Contact the financial aid office of the school you are considering to find out about tuition costs and ask about scholarships it might offer. Common types of scholarships offered by art schools include academic, which are usually based on grades and test scores; talent or merit, awarded for artistic or other achievements; and needs-based awards, distributed to students with high potential and low funds. Meet with a financial aid counselor to find out about other private scholarships that might be available. Gather paperwork to apply for federal grants and loans, if necessary.
Ask the school for a catalog, or browse through its online resources. Find out what majors it offers, what certificates or degrees are available, and the time frame for completing your studies. Look for a school that has a strong program in your area of interest -- if you are interested in graphic design, don't choose a school that invests most of its resources in its photography program. Look at national accreditation, student-teacher ratio and graduation statistics. If you're unfamiliar with the school, it's important to verify that it is in good standing before you invest your time and money in an education. If you plan to continue at a university after you finish art school, ask if the credits you accrue will transfer to another school. Contact the university as well, to make sure the credits are acceptable on its end.
Contact the housing office to find out what forms of housing are available. Some art schools don't offer housing on campus. Ask if it provides help with finding off-campus housing or a roommate-matching service. Call local apartment complexes to get an idea of the average rent you can expect to pay. Visit the student life office to find out about social programs, volunteer opportunities, clubs and organizations and campus events. Check online review sites and ask other graduates of the institute about their experiences with the school.
Meet with an academic adviser for guidance on which courses and programs are the best fit for you with your career goals in mind. Contact the career counseling office to ask if it assists with job placement after graduation, and what its success rate is with placing graduates. Discuss the local job climate for your chosen course of study -- you might need to move to find work after graduation.