Top 10 Art Schools In Vermont And Fees (2025)

If you’re looking for the best art schools in Vermont, you’re in luck. The Green Mountain State offers some of the most inspiring environments for art students — from the scenic landscapes that fuel creativity to institutions that blend studio practice with academic depth. Whether you’re into fine arts, design, illustration, or visual storytelling, Vermont has programs that can meet your goals.

In this post, we’ll explore the top 10 art schools in Vermont, their tuition and fees, and what makes each school unique. Let’s dive in!

Top 10 Art Schools In Vermont And Fees

1. Middlebury College – Middlebury, Vermont

Middlebury College is consistently recognized as one of Vermont’s top liberal arts institutions, offering a rich program in Fine and Studio Arts. Students benefit from small class sizes, close mentorship, and access to fully equipped studios for drawing, painting, ceramics, and photography.

Tuition and Fees (current Academic Year):

• Tuition: $70,120 per year
• Housing and Meals: $20,116
• Total Estimated Cost: $90,236

Why Choose Middlebury College:

• Exceptional faculty-to-student ratio
• Strong studio practice emphasis
• Beautiful campus surrounded by natural inspiration
• Access to art exhibitions and galleries on campus

Considerations:
Middlebury’s tuition is high, but it offers significant financial aid for eligible students. For those seeking a premier art education in an intimate setting, it’s one of the best options in Vermont.

2. Bennington College – Bennington, Vermont

Bennington College has long been synonymous with creativity and individuality. Known for its progressive approach to education, students at Bennington can design their own academic paths — making it perfect for artists who want flexibility and autonomy in their creative studies.

Tuition and Fees:

• Tuition: $67,850
• Room: $10,764
• Board: $9,062
• Other Fees: $896
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$88,572

Why Choose Bennington College:

• Self-directed curriculum tailored to your artistic interests
• Intimate mentorship from working artists
• Focus on innovation and real-world application
• 95% of students receive financial aid

Considerations:
Bennington’s costs are on the higher end, but its individualized approach and reputation make it a standout choice for aspiring artists seeking depth and creative independence.

3. University of Vermont (UVM) – Burlington, Vermont

The University of Vermont (UVM) offers a robust art program within its College of Arts and Sciences. Students can major in Studio Art, Art Education, or Art History, combining academic learning with practical studio experiences.

Tuition and Fees:

• Vermont Residents: $16,606 tuition + $2,908 fees
• Out-of-State Students: $44,646 tuition + $2,908 fees

Why Choose UVM:

• Affordable for in-state students
• Wide variety of art disciplines
• Access to modern studios and exhibition spaces
• Strong balance between creative and academic coursework

Considerations:
Studio art students should budget for supplies and materials, which can add significantly to total costs. UVM’s mix of affordability and quality makes it a top public option in Vermont.

4. Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) – Montpelier, Vermont

VCFA is one of the nation’s few graduate-only art colleges, offering specialized Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs in graphic design, visual art, film, and writing. The school’s low-residency model allows students to balance professional life with creative study.

Tuition and Fees:

• Tuition (per 6-month semester): $15,239
• Housing & Meals: $1,421
• Total per semester: ~$16,660

Why Choose VCFA:

• Highly specialized graduate programs
• Flexible, low-residency format
• Strong mentorship from working artists and writers
• Prestigious alumni network

Considerations:
VCFA is primarily for graduate-level students. It’s ideal for artists who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to refine their practice at a professional level.

5. Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS) – White River Junction, Vermont

The Center for Cartoon Studies is one of the most unique art schools in the U.S., focusing exclusively on comics, graphic novels, and sequential art. CCS trains students to tell stories through illustration, writing, and design — a perfect blend for those pursuing careers in visual storytelling.

Tuition and Fees:

• Tuition: Approx. $24,000 per year
• Supplies and Studio Costs: Variable

Why Choose CCS:

• Specialized focus on comics and graphic art
• Renowned faculty from the publishing industry
• Small classes and one-on-one mentorship
• Strong career preparation for comic artists and illustrators

Considerations:
This is a niche program best suited for students who are passionate about storytelling through illustration and design.

6. Champlain College – Burlington, Vermont

Champlain College is known for its cutting-edge programs that bridge art, technology, and design. Students can explore Visual Communication Design, Creative Media, and Game Art, gaining both creative and technical skills.

Tuition and Fees:

• Annual Tuition: $48,800
• Additional Fees: Approximately $1,200
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$50,000 per year

Why Choose Champlain College:

• Modern facilities and technology-driven programs
• Focus on digital design and applied arts
• Excellent job placement rate in creative industries

Considerations:
Champlain leans more toward digital and applied arts, so it’s perfect for students interested in merging art with tech fields like gaming, design, or animation.

7. Norwich University – Northfield, Vermont

Though Norwich University is primarily a military and leadership school, it also offers quality programs in design and art within its liberal arts curriculum. It’s a good option for students who want a broader education with an artistic component.

Tuition and Fees:

• Estimated Tuition: $46,000 per year

Why Choose Norwich:

• Balanced academic and creative training
• Opportunities for art within leadership and architecture programs
• Strong alumni network and discipline-driven environment

Considerations:
Norwich isn’t an art-focused institution, but it’s a solid choice for students who want to combine creativity with other professional pursuits.

8. Saint Michael’s College – Colchester, Vermont

Saint Michael’s College offers excellent programs in Art and Art History, blending creativity, critical thinking, and historical perspectives. It’s ideal for students who want a well-rounded liberal arts education with a focus on visual culture.

Tuition and Fees:

• Annual Tuition: $49,780
• Room and Board: $14,000
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$63,780

Why Choose Saint Michael’s:

• Small, supportive community
• Beautiful suburban campus
• Excellent art history and studio integration
• Study abroad and gallery exhibition opportunities

Considerations:
Saint Michael’s emphasizes art in a broader liberal arts context, so it’s best for those who appreciate both creative and academic learning.

9. Northern Vermont University – Johnson, Vermont

Northern Vermont University (NVU) offers affordable and flexible art programs, including Studio Arts and Art Education. It’s one of the most value-driven art options in the state, especially for Vermont residents.

Tuition and Fees:

• Average annual cost (with financial aid): $15,749
• In-state tuition: Around $12,000
• Out-of-state tuition: Around $25,000

Why Choose NVU:

• Strong focus on accessibility and value
• Hands-on experience in studio settings
• Small student-to-faculty ratio
• Excellent stepping stone to MFA programs

Considerations:
While not as well-known as larger colleges, NVU provides great value for students seeking foundational art training.

10. Community & Specialized Art Programs in Vermont

Beyond degree-granting institutions, Vermont is home to numerous community art centers and specialized programs, perfect for short-term training or skill enhancement. These include:

• Vermont Studio Center (Johnson, VT) – residencies for artists and writers
• Burlington City Arts Center – community-based art workshops
• Brattleboro Museum & Art Center – hosts art events and learning programs

These programs can be excellent complements to formal education or great options for artists seeking professional development.

Why Study Art in Vermont?

Choosing Vermont for art education isn’t just about the schools — it’s about the environment. Vermont’s combination of natural beauty, creative communities, and small-campus culture makes it ideal for artistic growth.

Benefits include:

• Inspiring landscapes for plein-air and environmental art
• Tight-knit college communities
• Access to local galleries and artist residencies
• Affordable living costs compared to larger cities
• A calm, focused atmosphere perfect for creative development

Comparing Tuition Across Vermont Art Schools

Institution	Annual Tuition	Type	Art Focus
Middlebury College	$70,120	Private	Fine & Studio Arts
Bennington College	$67,850	Private	Interdisciplinary Arts
University of Vermont	$16,606 (in-state) / $44,646 (out-of-state)	Public	Studio & Art Ed
VCFA	$15,239 per semester	Private (Grad)	Visual Arts & Design
Center for Cartoon Studies	~$24,000	Private	Comics/Graphic Art
Champlain College	$48,800	Private	Digital & Applied Arts
Norwich University	$46,000	Private	Art & Design
Saint Michael’s College	$49,780	Private	Art & Art History
Northern Vermont University	$12,000–$25,000	Public	Studio Arts
Vermont Studio Programs	Varies	Community	Workshops & Residencies

Conclusion

Selecting the best art school depends on your goals and budget.

• If you want prestige and resources, go for Middlebury or Bennington College.
• For a public and affordable option, UVM and Northern Vermont University are excellent choices.
• If you’re seeking a specialized path, explore VCFA or the Center for Cartoon Studies.
• For a tech-driven creative career, Champlain College offers strong digital design programs.

No matter your choice, Vermont provides a nurturing environment for artists to learn, grow, and create. With proper research, financial planning, and artistic passion, your dream art education in Vermont can become a reality.