Cooper Union, in New York City, is a free private university. Although not specifically an art school, Cooper Union has a School of Art program that allows students to complete their art degree. Cooper Union's bachelor's in fine arts degree can be completed in four years and helps art students enhance their visual arts skills. Cooper Union focuses on general visual arts, specific art fields as well as art history, theory and critical thinking.
Although Cooper Union is free, students are only admitted based on merit, so the application process is highly competitive. The School of Art has room for 60 applicants a year, so student portfolios, transcripts and home art test results will be reviewed by a committee.
Art students interested in fashion can consider the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. As of 2011, New York residents pay less than $2,000 for associate's degree tuition per semester whereas out-of-state students pay less than $6,000. Students looking to obtain a bachelor's or master's degree will pay more, but only by a few thousand dollars a semester. FIT's Financial Aid Office will work with incoming students to find financial aid, scholarships and grants.
Besides fashion, students can earn degrees in advertising design, toy design, fine arts, illustration, photography as well as cosmetics and fragrance.
Although not specifically an art college, Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, New York, has an affordable art degree program. Students can choose to earn an associate's degree in either fine arts or graphic design.
Although tuition rose 12.5 percent in 2009, Kingsborough still has affordable rates. Full-time students who are New York residents pay close to $2,000 a semester for 12 credit hours. As of 2011, full-time students who are not New York residents pay $210 per credit hour. These charges exclude the student activity and technology fees, which range from $15 to $100.
For in-state or out-of-state art students, University of Massachusetts Amherst's Humanities and Fine Art department offers affordable bachelor's and master's degree programs in art history, fine arts, creative writing, music and studio arts.
For full-time bachelor's degree students who are Massachusetts residents, tuition and fees come to less than $6,000 as of 2011. Full-time New England residents pay around $7,500 for tuition, whereas non-New England and Massachusetts residents pay close to $12,000. There are waivable fees such as health insurance and childcare, so students have an opportunity to save money. UMass Amherst also works with students to help find financial aid, grants and scholarships.
KD College Conservatory in Dallas, Texas, offers online and campus classes for those interested in film and acting. KD College offers classes in 15-month cycles, so students can earn a certificate in their chosen fields in less time than in a traditional college. For students who wish to continue their education past certification, KD College provides assistance for students who want to have KD College credits transferred to a university.
Applicants must audition for the director of education and provide proof of a high school diploma or a GED.
Tuition is the same for Texas residents and non-residents. As of 2010, annual tuition was $12,950, but KD College helps students obtain financial aid and grants if necessary.
University of Utah's College of Fine Arts in Salt Lake City offers degree programs in art and art history, ballet, film and media arts, modern dance, music and theater. University of Utah's College of Fine Arts ballet department has had many success stories, with students being awarded contracts for the Ballet West II Company. With the dance programs, students must audition to enroll in the program, whereas other art students follow regular admissions guidelines.
Tuition prices vary for both in-state and out-of-state students depending on the number of credits taken. As of 2011, in-state students taking 12 credit hours a semester paid $2,700 a semester. Out-of-state students paid $8,400. Tuition goes up with each credit hour taken. The University of Utah offers a payment plan so students can pay small amounts toward tuition throughout the semester.