What's the Scoop on the Top Ten Art Schools in America?

Art has been my passion for the longest time and I'm committed to following this love into college. Can anyone talk about the top ten art schools in America? What separates these institutions from others? Asking as someone who's both curious and freaked out by this college app process.

Sure, let's dive into some of the top art programs in the US. Keep in mind though, the "top" schools can vary depending on personal fit, so make sure to consider what's most important to you in an art program.

1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD): Known for its rigorous, immersive programs across multiple visual arts disciplines. RISD has a reputation of producing graduates who become leaders in their respective industries.

2. The Pratt Institute: Offers a more practical, industry-ready approach to art and design education. The school has close links to many New York-based companies and galleries.

3. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC): Known for its interdisciplinary programs and emphasis on experimentation. It's especially strong in areas like film, performance, and new media.

4. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts): Famous for its innovative approach in teaching art and its creation of daring new forms of expression, particularly in animation.

5. The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA): Known for programs that combine creativity with technology. MICA grads are known for being innovative artists who also understand modern tech.

6. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): Not exclusively an "art" school, but has leading programs in the visual and performing arts. Its location offers unique networking opportunities in LA's vibrant art scene.

7. Yale University: Although better known for its academic programs, Yale's MFA programs (offered only for grad students) in fields such as painting, sculpture, and graphic design are highly respected.

8. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU): Offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach to the arts. CMU is known for its technical strengths, which the art programs leverage.

9. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD): A broad-based art and design college known for offering one of the largest selection of majors and minors compared to other art schools.

10. Parsons School of Design: Known for its alumni that range from fashion designers to photographers, with a curriculum that blends creativity, innovation, and leadership skills.

Each of these institutions are well-known for their strong faculty and studio facilities, robust alumni networks, and high levels of prestige within the art world. However, the characteristics and atmosphere of each institution vary greatly. I recommend visiting each school's website, exploring their course offerings, speaking to alumni if possible, and visiting the campuses (if you're able) to get a sense of which might be the best fit for you.