Best institutions to study Painting
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by the application of paints and related chemical color substances to canvases or other materials.
52 U.S. institutions graduated 638 Painting students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 50.0708, a specialization of Fine and Studio Arts (CIP 50.07), and leads most directly to the Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators occupation (BLS SOC 27-1013).
About Painting programs
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by the application of paints and related chemical color substances to canvases or other materials. Includes instruction in color and color mixing, surface preparation, composition, oil and acrylic media, watercolor media, painting techniques, and personal style development.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Painting program, part of the Fine and Studio Arts field, prepares individuals to express their emotions and ideas through the art of painting. Students learn to apply various paints and chemical color substances to canvases and other materials, fostering both creative and technical skills essential for artistic expression.
Core coursework includes instruction in color mixing, surface preparation, composition, and various painting techniques. Students also develop their personal style while gaining skills in critical thinking, active learning, and effective communication.
Credentials awarded
What Painting graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree481 graduates / yr · 46 institutions75%
- Master's degree145 graduates / yr · 9 institutions23%
- Associate's degree8 graduates / yr · 1 institution1.3%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year3 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.5%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
Graduates over time
Painting completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 957 |
| 2013 | 992 |
| 2014 | 947 |
| 2015 | 910 |
| 2016 | 817 |
| 2017 | 778 |
| 2018 | 774 |
| 2019 | 715 |
| 2020 | 725 |
| 2021 | 631 |
| 2022 | 636 |
| 2023 | 637 |
| 2024 | 592 |
| 2025 | 638 |
Top 50 institutions for Painting, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, GAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 92 | 69% | $44,902 | $20,643 |
| 2 | Pratt Institute - Main Brooklyn, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 73 | 74% | $49,088 | $18,451 |
| 3 | Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 52 | 89% | $41,764 | $16,510 |
| 4 | Maryland Institute College of Art Baltimore, MDPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 45 | 72% | $37,659 | $21,138 |
| 5 | New York Academy of Art New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 44 | — | — | — |
| 6 | Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VAPublicBachelor's | 27 | 63% | — | $21,916 |
| 7 | Kansas City Art Institute Kansas City, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 26 | 58% | $29,039 | $22,906 |
| 8 | Temple University Philadelphia, PAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 25 | 75% | — | $22,108 |
| 9 | SUNY at Purchase College Purchase, NYPublicBachelor's | 23 | 63% | — | $14,984 |
| 10 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 22 | 89% | $21,956 | $17,374 |
| 11 | University of Houston Houston, TXPublicBachelor's | 22 | 65% | — | $26,482 |
| 12 | Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 16 | 58% | $44,184 | $10,780 |
| 13 | Maine College of Art & Design Portland, MEPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 14 | 52% | $34,336 | $24,555 |
| 14 | State University of New York at New Paltz New Paltz, NYPublicBachelor's | 14 | 72% | — | $18,842 |
| 15 | Massachusetts College of Art and Design Boston, MAPublicBachelor's | 13 | 69% | — | $21,461 |
| 16 | Escuela de Artes Plasticas y Diseno de Puerto Rico San Juan, PRPublicBachelor's | 11 | 45% | — | $7,453 |
| 17 | California College of the Arts San Francisco, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 9 | 61% | $40,041 | $17,690 |
| 18 | Minneapolis College of Art and Design Minneapolis, MNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 9 | 51% | $24,998 | $14,829 |
| 19 | University of Hartford West Hartford, CTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 54% | $28,311 | $25,465 |
| 20 | Cranbrook Academy of Art Bloomfield Hills, MIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 6 | — | — | — |
| 21 | Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 86% | $25,823 | — |
| 22 | Dine College Tsaile, AZPublicBachelor's | 5 | 13% | — | — |
| 23 | Montserrat College of Art Beverly, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 53% | $34,176 | $21,543 |
| 24 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicMaster's | 5 | 65% | — | $29,053 |
| 25 | Salem State University Salem, MAPublicBachelor's | 4 | 50% | — | $26,180 |
| 26 | Mississippi Christian University Clinton, MSPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 59% | $21,096 | — |
| 27 | Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 94% | $14,126 | — |
| 28 | Alfred University Alfred, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 4 | 57% | $22,481 | $22,912 |
| 29 | Art Academy of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 41% | $39,344 | $13,252 |
| 30 | Cleveland Institute of Art Cleveland, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 58% | $31,870 | $18,839 |
| 31 | Arcadia University Glenside, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 67% | $23,796 | $22,389 |
| 32 | University of Dallas Irving, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 73% | $20,960 | — |
| 33 | University of Southern Maine Portland, MEPublicBachelor's | 3 | 40% | — | $21,058 |
| 34 | Columbia College Columbia, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 42% | $23,247 | — |
| 35 | College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 64% | $8,360 | — |
| 36 | SUNY at Fredonia Fredonia, NYPublicBachelor's | 3 | 50% | — | — |
| 37 | Pacific Northwest College of Art Portland, ORPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 29% | $40,553 | $25,906 |
| 38 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - San German San German, PRPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 43% | $10,477 | — |
| 39 | University of Miami Coral Gables, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 84% | $26,589 | — |
| 40 | Drake University Des Moines, IAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 74% | $28,855 | — |
| 41 | University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth North Dartmouth, MAPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 2 | 52% | — | $23,214 |
| 42 | South Dakota State University Brookings, SDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 62% | — | — |
| 43 | Lewis University Romeoville, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 67% | $17,632 | — |
| 44 | Franklin College Franklin, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 60% | $22,055 | — |
| 45 | Saint Ambrose University Davenport, IAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 61% | $21,680 | — |
| 46 | Ferris State University Big Rapids, MIPublicBachelor's | 1 | 47% | — | $24,540 |
| 47 | Daemen University Amherst, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 59% | $16,826 | — |
| 48 | SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, NYPublicBachelor's | 1 | 33% | — | $24,041 |
| 49 | Rhode Island College Providence, RIPublicBachelor's | 1 | 48% | — | $28,241 |
| 50 | Technical College of the Lowcountry Beaufort, SCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 18% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Fine and Studio Arts field (CIP 50.07) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 27 states & territories
Where Painting graduates come from. Each state links to all Fine and Studio Arts programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-1013, Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Painting program can pursue careers as fine artists, art teachers, or special effects artists. While the job outlook shows a slight decline of -1.2%, there are approximately 2,200 annual openings in related fields, with a median wage of $60,560 for positions typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 50.0708
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustratorsprimary SOC 27-1013 | $55,490 | -1.2% Decline | ~2,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1121 | $78,620 | +1.7% Little or no change | ~9,000 | Master's degree |
Special Effects Artists and Animators SOC 27-1014 | $102,030 | +1.6% Little or no change | ~5,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Craft Artists SOC 27-1012 | $46,080 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~1,000 | No formal educational credential |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- 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.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Painting programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- 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.
Tools and technology used
Other Fine and Studio Arts specializations
The 12 other 6-digit CIP codes under Fine and Studio Arts (CIP 50.07).
- Art/CIP 50.0701
Art Studies 19,283 graduates / yr717 institutions - Fine/CIP 50.0702
Studio Arts 11,751 graduates / yr637 institutions - Art HistoryCIP 50.07033,195 graduates / yr356 institutions
- Intermedia/CIP 50.0706
Multimedia 797 graduates / yr39 institutions - Fine Arts and Art StudiesCIP 50.0799771 graduates / yr69 institutions
- Jewelry ArtsCIP 50.0713725 graduates / yr20 institutions
- DrawingCIP 50.0705368 graduates / yr33 institutions
- SculptureCIP 50.0709230 graduates / yr38 institutions
- Ceramic Arts and CeramicsCIP 50.0711172 graduates / yr44 institutions
- PrintmakingCIP 50.0710165 graduates / yr31 institutions
- FiberCIP 50.0712100 graduates / yr10 institutions
- Metal ArtsCIP 50.0714partial data6 graduates / yr3 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Painting?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Associate's degree, or a short-term award.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active learning, and various painting techniques.
What careers can I pursue with a Painting degree?+
You can work as a fine artist, art teacher, or special effects artist, among other roles.
What is the job outlook for Painting graduates?+
The job outlook shows a slight decline, but there are about 2,200 annual openings in related fields.
What is the CIP code for Painting?+
Painting is CIP 50.0708 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Fine and Studio Arts (CIP 50.07). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by the application of paints and related chemical color substances to canvases or other materials. Includes instruction in color and color mixing, surface preparation, composition, oil and acrylic media, watercolor media, painting techniques, and personal style development.
How many institutions offer Painting programs?+
52 U.S. institutions reported Painting graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 27 states & territories, awarding 638 credentials in the year. That is 1.7% of all Fine and Studio Arts graduates.
How much do Painting graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators occupation, which Painting most directly leads to, pays a median of $55,490 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Fine and Studio Arts field report median earnings of $21,916 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card