Best degree programs for Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators, ranked by enrollment
12 college programs and 1,386 schools train Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators. Compare graduates per year, cost and pay, $55,490 median wage, 11,220 U.S. jobs. Federal data.
12 college programs at 1,386 schools train fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators, graduating 37,662 people a year (IPEDS completions). The largest is Art/Art Studies, General. The job pays a median of $55,490 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
Fields of study that lead to this job
Grouped at the 4-digit CIP level, the tier our program pages are built on. Numbers are graduates per year.
12 degree programs that lead to this job
Ranked by graduates per year (IPEDS completions). Graduate earnings and debt are College Scorecard figures for people who finished the program, reported at the 4-digit CIP level, so specializations within one field share a figure. That is a different measurement from the occupation-wide wages further down this page.
| # | Program | Graduates / yr | Share of pipeline | Schools | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Art/Art Studies, Generalmain feeder CIP 50.0701 | 19,283 | 51.2% | 717 | $24,447 | $25,294 |
| 2 | Fine/Studio Arts, Generalmain feeder CIP 50.0702 | 11,751 | 31.2% | 637 | $24,447 | $25,294 |
| 3 | CIP 50.0101 | 3,397 | 9.0% | 270 | $24,752 | $25,963 |
| 4 | Intermedia/Multimediamain feeder CIP 50.0706 | 797 | 2.1% | 39 | $24,447 | $25,294 |
| 5 | Fine Arts and Art Studies, Othermain feeder CIP 50.0799 | 771 | 2.0% | 69 | $24,447 | $25,294 |
| 6 | Paintingmain feeder CIP 50.0708 | 638 | 1.7% | 52 | $24,447 | $25,294 |
| 7 | Drawingmain feeder CIP 50.0705 | 368 | 1.0% | 33 | $24,447 | $25,294 |
| 8 | Sculpturemain feeder CIP 50.0709 | 230 | 0.6% | 38 | $24,447 | $25,294 |
| 9 | Ceramic Arts and Ceramicsmain feeder CIP 50.0711 | 172 | 0.5% | 44 | $24,447 | $25,294 |
| 10 | Printmakingmain feeder CIP 50.0710 | 165 | 0.4% | 31 | $24,447 | $25,294 |
| 11 | CIP 51.2703 | 83 | 0.2% | 10 | $47,775 | $25,000 |
| 12 | Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Artmain feeder CIP 50.1101 | 7 | 0.0% | 6 | — | — |
Top 50 schools by graduates into this job
Counting every feeder program a school offers, not just its largest one.
| # | School | Graduates / yr | Top feeder program | Grad rate | Net price | Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 804 | Art/Art Studies, General | 16% | — | — |
| 2 | School of the Art Institute of Chicago Chicago, IL Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 790 | Fine/Studio Arts, General | 67% | $48,998 | 77% |
| 3 | Glendale Community College Glendale, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 729 | Art/Art Studies, General | 16% | — | — |
| 4 | Estrella Mountain Community College Avondale, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 558 | Art/Art Studies, General | 32% | — | — |
| 5 | Chandler - Gilbert Community College Chandler, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 529 | Art/Art Studies, General | 30% | — | — |
| 6 | California State University - Fullerton Fullerton, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 490 | Fine/Studio Arts, General | 70% | — | 91% |
| 7 | California State University - Long Beach Long Beach, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 454 | Art/Art Studies, General | 69% | — | 46% |
| 8 | Paradise Valley Community College Phoenix, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 454 | Art/Art Studies, General | 19% | — | — |
| 9 | Phoenix College Phoenix, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 411 | Art/Art Studies, General | 14% | — | — |
| 10 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FL Private for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 370 | Intermedia/Multimedia | 44% | $32,163 | — |
| 11 | California State University - Northridge Northridge, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 356 | Art/Art Studies, General | 57% | — | 93% |
| 12 | San Diego State University San Diego, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 335 | Art/Art Studies, General | 76% | — | 36% |
| 13 | University of North Texas Denton, TX Public · 2 feeder programs | 303 | Fine/Studio Arts, General | 61% | — | 72% |
| 14 | Scottsdale Community College Scottsdale, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 278 | Art/Art Studies, General | 17% | — | — |
| 15 | Rio Salado College Tempe, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 268 | Art/Art Studies, General | 9% | — | — |
| 16 | South Mountain Community College Phoenix, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 256 | Art/Art Studies, General | 16% | — | — |
| 17 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · 3 feeder programs | 253 | Art/Art Studies, General | 68% | — | 90% |
| 18 | Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 249 | Art/Art Studies, General | 36% | — | — |
| 19 | California State University - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA Public · 3 feeder programs | 227 | Art/Art Studies, General | 53% | — | 91% |
| 20 | San Jose State University San Jose, CA Public · 3 feeder programs | 227 | Fine/Studio Arts, General | 69% | — | 85% |
| 21 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 223 | Art/Art Studies, General | 0% | — | 67% |
| 22 | Georgia State University Atlanta, GA Public · 1 feeder programs | 209 | Drawing | 53% | — | 55% |
| 23 | Pratt Institute - Main Brooklyn, NY Private not-for-profit · 5 feeder programs | 208 | Painting | 74% | $49,088 | 73% |
| 24 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI Public · 1 feeder programs | 192 | Art/Art Studies, General | 93% | — | 16% |
| 25 | University of Central Florida Orlando, FL Public · 2 feeder programs | 182 | Art/Art Studies, General | 78% | — | 40% |
| 26 | University of Georgia Athens, GA Public · 2 feeder programs | 156 | Art/Art Studies, General | 90% | — | 38% |
| 27 | Bard College Annandale-On-Hudson, NY Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 155 | Fine/Studio Arts, General | 68% | $24,278 | 52% |
| 28 | University of Oregon Eugene, OR Public · 3 feeder programs | 152 | Art/Art Studies, General | 72% | — | 88% |
| 29 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA Public · 2 feeder programs | 150 | Art/Art Studies, General | 52% | — | 69% |
| 30 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WI Public · 2 feeder programs | 145 | Art/Art Studies, General | 90% | — | 45% |
| 31 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WA Public · 1 feeder programs | 142 | Art/Art Studies, General | 85% | — | 39% |
| 32 | CUNY Hunter College New York, NY Public · 2 feeder programs | 140 | Fine/Studio Arts, General | 57% | — | 54% |
| 33 | George Mason University Fairfax, VA Public · 2 feeder programs | 138 | Visual and Performing Arts, General | 68% | — | 87% |
| 34 | James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA Public · 1 feeder programs | 134 | Art/Art Studies, General | 80% | — | 72% |
| 35 | Tufts University Medford, MA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 134 | Art/Art Studies, General | 94% | $23,570 | 11% |
| 36 | Towson University Towson, MD Public · 2 feeder programs | 133 | Fine/Studio Arts, General | 69% | — | 82% |
| 37 | Fullerton College Fullerton, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 132 | Visual and Performing Arts, General | 34% | — | — |
| 38 | Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA Public · 2 feeder programs | 130 | Art/Art Studies, General | 33% | — | — |
| 39 | Fresno City College Fresno, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 127 | Art/Art Studies, General | 24% | — | — |
| 40 | Maryland Institute College of Art Baltimore, MD Private not-for-profit · 8 feeder programs | 127 | Painting | 72% | $37,659 | 77% |
| 41 | Illinois State University Normal, IL Public · 2 feeder programs | 122 | Art/Art Studies, General | 65% | — | 88% |
| 42 | Mohave Community College Kingman, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 122 | Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other | 38% | — | — |
| 43 | California State University - East Bay Hayward, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 121 | Fine/Studio Arts, General | 48% | — | 97% |
| 44 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA Public · 1 feeder programs | 121 | Fine/Studio Arts, General | 69% | — | 73% |
| 45 | Pennsylvania Western University California, PA Public · 2 feeder programs | 120 | Fine/Studio Arts, General | 52% | — | 94% |
| 46 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FL Public · 1 feeder programs | 118 | Fine/Studio Arts, General | 86% | — | 24% |
| 47 | Fashion Institute of Technology New York, NY Public · 2 feeder programs | 117 | Fine/Studio Arts, General | 81% | — | 60% |
| 48 | Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RI Private not-for-profit · 5 feeder programs | 117 | Painting | 89% | $41,764 | 19% |
| 49 | The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX Public · 2 feeder programs | 117 | Fine/Studio Arts, General | 54% | — | 80% |
| 50 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IA Public · 1 feeder programs | 117 | Art/Art Studies, General | 75% | — | 84% |
What fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators earn
What people already working in this job earn (BLS OEWS May 2025). Not graduate earnings.
Top-paying states
Top-paying metro areas
Job outlook
Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections, 2024 to 2034.
Where the jobs are, state by state
Pick a state for in-state pay, the schools there, and the programs they run.
| State | Median pay | Jobs | Concentration | Schools | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $58,240 | 2,560 | 1.94× | 183 | 8,129 |
| Arizona | $56,160 | 110 | 0.46× | 25 | 5,160 |
| New York | $78,870 | 1,400 | 2.00× | 96 | 2,851 |
| Texas | $49,650 | 700 | 0.69× | 73 | 2,073 |
| Illinois | $53,850 | — | — | 65 | 1,635 |
| Florida | $50,360 | 1,010 | 1.40× | 27 | 1,318 |
| Georgia | $65,010 | 350 | 0.98× | 32 | 1,007 |
| Pennsylvania | $54,270 | — | — | 70 | 969 |
| New Jersey | — | 310 | 1.01× | 37 | 958 |
| Virginia | $47,930 | 230 | 0.77× | 39 | 914 |
| Massachusetts | — | 140 | 0.53× | 48 | 806 |
| Ohio | $31,780 | 510 | 1.26× | 45 | 791 |
| Michigan | $38,650 | 220 | 0.68× | 45 | 751 |
| North Carolina | — | 390 | 1.08× | 37 | 701 |
| Maryland | $66,180 | 80 | 0.41× | 23 | 657 |
| Tennessee | $30,720 | 100 | 0.42× | 33 | 562 |
| Colorado | $51,910 | 250 | 1.22× | 20 | 498 |
| Indiana | — | 210 | 0.89× | 35 | 492 |
| Wisconsin | $53,350 | 100 | 0.46× | 24 | 492 |
| Missouri | $49,820 | 110 | 0.52× | 27 | 462 |
| Connecticut | $71,210 | 100 | 0.84× | 16 | 385 |
| Washington | $72,430 | 350 | 1.38× | 15 | 381 |
| Oregon | $98,540 | — | — | 15 | 374 |
| Louisiana | $40,700 | — | — | 15 | 352 |
| Kentucky | $48,050 | 60 | 0.41× | 21 | 349 |
| Minnesota | $61,730 | — | — | 38 | 344 |
| South Carolina | — | 160 | 0.98× | 25 | 321 |
| Utah | $57,270 | 80 | 0.68× | 8 | 321 |
| Oklahoma | $47,830 | 60 | 0.49× | 18 | 309 |
| Kansas | $25,830 | 40 | 0.40× | 19 | 237 |
| New Mexico | $63,090 | 70 | 1.04× | 12 | 210 |
| Arkansas | $32,340 | 40 | 0.38× | 19 | 205 |
| Nevadamoderate | $81,630 | 160 | 1.40× | 4 | 171 |
| Maine | $46,170 | — | — | 12 | 155 |
| Nebraska | $39,800 | 40 | 0.52× | 14 | 154 |
| Montana | — | 50 | 1.39× | 8 | 121 |
Skills and tools
From O*NET, the U.S. Department of Labor's occupational database. Importance is a 1 to 5 scale.
What they do day to day
- Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
- Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.
- Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.
- Maintain portfolios of artistic work to demonstrate styles, interests, and abilities.
- Market artwork through brochures, mailings, or Web sites.
- Study different techniques to learn how to apply them to artistic endeavors.
- Monitor events, trends, and other circumstances, research specific subject areas, attend art exhibitions, and read art publications to develop ideas and keep current on art world activities.
- Photograph objects, places, or scenes for reference material.
Skills
- Critical Thinking3.3
- Active Learning3.3
- Active Listening3.1
- Reading Comprehension3.0
- Speaking3.0
- Writing2.9
- Monitoring2.8
- Learning Strategies2.4
Knowledge areas
- Design4.3
- Computers and Electronics4.2
- English Language3.9
- Production and Processing3.6
- Fine Arts3.5
- Education and Training3.4
Abilities
- Originality4.4
- Fluency of Ideas4.0
- Visualization4.0
- Visual Color Discrimination3.8
- Arm-Hand Steadiness3.8
- Near Vision3.6
Core activities
- Thinking Creatively4.8
- Getting Information3.9
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.7
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.6
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.6
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.5
Tools and technology
hotmarks an O*NET hot technologyHow to get in
How to become a Fine Artist
Job zone 3 of 5 · SVP 6.0 to < 7.0- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Every major mapped to this job
The official federal mapping behind the rankings above.
All 12 majors mapped to Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators12 of them graduated someone in the latest IPEDS year. NCES CIP 2020 → SOC 2018 crosswalk.+
- 50.0101Visual and Performing Arts, General
- 50.0701Art/Art Studies, General
- 50.0702Fine/Studio Arts, General
- 50.0705Drawing
- 50.0706Intermedia/Multimedia
- 50.0708Painting
- 50.0709Sculpture
- 50.0710Printmaking
- 50.0711Ceramic Arts and Ceramics
- 50.0799Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other
- 50.1101Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art
- 51.2703Medical Illustration/Medical Illustrator
Related careers
Jobs O*NET identifies as close to this one, with their own pay and outlook.
Common questions
What degree do you need to become a Fine Artist?+
Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education BLS reports for this occupation. The most common program people actually graduate from is Art/Art Studies, General, which awarded 19,283 degrees in 2024-25, 51.2% of everyone graduating from a program that feeds this career.
Which college majors lead to becoming a Fine Artist?+
The NCES CIP-to-SOC crosswalk maps 12 programs to this occupation. The largest are Fine and Studio Arts, Visual and Performing Arts, Medical Illustration and Informatics, Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art. Together they graduate about 37,662 people a year.
How much do fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators earn?+
The median is $55,490 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025). The middle range runs from $31,630 at the 10th percentile to $144,210 at the 90th. This is pay for people already working in the occupation, not the same thing as graduate earnings one year after finishing a degree.
Is demand for fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators growing?+
BLS projects a -1.2% change in employment between 2024 and 2034, decline, with roughly 2,200 openings a year nationally once retirements and job changes are counted.
How many schools offer programs for this career?+
1,386 institutions reported graduates from at least one of the 12 programs that feed this occupation in IPEDS 2024-25. Rankings on this page use graduates per year, because the federal data publishes no enrollment count by program.
What other job titles do fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators work under?+
Employers advertise this work under many names. O*NET records Artist, Painter, Sculptor, Fine Artist among the most commonly reported, all mapping to SOC 27-1013.
About the data on this page
Rankings use IPEDS completions 2024-25, degrees awarded per year. That is the closest federal measure of how many people a program puts into a career, because no federal dataset publishes enrollment by program. Wages and employment come from BLS OEWS May 2025, growth and openings from BLS Employment Projections 2024-34, and which majors lead to which jobs from the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. Occupation descriptions, tasks, skills and tools are O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor/ETA).
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics
May 2025Wages, employment counts, location quotients and metro breakdowns.
BLS Employment Projections
2024–34Projected growth, annual openings and typical entry-level education.
IPEDS Completions
2024-25 (provisional)Graduates per year by program and institution — the ranking metric.
College Scorecard, Field of Study
2020-21 cohortsMedian graduate earnings one year after completion, and median debt.
Census Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes
latest availableGraduate earnings 1/5/10 years out, where the state participates.
NCES CIP 2020 and the CIP-to-SOC 2018 crosswalk
CIP 2020 / SOC 2018Which college programs officially lead to this occupation.
O*NET Database 30.3
30.3Tasks, skills, knowledge, tools, job zone and alternate job titles.
Official source →CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor / ETA
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