When choosing the best college for arts and music programs, there are a few very important things to consider. First and foremost is the sheer cost of a creative education. This list will not only provide options that are the most affordable in the country, but they are also located in areas that are culturally rich with art and music.
1. Suffolk University New England School of Art and Design
Boston is the 11th best city for music, and the 5th best one for art. Creative students can receive a quality education for much less than other art and music schools. They can also receive their art and design education while still receiving the benefits of liberal arts and general studies courses.
2. Brenau University
Brenau University is located just a short drive from one of the best artistic and musical centers of the south, namely Atlanta. Students will get the best in art education as well as their liberal arts courses. There are separate departments for dance, music, theater, art and design, and interior design. Special programs include Design Exhibition and Young Women’s Art.
3. CUNY- Hunter College
This college is among the top art schools in the U.S. Choose from the many programs offered, like art history, art education, studio art, film and video, electronic design and multimedia, and music and audio technology. The inexpensive tuition paired with the multitude of scholarships and fellowships makes CUNY a great option for a creative mind. Students may also receive the opportunity to complete research at Stanford.
4. George Mason University
Only a short drive from Washington, D.C., GMU offers majors in film and video, dance, visual technology, art education, music, art management, and theater. Their Center for the Arts hosts a large performance hall that is home to many productions including theater performances, art shows, music and dance productions.
5. Appalachian State University
ASU’s College of Fine and Applied Arts include majors like art and theater, as well as more unique majors like environmental design, military science and design. Students can also make their own programs. The school is also home to many workshops, exhibitions, recitals, concerts, and exhibitions as well as their summer arts festival which is nationally recognized.
6. Memphis College of Art
Grad students will find their campus in historic downtown, while undergraduates will find theirs in the middle of a beautiful park. The scenic surroundings provide much inspiration for this independent, yet accredited college. Each program is integrated and interdisciplinary, allowing the students to gain knowledge regarding networking, entrepreneurship, self-promotion, and communication skills.
7. University of South Florida
Unique resources, an excess of art electives, and even a doctoral program for music education, USF has four distinct schools for arts and music majors. The school boasts of two concert halls, a museum, an art gallery, three theaters, a digital media lab, and a graphics studio while putting on over 300 activities like workshops, performances, and events for students and the community.
8. Illinois State University
With majors in graphic design, studio art, art history, music education, acting, and so much more, ISU is just a short drive from Chicago. There are several galleries located at the university, a studio for graphic artists, five ensembles that music enthusiasts may join, and a calendar that is jam packed with events relating to music and the arts.
9. University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee
UW’s Peck School of the Arts will prepare all students to excel in their art careers by preparing them for the innovative, financial, and business situations that they will encounter while on their journey. This campus offers areas of study that are unique—like dual discipline majors and a program that marries arts and technology.
10. University of Las Vegas
Out of the bustling city and in a suburb, students are still in a wonderful region to explore all things cultural, musical, artistic, and entertaining. UNLV boasts lower than average tuition while still having facilities for students of the arts, including studios, and architectural library, performance halls, and theaters.
