Want to hone your creative skills? Interested in art and design careers? Then online art school might be the right path for you. Many art and design jobs require a bachelor's degree — and online art schools offer a flexible path to an art degree.
Which art courses can you take online? Is online art school worth it? Our resources, including a ranking of the best online art schools, can help you learn more so you can make an informed decision.
Featured Online Art Schools
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 3 Online Art Schools
Why Accreditation Matters for Art School
When you're earning a degree, accreditation matters. Accreditation indicates that a school or program meets certain standards of educational quality.
What's more, only accredited colleges can distribute federal financial aid. And, many employers only hire graduates from accredited institutions.
Some art programs will be programmatically accredited. Here are some of the major art and design accreditors to look for:
How Does Online Art School Work?
Online art schools emphasize visual design, digital media, and creative studies. Students who enroll in art programs online complete graduation requirements in a virtual classroom. You'll collaborate on projects and critique work in online classes. Online art schools often require a final project, such as a portfolio, thesis, performance, or exhibition, in order to graduate.
You can earn an online art degree in many fields, including animation, art history, game design, graphic design, interior design, and photography.
Due to the field's hands-on nature, many online art programs incorporate some on-campus components, such as summer studio intensives.
Fully online programs in the performing arts — such as music, dance, and theater — are uncommon, though you may be able to complete some coursework online. Similarly, reputable programs in fashion design typically require in-person training in pattern making and drafting.
Is Online Art School Worth It?
$24,990 Average annual tuition for online bachelor's degree in art (2020)
$47,460 Average starting salary for visual and performing arts majors (2023)
Whether online art school is worth it or not depends on your interests, circumstances, and goals. For some, an art degree can open doors and help create a valuable career network. For others, however, a different major or delivery format may be a better fit.
Consider online college if…
You need a flexible schedule due to work or other commitments.
Your chosen art school fits your budget and offers degrees in your creative field.
Earning an art degree would lead to new job opportunities or a higher salary.
You have a clear plan for your career path, which requires a degree.
Avoid online art school if…
You're interested in an art field that requires robust in-person training.
Art school would require you to take on debt, and you plan to pursue a lower-paying role.
You can gain experience in your field and qualify for roles without a degree.
You're unsure whether you want a career in the arts or a more interdisciplinary education.
Anna Cavasos, 3D Visual Effects Artist
"The biggest way art school helped me was to give me access to industry professionals. Getting critique from them really helped me bring my work to another standard. They taught me techniques and skills that I would never have been able to learn otherwise. They also helped me look at my own work with a critical eye, which helps me in my personal work."
Frequently Asked Questions
Distance-friendly art majors can be completed online, while hands-on majors require in-person courses. Distance-friendly art majors might utilize digital tools, software, and online storage, such as digital media, photography, and art history. Hands-on or performance-based majors, including dance, painting, and ceramics, cannot be completed online due to requirements for physical materials, specialized equipment, or live performances.
