Program rankings, while subjective, can serve an important role in choosing a graduate art school. A graduate degree from a highly regarded, nationally recognized school can make a difference in the jobs you are offered. U.S. News issued rankings of the top art graduate schools in 2008. Among the top ranked are the Rhode Island School of Design, Yale University, Maryland Institute College of Art, Virginia Commonwealth, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan and the University of Texas-Austin. In the western United States, California Institute of the Arts in Valencia top the rankings for art graduate school program, followed by University of California Los Angeles and Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.
Select five to 10 schools that fit your criteria in a specialty program, such as sculpting, art history or painting. Research the location, online options, tuition costs and national rankings, and request applications. Apply to several schools that are highly ranked and that you are confident of acceptance.
Complete and send applications, along with your portfolio. A portfolio of work from either the classroom or professionally can be a means of differentiating yourself from other worthy candidates. If you don't have one, develop one.
Explore scholarship opportunities, then determine what if any state and federal grants are available. Numerous foundations and scholarship funds are set aside specifically for art students. Ask the financial aid office for assistance with all of these options, as well as whether monthly or term payment alternatives are possible.