Private Art Schools vs State University vs Online

Reputable private art schools are exceptional at what they do…teach art at the highest level. They do however, come with an astronomical price tag. Current tuition for a degree from private art schools matches the price tag for medical school. This leaves the potential student with some serious things to consider.

Private and even state art schools can bury students under heavy student loans. (Photo Credit: 123RF.com Image ID: 40765837 Copyright: Narongrit Suebnunta)

First of all, do you really need an art degree?

For some professions, like teaching K-12 or at a college level, you do need a degree. But for most jobs that require you to actually create artwork, most companies want to see your portfolio, not your degree. In other words, they want to see your work. What can you do? What can you bring to the table? What’s your style? Are you and your artwork a good fit?

More often than not, companies hiring artists are more impressed by what’s in your portfolio rather than your degree. (Photo Credit: Myra Naito)

If your primary goal is simply to learn how to draw, paint, sculpt, etc., but have no career goals beyond that, then you might really want to consider other options. Cheaper options. There’s no need to rack up a ton of student loans. Just to give you some perspective on private art schools, Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA is currently at $22,888 per term (art supplies, lab fees, parking…