Best art schools in the country?

Hi all! I'm currently in my junior year and have started researching top art schools in the US. I was wondering what your opinions are on the best art schools from personal experience or research. Any recommendations and insights are welcomed!

First, let me say that it's great to see you planning ahead for your college applications. Here are some top art schools in the US that are well-known for their strong art programs:

1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD): Located in Providence, Rhode Island, RISD is famously one of the best art schools in the country. Their strong departments include textiles, illustration, graphic design, and painting, to name a few.

2. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts): Based in Valencia, California, CalArts is renowned for its animation programs, with notable alumni including Tim Burton and many Disney animators.

3. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC): With a focus on interdisciplinary art, SAIC offers traditional studio art programs as well as areas such as art history and art therapy.

4. Pratt Institute: Located in Brooklyn, New York, Pratt is particularly known for its architecture, design, and illustration programs. They also offer a variety of fine arts majors.

5. Parsons School of Design: As part of The New School, Parsons is based in New York City. Parsons is recognized for fashion design, alongside graphic design, interior design, and other fine arts disciplines.

6. Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA): Located in Baltimore, Maryland, MICA offers several strong programs in areas such as painting, graphic design, and photography.

7. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD): With a unique interdisciplinary focus, SCAD is spread across several campuses, including Savannah, Atlanta, and international locations. They have a wide range of majors, including animation, fashion, and illustration.

8. Carnegie Mellon University's School of Art: Though Carnegie Mellon is known for its STEM programs, their School of Art is also highly-regarded. They emphasize interdisciplinary approaches and cutting-edge technologies in art-making.

While these are just a few well-known art schools, there are numerous other great options throughout the US. When researching schools, it's important to consider factors such as location, size, tuition fees, and available resources, as well as course offerings and program structure. Try reaching out to current students or alumni to gain insight into the school culture and everyday experiences of art students. Ultimately, the best art school for you will depend on your personal goals, interests, and preferred style of learning.

Good luck with your college search!