Arizona Art Schools – 15 Best Art Colleges in Arizona (Ranked for 2023)

Arizona, the state known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, has increasingly become a focal point for emerging talents in the arts.

With a growing creative scene that bridges traditional and contemporary aesthetics, Arizona offers a plethora of options for aspiring artists. From the bustling metropolis of Phoenix to the artsy vibes of Tucson and the scenic inspirations of Flagstaff, there are numerous opportunities to dive deep into the world of art.

In this article, we’ll take you through the 12 best art schools in the Grand Canyon State, focusing on a variety of disciplines that cater to both traditional and digital media interests.

1. Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe

• Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MA, MFA in Fine Arts, Digital Culture, Art History
• Enrollment: Approx. 75,000 students (all campuses)
• Community: Active collaboration with Tempe and Phoenix art scenes, including art walks and public installations.

University of Arizona, Tucson

• Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MFA in Studio Art, Illustration, Art History
• Enrollment: Approx. 45,000 students
• Community: A vital contributor to Tucson’s burgeoning art scene with regular exhibitions and community engagement.

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff

• Degrees Offered: BA, BFA in Studio Art, Visual Communication, Ceramics
• Enrollment: Approx. 31,000 students
• Community: Engages with Flagstaff’s art scene through local gallery partnerships and public art projects.

Grand Canyon University, Phoenix

• Degrees Offered: BA in Digital Design, Animation, Fine Arts
• Enrollment: Approx. 20,000 students
• Community: Actively involved in Phoenix’s local art community with student exhibitions and outreach programs.

Prescott College, Prescott

• Degrees Offered: BA, MA in Fine Arts, Art Therapy
• Enrollment: Approx. 800 students
• Community: Integrates with Prescott’s small but active art scene through local exhibitions and workshops.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott

• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s in Simulation Science, Games, and Animation
• Enrollment: Approx. 2,600 students
• Community: Provides a unique blend of tech and art, influencing Prescott’s art and tech scenes.

Ottawa University, Surprise

• Degrees Offered: BA in Communication and Multimedia Studies
• Enrollment: Approx. 1,000 students
• Community: Active in the local arts scene, contributing to Surprise’s cultural development.

Benedictine University, Mesa

• Degrees Offered: BA in Graphic Arts and Design
• Enrollment: Approx. 500 students
• Community: Engages with Mesa’s local arts community through partnerships and exhibitions.

Southwest University of Visual Arts, Tucson

• Degrees Offered: BA, BFA in Graphic Design, Animation, Illustration
• Enrollment: Approx. 250 students
• Community: A vital part of Tucson’s artistic community, participating in local art shows and events.

West University, Phoenix

• Degrees Offered: BA in Visual Communication
• Enrollment: Approx. 1,200 students
• Community: Contributes to Phoenix’s creative industry through partnerships and student projects.

Scottsdale Community College, Scottsdale

• Degrees Offered: AAS, Certificate Programs in Graphic Design, Digital Art
• Enrollment: Approx. 10,000 students
• Community: Collaborates with local Scottsdale art galleries and hosts public art events.

Mesa Community College, Mesa

• Degrees Offered: AAS in Art, Digital Arts
• Enrollment: Approx. 20,000 students
• Community: Engages with the Mesa art scene by participating in local art festivals and exhibitions.

Pima Community College, Tucson

• Degrees Offered: AAS, Certificate Programs in Visual Arts, Digital Arts
• Enrollment: Approx. 19,000 students
• Community: Actively engages with Tucson’s art community through exhibitions and public installations.

Phoenix College, Phoenix

• Degrees Offered: AAS, Certificate Programs in Visual Arts, Multimedia Technology
• Enrollment: Approx. 11,000 students
• Community: A regular participant in Phoenix art events, contributing to the artistic vibrancy of the city.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Chandler

• Degrees Offered: AAS in Fine Arts, Digital Media
• Enrollment: Approx. 14,000 students
• Community: Collaborates with local artists in Chandler and hosts student art exhibitions.

Cochise College, Sierra Vista

• Degrees Offered: AAS in Fine Arts, Graphic Design
• Enrollment: Approx. 12,000 students
• Community: Actively involved in Sierra Vista’s art community through student exhibitions and workshops.

Estrella Mountain Community College, Avondale

• Degrees Offered: AAS in Art, Multimedia Studies
• Enrollment: Approx. 9,000 students
• Community: Engages with Avondale’s growing art scene with public art initiatives and exhibitions.

Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix

• Degrees Offered: AAS in Art, Digital Media
• Enrollment: Approx. 8,000 students
• Community: Contributes to Phoenix’s arts community through various outreach programs and exhibitions.

South Mountain Community College, Phoenix

• Degrees Offered: AAS in Fine Arts, Digital Art
• Enrollment: Approx. 7,000 students
• Community: Collaborates with local galleries and artists in Phoenix, enhancing the city’s art culture.

Central Arizona College, Pinal County

• Degrees Offered: AAS in Visual Arts, Art Fundamentals
• Enrollment: Approx. 5,500 students
• Community: Engages with Pinal County’s local art scene through exhibitions and community projects.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in the time-honored practices of fine arts—such as painting, sculpture, and printmaking—or looking to master digital art categories like graphic design, animation, and digital media, Arizona’s art schools have something for everyone.

Many of these schools are strategically located in major cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff, which are vibrant hubs for art and culture. These cities offer not just educational excellence, but also a community where you can network, share, and take your skills to a new level.

Whether you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned professional seeking to refine your skills, read on to discover the best platforms in Arizona where art thrives.