“If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you: I am here to live out loud.” – Émile Zola
What would life be without art? It would be a bland, colorless existence for sure. We depend on artists to bring meaning to the mundane. Art moves us, and the field of art is highly diverse. Those who study art can major in a range of areas, including:
- Graphic Design
- Animation
- Art Education
- Fashion Design
- Drama and Theater
- Video Game Design
- Music
- Fine Arts
- Photography
- Interior Design
- Web Design
- History
- Sculpture
- Painting
- Film
With an online art degree, you have numerous career options available. So, an art degree is an excellent choice for creative, imaginative people. Some people can look at an open field at dusk and see a great photo opportunity. Others find beauty in shapes and forms. In addition to the success these individuals can find, thise with an arts bachelor’s degree can also obtain immense job satisfaction.
Career Outlook for Those With a Degree in Art
Arts and design occupations are projected to grow by two percent through 2031. Although this is relatively slow growth, it remains steady. And it still represents about 20,500 new jobs in the field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for those in the field of art is $48,222. This is higher than the annual wage for all other occupations. Additionally, there will be about 94,500 openings a year for designers and artists due to growth and replacement needs. So if you want to make a living as an artist, there are plenty of ways to do so. And an online art degree can help you get there. This list of the top online art schools can get you started.
Featured Programs
Online Art Schools
Online art schools are ideal for students who can’t relocate or those who need to work while earning their art degree. Online bachelor’s in arts programs offer a flexible alternative to in-person attendance. Online learning programs provide the same quality of education as traditional learning, and the art degree is just as valuable. However, class schedules are usually more versatile. And this allows students to keep their current jobs and schedules.
Each school has its own online learning management system (LMS). Examples of these include Canvas, Blackboard, and D2L Brightspace. These platforms are where students will access lectures and materials for their courses. Typically, there will also be discussion boards and other ways for students to interact with their peers and instructors. Some programs require occasional campus visits, although most art degree programs do not. But it is something to be aware of before enrolling in an online art program.
What Is the Difference Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Online Classes?
The format online art schools use to deliver remote classes can differ between colleges. Most online art schools offer asynchronous courses. This means you can log in to the LMS anytime and complete your studies. Your coursework is available to you 24/7. And you can access the materials from anywhere you have a stable internet connection. Essentially, asynchronous coursework allows you to earn an art degree from anywhere in the world.
However, some online programs are synchronous. With synchronous online programs, students log in to attend class at a predetermined time. So all remote students meet together at once to complete their coursework. As a result, deadlines and attendance are more rigid with synchronous online programs. However, some online students find that asynchronous classes give them the motivation and structure to stay on top of their classwork.
Occasionally, online art degrees are delivered using a mix of both asynchronous and synchronous courses. And some schools even allow you to attend classes on campus if you live nearby. Be sure to look for online art degrees with a format that works for your own busy lifestyle. The best online art degrees are those that you feel most comfortable committing to.
Financial Aid for Online Art Students
Students attending an accredited college are eligible to apply for Federal financial aid. And this is true even for those who are pursuing online art degrees. Additionally, there are other ways to help finance your art education. Such funding may include grants, scholarships, assistantships, and more. If you’re worried about being able to afford art school, contact the school’s financial aid office. They can direct you to programs that can help you pay for your education.
Methodology for the Top Online Bachelor’s Art Degree Programs
We created this ranking of the best online art schools based on information from the National Center for Education Statistics. To find the top 15 online colleges for arts, we looked for schools offering accredited and fully online art programs. We then ranked each of the online art degrees using the following methodology:
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1 or less= 3 Points
16:1 to 20:1= 2 Points
Greater than 20:1= 1 Point
Undergraduate In-State Tuition:
Less than $10,000 per year= 3 Points
$10,000 to $15,000 per year= 2 Points
More than $15,000 per year= 1 Point
Overall Graduation Rate
Less than 30%= 1 Point
Between 30% and 50%= 2 Points
Greater than 50%= 3 Points
Every institution on our list is regionally accredited. This ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants and credit transferability across institutions. It also ensures that your degree credits are recognized if you choose to pursue a master’s degree in art.
You may also find our ranking of the top 100 best online colleges useful.
Top 15 Best Bachelors of Arts Degree Online
| School Name | StudentFaculty Ratio | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 24:1 | $15,380 | 39% |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | 20:1 | $38,840 | 71% |
| Berkeley College – Woodland Park | 15:1 | $27,600 | 45% |
| Academy of Art University | 14:1 | $25,424 | 38& |
| Liberty University | 17:1 | $22,713 | 62% |
| Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | 10:1 | $21,615 | 43% |
| University of Massachusetts – Lowell | 18:1 | $15,698 | 69% |
| National University | 16:1 | $13,320 | 47% |
| University of Arizona | 17:1 | $12,736 | 34% |
| Arizona State University | 25:1 | $10,710 | 26% |
| Bellevue University | 19:1 | $8,310 | 23% |
| AI – Miami International University of Art & Design | 11:1 | $19,354 | 35% |
| Lindenwood University | 13:1 | $18,640 | 53% |
| SUNY – Empire State College | 15:1 | $7,360 | 24% |
| The University of Montana | 15:1 | $7,432 | 48% |
Ranking the Top Online Bachelor of Arts Degrees
#15 Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Bachelor of Arts in Design and Media Arts
Southern New Hampshire University is a nonprofit private institution. The online art bachelor’s degree offered through SNHU is delivered asynchronously. It allows students to complete their graphic and web design coursework on their own timetables. Students can choose a concentration in User Experience Design or Web Design. Both programs teach online students how to delve into their creative side and create designs that inspire and impact others. Classes are taught by award-winning industry professionals utilizing cutting-edge technology. Online students can transfer up to 90 credits from an accredited institution. The 120 credit hour art degree includes online courses such as:
- Digital Design Tools
- Fundamentals of Design
- Design Thinking for Graphic Designers
- Typography
- User Interface and Experience
- Multi-Channel Advertising Design
- Personal Branding and Self Promotion
- Professional Practices for Graphic Designers
- Layout and Publication Design
Southern New Hampshire University also offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Photography.
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $15,380
Overall Graduation Rate: 39%
#14 Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, Georgia
Bachelor of Arts in Sequential Art
Savannah College of Art and Design offers some of the best online art degrees in the country. The online Bachelor’s in Art offered through SCAD is fully asynchronous and accredited. The program unites a writer’s narrative talents with an illustrator’s abilities to create various art mediums. These include graphic novels, cartoons, comic strips, children’s books, and storyboards for diverse media. The exceptionally high-quality and rigorous coursework leads to a solid understanding of art. Featured courses at this online art school include:
- Design I: Elements and Organization
- Visual Culture in Context: Pre-Modern Global Perspectives
- Materials and Techniques for Sequential Art
- Digital Coloring and Lettering Applications for Comics
- Comic Book Scripting
Savannah College of Art and Design also offers online art bachelor’s programs. These online bachelor’s degrees include:
- Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
- Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Design and Game Development
- Bachelor of Arts in Photography
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $38,840
Overall Graduation Rate: 71%
#13 Berkeley College – Woodland Park
Woodland Park, New Jersey
BFA in Graphic Design
The bachelor’s in art offered through BC is completely online, fully asynchronous, and accredited. The program exposes students to the problem-solving process via traditional and digital media. Students learn the history of design and gain a strong foundation in both arts and design principles. Graduates of this online art school may pursue a career in a variety of career paths, such as:
- User Interface and Interactive Design
- Motion Graphics and Animation
- Illustration
- Filmmaking
- Game Design
- Advertising and Publication Design
Berkeley also offers online art bachelor programs, including:
- BFA in 3D Visualization
- BFA in Interior Design
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $27,600
Overall Graduation Rate: 45%
#12 Academy of Art University
San Francisco, California
Online BFA in Fine Art
The Academy of Art University is one of the top private online art schools in the nation. The art bachelor program at AAU is offered in a 100% online format. Students can take classes on their schedule. And this program gives students the creative and technical abilities to succeed as artists. Graduates will leave with a portfolio of well-crafted artwork demonstrating their personal vision. The art program includes featured online courses such as:
- Printmaking
- Figure Modeling
- Still Life Painting
- Introduction to Anatomy
- English Composition: Creative Persuasion & Argument
- Composition & Painting
- Digital Media: Digital Manipulation
Academy of Art University offers numerous online art bachelor degrees. Some of these include:
- BFA in Fashion Design
- BFA in Animation & Visual Effects
- BFA in Art Education
- BFA in Game Development
- BFA in Illustration
- BFA in Photography
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $25,424
Overall Graduation Rate: 38%
#11 Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online BFA – Studio Arts Degree
Liberty University is one of the largest Christian colleges in the country. The online art bachelor offered at LU is provided to students in a dynamic, fully asynchronous, and accredited format. The program gives students a strong foundation in the history of art. It also provides exposure to hands-on learning focused on digital art. Students interested in enrolling in this program must submit an art portfolio for acceptance. Featured courses in the 120-credit hour bachelor of arts online degree include:
- Introduction to 3D Design
- Communications Elective
- History of Art
- Century Art
- Technological Solutions & Quantitative Reasoning
- Drawing
- Culture & Technology
- Art Appreciation
- Digital Photography
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $22,713
Overall Graduation Rate: 62%
#10 Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Lakewood, Colorado
BFA in 2D or 3D Animation
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is another school that offers some of the best online art degrees on our list. The online bachelor’s in art offered through RMCAD is delivered asynchronously. Students can choose between 2D or 3D animation. The program helps students develop a solid skill set that allows their distinctive, artistic voice to shine through. Students explore animation sector production at every level. They learn how creative thinking transforms an ordinary idea into something spectacular. Classes are offered year-round at this online art school to allow students to graduate in less time.
RMCAD also offers other excellent online art programs, including:
- BFA in Art Education
- BFA in Game Art
- BFA in Illustration
- BFA in Music Production
- BFA in Photography
- BFA in Interior Design
- BFA in Illustrative Design
- BFA in Fashion Design
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $21,615
Overall Graduation Rate: 43%
#9 University of Massachusetts – Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts
Online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts – Art History
Online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts – Graphic Design
UM – Lowell offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts. Students can choose a concentration in history or design. The program allows students to build a range of creative and technical abilities in high demand in the art industry. Up to 90 credits can be transferred, allowing art history students to complete the program in just 12 months. Featured courses in the 120-credit online art degree include:
- Comparative Arts
- Prehistoric to Medieval History
- Renaissance to Modern History
- American art
- Advanced Typography
- User Interface Prototyping for Apps and Web
- Photographic Imaging
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $15,698
Overall Graduation Rate: 69%
#8 National University
San Diego, California
Online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Design
The online bachelor’s in art offered through NU is available in a fully asynchronous format. It gives hands-on experience with the most up-to-date tools and technology found in today’s media arts sector. Students learn how to use media authoring tools. And they gain the skills to produce dynamic and interactive content with graphics, animation, music, and video. Courses are offered on a flexible four-week basis to allow students to combine family, job, and school. Featured courses include:
- Vector Graphics
- Digital Image Compositing
- e-Publishing
- User Interface Design
- Design & Interactivity
- Camera and Image
- Digital Video Editing
- Motion Graphics Vis. Effects
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $13,320
Overall Graduation Rate: 47%
#7 University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Arts, Media, and Entertainment
The online bachelor’s in art offered through U of A is an asynchronous program. It is designed to help students develop skills in criticizing and evaluating art forms. Students get a solid understanding of the processes by which art and creative thinking are communicated. They also gain academic knowledge of promotion and marketing in the performing arts. Graduates find careers in print media, film and television, theater, public relations, marketing, and more. Students can transfer up to 75 credits to their degree plan. Some of the courses included in the 120-credit hour curriculum include:
- Rock and American Popular Music
- Jazz History
- Literature and Film
- Hip-Hop Cinema
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $12,736
Overall Graduation Rate: 34%
#6 Arizona State University
Scottsdale, Arizona
Online Bachelor of Arts in Design Arts & Practices
ASU’s online degree in art is provided in an asynchronous format. It is administered through the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. The comprehensive program is designed to engage and stimulate students in a variety of ways. It provides a high-quality art history education and prepares students for a life-long art career. The 120-credit curriculum examines history from various cultures, periods, and geographies. It does this through lectures and experiential learning opportunities. The art program is taught by recognized faculty members with a broad knowledge of the history of art. Graduates are equipped to work in the following fields:
- Visual Design
- Web Design
- Motion Design
- Multimedia Design
- UX/UI Design
- Illustration
- Animation
- Art Direction
- Creative Direction
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $10,710
Overall Graduation Rate: 26%
#5 Bellevue University
Bellevue, Nebraska
Online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
The undergraduate art degree offered by BU is fully online and asynchronous. The multidisciplinary program gives students a solid understanding of the elements of design. Students learn how to develop creative visualization and critical thinking skills. They also learn how to conceptualize and communicate myriad design solutions for media. Graduates will have a professional portfolio upon completion. Financial aid is available at this private university. Major courses in the 120-credit hour program include:
- Fundamentals of Print Design
- Publication Design
- Web Page Design
- Fundamentals of JavaScript
- Javascript
- Interactivity Basics
- Problem Solving & Idea Generation
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $8,310
Overall Graduation Rate: 23%
#4 AI – Miami International University of Art & Design
Miami, Florida
BFA in Graphic & Web Design
AI Miami is a private institution and features some of the best online art degrees on our list. The school is one of the most well-known online colleges for art. The online fine arts degree offered through AI Miami is fully asynchronous. It allows online students to complete their coursework whenever and wherever they wish. Graduates have the skills needed to succeed in the design industry. The 180 credit hour online program includes courses on topics such as:
- Creative design and technology skills
- Theory and practice of print and digital design
- Audience targeting and content research
- Critical thinking and design
- Design research and presentation
- Professionalism in design
The Art Institutes also offer the following fine arts programs to earn an art degree online:
- Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising
- BFA in Media Arts and Animation
- BFA in Game Art & Design
- BFA in Interior Design
- BFA in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $19,354
Overall Graduation Rate: 35%
#3 Lindenwood University
St. Charles, Missouri
Online Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design
Lindenwood University is a private nonprofit university in St. Charles, Missouri. The school’s Bachelor degree in Art and Design is delivered entirely online. The curriculum focuses on online design, architecture, western art history, and design philosophy. Online learners may select 12 credit hours from any art or design elective. Lindenwood accepts up to 90 credits from an accredited institution. A capstone project and an internship or an applied art and design course are also required for this degree. The program can be completed in two to four years. Featured courses in the 120-credit hour curriculum include:
- Digital Photograph
- Visual Storytelling
- Programming Logic
- History of Western Arts
- Introduction to Fashion Design
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $18,640
Overall Graduation Rate: 53%
#2 SUNY – Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, New York
Online Bachelor of Arts in the Arts
SUNY ESC offers an online bachelor’s degree in arts. Students can specialize in areas such as visual arts or design. They can also develop their own multidisciplinary degree program. The program is highly customizable. Students will refine their research skills and artistic technique. Graduates are capable of conceptualizing and communicating ideas, pictures, and critical judgments. The curriculum comprises 124 credits. Online learners can focus on:
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Arts
- Performing Arts
- Creative Writing
- Media Arts
- Art History
- Arts Management
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $7,630
Overall Graduation Rate: 24%
#1 The University of Montana
Missoula, Montana
Online Bachelor of Arts in Art
UM offers an excellent art bachelor degree online. The program provides graduates with new work prospects and professional progression. Students investigate art field-specific subjects and prepare for professions in the sector. Online learners can take advantage of flexible transfer policies to complete the online bachelor’s degree in art faster. Students can also get an online master in two years. Financial aid is available. Required courses include:
- Introduction to Art History
- Visual Language – Drawing
- Digital Imaging I
- Intro to Media Arts
- Introduction to Film Editing
- Visual Language
- Creative Coding
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Undergraduate In-state Tuition: $7,432
Overall Graduation Rate: 48%
This concludes our article on the top art colleges online.
OCP Staff March 2023
