Arts & Design Degrees
Turn creativity into a career in visual and performing arts.
About Arts & Design degrees
Arts and design degrees develop both creative talent and practical, marketable skills — from graphic design and animation to film, music, and fine art. Many creative careers now blend art with technology, opening doors in tech, media, and marketing.
Because earnings in creative fields vary widely, choosing an affordable program with strong outcomes matters. The data below helps you compare.
Arts & Design by the numbers
283+
Schools offering Arts & Design
$102,154
Median earnings (top schools)
$27,735
Median net price (top schools)
Figures reflect the top-earning four-year schools for this field, using official U.S. Department of Education data.
Careers in Arts & Design
Graphic / UX Designer
Design visuals and interfaces for brands and products.
Animator / Multimedia Artist
Create animation and effects for film, games, and media.
Art Director
Lead the visual style of campaigns, publications, and productions.
Performer / Producer
Work in music, theater, and film on stage or behind the scenes.
Degree levels
Focused skills in design tools, photography, or a craft.
A two-year foundation for design and production roles.
The standard degree; a BFA is more studio-intensive than a BA.
The terminal degree for artists and for teaching at the college level.
Top schools for Arts & Design
See all →Stanford University
Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit
- $13,807
- Net price
- 4%
- Admit rate
- 7,554
- Enrolled
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
- $28,699
- Net price
- 5%
- Admit rate
- 10,650
- Enrolled
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit
- $28,690
- Net price
- 9%
- Admit rate
- 15,995
- Enrolled
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofit
- $41,704
- Net price
- 16%
- Admit rate
- 10,085
- Enrolled
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
- $40,815
- Net price
- 13%
- Admit rate
- 7,569
- Enrolled
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
- $21,590
- Net price
- 4%
- Admit rate
- 8,973
- Enrolled
Arts & Design — Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with an arts or design degree?+
Careers include graphic and UX design, animation, illustration, art direction, photography, film production, and performing arts. Design skills are increasingly in demand in tech and marketing.
Is an art degree worth it?+
It can be — especially in applied fields like graphic and UX design, which pay well. Fine and performing arts have more variable earnings, so choosing an affordable program is key. Compare net price above.
What's the difference between a BA and a BFA?+
A BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) is studio-focused with more hands-on art coursework, while a BA in art includes more general education. A BFA is often preferred for professional creative careers.
Can I study art and design online?+
Yes — graphic design, digital media, animation, and even some fine-arts programs are offered online, though some studio and performance work benefits from in-person facilities.
Which design careers pay the best?+
UX/UI design, art direction, and motion/graphic design in tech and advertising tend to pay the most. Building a strong portfolio matters as much as the degree.
Do I need a degree to be a designer?+
Not strictly — a strong portfolio can land jobs. But a degree builds fundamentals, gives you feedback and connections, and is preferred by many employers, especially for senior roles.
How important is a portfolio?+
Very. In creative fields, your portfolio often matters more than your GPA or school name. Choose a program that helps you build professional, polished work.
What is an MFA and do I need one?+
A Master of Fine Arts is the terminal degree in art and is typically required to teach at the college level or to deepen your practice. It's optional for most working creatives.
Can I combine art with technology?+
Yes — game design, UX/UI, motion graphics, and digital media all merge creative and technical skills, and tend to have stronger job markets than traditional fine arts.
Is financial aid available for arts students?+
Yes — federal aid plus many talent-based scholarships that require a portfolio or audition. Filter schools by net price to find affordable creative programs.