The prestigious Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in Providence, Rhode Island is considered the finest art college in the U.S. RISD students pursue a studio-based education that offers bachelor's and master's degrees in 19 architecture, design, fine arts and art education majors. RISD's website states its mission as to train its students "in the creation and appreciation of works of art and design," and to make lasting contributions "through critical thinking, scholarship, and innovation."
In New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University's School of Art offers study in the areas of graphic design, painting/printmaking, photography and sculpture. It seeks to train artists and designers "of unusual promise and strong motivation," who study amid "intense critical dialogue" from their peers as well as "distinguished visitors" and a faculty of respected professional artists. The program is studio-based, offering rigorous training in areas that include drawing, filmmaking and the relativity of color.
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) states its objective as being "to assemble a diverse body of intelligent and creative students and faculty" to promote creative thought and images, and to provide for "the development of individual excellence" in the visual arts. SAIC's resources include renowned faculty members, the museum of the Art Institute of Chicago and venues that offer students "exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances."
The website of Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan states its history and role in arts education as having been "for more than 75 years ... home to some of the world's most renowned designers and artists." Past faculty have included renowned designers and artists such as Eero Saarinen, Charles Eames, Michael and Katherine McCoy and Jun Kaneko. Past students have included Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Jack Lenor Larsen, Nick Cave, Lorraine Wild, and Hani Rashid."
The Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland offers art, fine arts and teaching degrees. All of the college's programs reflect the belief that students "learn best when developing thinking, questioning, and doing in order to help students understand the depth and importance of their role as in creating and shaping culture." MICA students also benefit from "nationally recognized (visiting) artists, scholars, and critics" who offer students critiques and lectures.