Fine Arts, Visual Communication Design, Industrial Design, and more.
The school combines a world-class research university’s resources with an art college’s creative environment. Students gain access to cutting-edge labs, galleries, and a thriving creative network.
Why Choose UW: Excellent academic reputation, access to internships, and a diverse creative community.
Best For: Students seeking a balance between traditional art education and modern technology-driven design.
3. Seattle Central College – Creative Academy
Location: Capitol Hill, Seattle
Tuition & Fees: Approximately $150–$250 per quarter (materials and lab fees)
Seattle Central College offers accessible and affordable pathways into the arts through its Visual Media and Graphic Design programs. Students learn digital design, photography, and multimedia production using industry-standard tools.
Why Choose It: Affordable tuition, diverse student body, and practical skills training.
Tip: Many students start here, earn their associate degree, and then transfer to a four-year art school like Cornish or UW.
4. Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) – Seattle
Location: Seattle Center
Tuition: Approximately $53,600 (4-semester program)
AIE specializes in game art, animation, and visual effects. If you’re passionate about 3D modeling, game design, or digital storytelling, this is one of the best schools in Seattle to explore.
Students work on real-world projects using professional-grade software, preparing for careers in the entertainment and tech industries.
Why Choose AIE: Strong focus on hands-on training and job placement in game studios.
Best For: Creative students drawn to gaming, animation, and interactive media.
5. Seattle Film Institute
Location: Seattle
Tuition: $495 per credit (~$89,100 for a full program)
The Seattle Film Institute (SFI) blends art and technology through programs in Film Production, Audio, Animation, and Digital Media Arts. The school’s BA program prepares students to enter the entertainment and creative media world with real production experience.
Why Choose SFI: It’s ideal for creatives who want to merge film and fine arts or build a career in media production.
Tip: Ask about scholarships or work-study options to offset tuition costs.
6. Gage Academy of Art
Location: Capitol Hill, Seattle
Tuition: Workshop fees start from $15; full ateliers vary
Gage Academy of Art is a well-known community-based fine arts institution offering studio classes, workshops, and atelier programs for all skill levels. The academy emphasizes traditional drawing, painting, and sculpture techniques.
Why Choose Gage: Flexible programs, affordable fees, and top-notch faculty. It’s a great choice for working artists or hobbyists seeking professional development.
Scholarships: Gage provides tuition assistance of up to 75% for eligible students.
7. North Seattle College – Fine Arts Program
Location: North Seattle
Tuition: Around $1,555 per quarter (WA residents)
North Seattle College offers an Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree with concentrations in drawing, painting, and printmaking. It’s one of the most affordable entry points into Seattle’s art education ecosystem.
Why Choose It: Low tuition, strong transfer pathways to four-year universities, and a supportive art community.
Ideal For: Students starting their art journey on a budget.
8. Northwest College of Art & Design (NCAD)
Location: Tacoma (near Seattle)
Tuition: $18,100 per year
NCAD offers bachelor’s degrees in Visual Communication Design, Digital Media, and Fine Arts. The college combines practical design training with industry exposure through internships and exhibitions.
Why Choose NCAD: Affordable private college with personalized attention and a portfolio-driven curriculum.
Tip: Check transfer credits and verify accreditation before enrollment.
9. The Art Institute of Seattle
Location: Seattle
Tuition: $17,460 per year
Although it has undergone administrative changes, the Art Institute of Seattle remains a recognized name for creative programs in graphic design, animation, culinary arts, and photography.
Why Choose It: Offers diverse creative programs and flexible schedules.
Note: Always verify current accreditation status before applying.
10. Seattle University – Art and Visual Design
Location: Seattle
Tuition: Around $45,765 per year
Seattle University provides liberal arts-based education combined with strong visual design and studio art programs. Students benefit from small class sizes and access to Seattle’s art galleries and cultural organizations.
Why Choose It: Great option for students seeking both artistic training and academic depth.
Bonus: Catholic Jesuit values emphasize creativity, ethics, and community engagement.
11. South Seattle College
Location: West Seattle
Tuition: ~$1,550 per quarter
South Seattle College offers a variety of art courses, including drawing, painting, and ceramics. It’s an affordable option for beginners and those seeking to build a strong art foundation.
Why Choose It: Flexible programs, community atmosphere, and easy transfer to larger universities.
12. Bellevue College – Art & Digital Media
Location: Bellevue (Greater Seattle Area)
Tuition: ~$4,000 per year (WA residents)
Bellevue College’s Art and Digital Media department blends creativity with technology. Students can pursue degrees in Digital Media Arts, Studio Art, or Interior Design.
Why Choose It: Affordable tuition and modern facilities with digital studios and 3D printing labs.
13. Shoreline Community College – Visual Arts
Location: Shoreline, WA
Tuition: ~$4,500 per year
Shoreline offers an Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) and Associate of Arts (AA) with an emphasis in visual arts. Students gain skills in drawing, photography, and ceramics.
Why Choose It: Great transfer rates to top four-year schools and strong faculty mentorship.
14. DigiPen Institute of Technology (Redmond)
Location: Redmond, WA
Tuition: $36,000 per year
DigiPen is internationally recognized for its programs in digital art, game design, animation, and sound design. Located just outside Seattle, it’s perfect for students interested in merging art and technology.
Why Choose It: Industry-aligned curriculum with strong links to gaming and film companies.
15. Pratt Fine Arts Center
Location: Central District, Seattle
Tuition: Varies by workshop (e.g., $150–$800 per class)
Pratt Fine Arts Center is a community institution offering open studio access and workshops in glass, metal, painting, and printmaking.
Why Choose It: Perfect for part-time learners or professionals looking to sharpen specific artistic skills.
16. Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech)
Location: Kirkland, WA
Tuition: ~$5,000 per year
LWTech’s Design and Graphics program teaches students about digital design, illustration, and web development. Graduates often enter careers in advertising and creative media.
Why Choose It: Excellent technology integration and affordable tuition.
17. Highline College – Art Department
Location: Des Moines, WA (Seattle area)
Tuition: ~$4,000 per year
Highline College offers associate degrees in Fine Arts and Visual Communications. Students enjoy small classes and access to community art exhibits.
Why Choose It: Budget-friendly and ideal for first-time college students pursuing creative careers.
18. Green River College – Art Program
Location: Auburn, WA
Tuition: ~$4,500 per year
Green River College offers degrees in Fine Arts, Photography, and Ceramics. Its scenic campus and supportive faculty make it a great environment for budding artists.
Why Choose It: Affordable tuition, diverse student body, and solid art transfer options.
19. Edmonds College – Visual Arts
Location: Lynnwood, WA
Tuition: ~$4,200 per year
Edmonds College’s Visual Arts Department provides courses in drawing, digital media, and graphic design. It’s a great stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington or Cornish.
Why Choose It: Quality education at a fraction of the cost of private art schools.
20. Renton Technical College – Design and Visual Communications
Location: Renton, WA
Tuition: ~$4,800 per year
Renton Technical College offers a Design and Visual Communications program that combines artistic creativity with practical job skills in advertising, media, and digital production.
Why Choose It: Career-oriented approach and affordable tuition for Seattle-area students.
Summary Table – Art Schools in Seattle
| School | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Cornish College of the Arts | Private | $41,684 |
| University of Washington | Public | $18,792–$32,811 |
| Seattle Central College | Public | $150–$250 per quarter |
| AIE Seattle | Private | $53,600 (4 semesters) |
| Seattle Film Institute | Private | $89,100 total |
| Gage Academy of Art | Private | Varies ($15+) |
| North Seattle College | Public | $1,555 per quarter |
| NW College of Art & Design | Private | $18,100 |
| Art Institute of Seattle | Private | $17,460 |
| Seattle University | Private | $45,765 |
| + 10 more Seattle-area colleges | Public/Private | $4,000–$5,000 avg |
How to Choose the Best Art School in Seattle
Choosing the right art school involves balancing your career goals, tuition cost, location, and creative environment. Here are tips to help you decide:
- Identify Your Specialty – Fine art, digital design, or animation?
- Compare Costs – Public colleges can save you thousands in tuition.
- Check Accreditation – Especially for private or for-profit schools.
- Review Portfolios of Graduates – It reflects program quality.
- Apply for Scholarships Early – Seattle schools offer merit-based and need-based aid.
Conclusion
Seattle’s art education landscape is diverse and dynamic. From world-class universities to hands-on studios and community colleges, there’s a program for every passion and budget. Whether you’re an aspiring painter, filmmaker, or game designer, the Emerald City offers the perfect blend of creative inspiration and professional opportunity.
Choosing any of these top art schools in Seattle will help you turn your passion into a career—and thrive in one of America’s most artistic cities.