The Rhode Island School of Design ranks number one on the "U.S. News" best list of fine art schools from 2008. It is also ranked number eight on the Imagine FX list of top digital arts schools, and one of the top five art schools on ArtSchoolsDigital.com's list. The Department of Illustration is one of the largest, with 240 students. A student's portfolio will also get a review by a professional from Boston or New York City. The school also shares some facilities with Brown University.
Art Center College of Design is tied for number 11 on the "U.S. News" list, and ranked number six on the FX list. This institute aims its instruction toward commercial design work, and many of the instructors are industry professionals. Some graduates of this school have gone on to run design departments in top companies like BMW, Ducati and Nokia.
The School of Visual Arts in New York City was tied for number seven on the FX list, and tied for number 15 on the "U.S. News". Graduates of this school have included several Guggenheim Award winners. The curriculum includes art history, theory and philosophy in addition to modern digital programs.
Yale has been ranked on top school lists for many years, but it also boasts one of the best art departments. It's ranked number two on the "U.S. News" list for 2008, and ranked in the top five on the ArtSchoolsDigital.com list. It offers digital programs alongside traditional art forms like sculpture.
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago was founded in the mid-19th century. It's ranked number three on the "U.S. News" list and is also on the ArtSchoolsDigital.com list. This Chicago arts school is partnered with the local art museum. It's ranked number two on the "U.S. News" list for painting, drawing, fiber arts and photography.
The California Institute of the Arts is tied for number seven on the "U.S. News" list, and also on the top five ArtSchoolsDigital.com list. This college was founded by Walt Disney himself and is often called the best art school on the west coast.
The Pratt Institute was founded in the 19th century by famous oil painter Charles Pratt. It's tied for number 15 on the "U.S. News" list, and is also on the ArtSchoolsDigitial.com top five list. Although ranked number 15 overall by "U.S. News," its interior design program was ranked number one.