Best Online Art Degrees 2026
Affordablecollegesonline.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for Affordablecollegesonline.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
Online art degrees help creative students learn new skills and advance their careers. Many online enrollees work part time while pursuing their degree. Working while earning a degree lets learners build their resumes and earn a paycheck.
Most online art schools offer fully online classes. However, some programs include studio components in person. Online learners can complete these requirements locally.
This page lists the best online art degrees. Read on for answers to typical questions and to learn about common classes and potential careers for graduates.
Best Online Art Degrees
Arizona State University — Best Variety of Online Art Majors
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Offers a Multitude of Fully Online Bachelor's Degrees in Art, Including Art History, Design, and Photography
ASU Online offers a wide variety of art degrees that incorporate global and inclusive perspectives and career-focused preparation. Programs include digital photography, museum studies, art history, and other related fields. All eight majors emphasize diverse cultural viewpoints, hands-on learning, and critical thinking. By graduation, you'll leave with a professional portfolio, artist statement, and practical experience for careers in art, curation, design, and media.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $580
Out-of-State | $580
Why Students Choose ASU Online:
- Range of Art Disciplines: Choose from eight majors, including studio art, digital photography, museum studies, art history, interdisciplinary arts, and media arts.
- Global Perspectives: Explore diverse cultural viewpoints across all majors, such as Indigenous art, decolonizing museums, and global art history.
- Career-Ready Skills: Build a portfolio, artist statement, and project-based experience that prepare you for creative and academic careers.
Know Before You Enroll:
- To apply, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and meet ASU’s standard first-year admission criteria in math, English, science, and other core subjects.
- Admissions are moderately selective, with ASU Online admitting approximately 64% of applicants in the fall 2023 semester.
98%
$11,308
74%
$13,512
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 66,062
- Institution Type
- Public
Empire State University — Most Affordable Online Digital Media Arts Program
- Saratoga Springs, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Offers a Digital Media Arts Program at a Low Tuition Rate, No Matter Your State Residency
SUNY Empire offers an online BA and BS in digital media arts that prepare you for creative and technical careers in design and media production. With low tuition costs regardless of residency, you’ll develop practical skills in web design, digital storytelling, animation, game development, and multimedia while exploring the role of AI and ethics in digital creativity. The program culminates with a professional digital media project or portfolio tailored to your career goals.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $295
Out-of-State | $353
Why Students Choose SUNY Empire:
- Modern Relevancy: Learn both the artistic and social impact of digital design, including how AI shapes authorship and originality.
- Career-Focused Skills: Build hands-on experience in web design, digital storytelling, animation, game development, and multimedia production.
- Low Cost: Benefit from low tuition rates, no matter where you live.
Know Before You Enroll:
- You may be able to earn credit for prior learning or professional experience through SUNY Empire’s Individualized Credit for Prior Learning (iCPL) or Professional Learning Evaluation (PLE), though it comes with a $700 fee.
- SUNY Empire offers open admissions, meaning all applicants get accepted.
94%
$ 7,070
46%
$16,980
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 9,545
- Institution Type
- Public
Vermont State University — Best Art Degree for Interdisciplinary Learners
- Randolph, VT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This Superlative: Allows Students to Combine Art Studies With Other Subjects in One Flexible Program
Vermont State University's online BA in interdisciplinary studies lets you design your degree around your personal, academic, and career goals. Choose from focus areas such as cultural, gender, global, or human studies, or explore themes in the arts and STEM. You’ll gain practical experience through internships, community projects, or practicums, including local placements. Graduates pursue careers in education, health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and the arts.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $388
Out-of-State | $388
Why Students Choose Vermont State:
- Personalized Program: Work with an advisor to build a program that matches your interests across multiple disciplines, such as global studies, the arts, or STEM.
- Financial Support: Benefit from various forms of financial aid, including scholarships for out-of-state and international students and free tuition for eligible Vermont students.
- Practical Experience: Apply your studies through internships and community engagement.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Vermont residents with an adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less may qualify for the Free Tuition Guarantee.
- Vermont State admitted 83% of applicants in the fall of 2023.
- Some local placements may require in-person participation, but they also provide valuable career experience and skills.
44%
$ 9,984
67%
$19,992
- Acceptance Rate
- 83%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,136
- Institution Type
- Public
Why Get an Art Degree?
An art degree can help students turn their passion into a career. Many people find fulfillment in earning a living by using their creativity. The BLS projects about 84,900 openings each year for art and design occupations from 2024-2034, which is an average growth rate. Graduates with the best art degrees may stand out in a competitive job market.
Many schools offer art degrees online. An online format can help learners further their education around work and family responsibilities.
Career and Salary Outlook for Art Students
Online art schools prepare students for careers that align with their skills and passions. Graduates may pursue the jobs below after earning their online art degrees. Keep in mind that not every art program offers majors that correspond with these exact careers. Students can work with academic or career advisors to choose a professional path.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Art Directors | $111,040 | 4% |
| Fashion Designers | $80,690 | 2% |
| Craft and Fine Artists | $56,260 | 0% |
Source: BLS
How Much Does an Art Degree Cost?
Earning an online bachelor’s degree costs an average of $51,091, according to EducationData.org. However, art degree costs vary by school, program length, and learners’ residency status. Full-time students can earn a bachelor’s degree in four years. A master’s degree typically takes two years.
In-state learners pay an average of $38,496 for their degree. Out-of-state students pay $54,183. Online learners attending a private college spend $60,593. Degree-seekers exploring online art schools can research the most affordable programs without relocating.
Additional Online Student Fees
Students attending online art schools should plan for extra expenses, such as technology fees. These fees may cover online database subscriptions or tech support. Some schools also charge graduation fees.
Classes that require access to an art studio may cost more. Enrollees usually need to buy supplies like paintbrushes and high-quality paper. Online learners may need to pay fees to cover maintenance for things like photography darkrooms or soldering tools.
Courses in an Art Program
Nearly every creative program requires art foundation classes and specialty classes. Most classes include a combination of hands-on work and standardized tests. Advanced art classes require art critiques and portfolio reviews rather than essays and tests.
Students pursuing online art degrees often take the classes below. Keep in mind that classes vary by program. Degree-seekers can contact their prospective schools to learn about specific offerings.
Art History
This class covers popular art movements. Learners discover how ancient Romans created art through architecture and how the Renaissance further built upon the advancements. Coursework covers the impressionist movement and surrealism. Students also learn about postmodernism. The curriculum highlights artists like Picasso, Monet, and Michelangelo.Color Theory
Degree-seekers study how color interacts with art. Students practice mixing pigments to create different hues. Coursework also emphasizes how color impacts human emotions. Learners study how to use color to convey messages and evoke certain feelings.Drawing I
Students practice using lines and shapes in proportionally correct ways. They draw still-lifes using various shading techniques and mediums. The second half of the class usually focuses on drawing the human figure. The class ends with a portfolio review, which should demonstrate a skill progression.
Frequently Asked Questions About Art Degrees
Online art degrees prepare students to work as independent artists who take commissions. Graduates can also work in the business or education fields as creative directors or professors.
Common art majors include art education, graphic design, photography, and illustration. Some art programs offer concentrations in pottery or graphic design.
Art directors earn a median annual salary of $111,040, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Special effects artists earn $99,800. These figures surpass the $49,500 median annual salary for all occupations.
Related articles that may interest you
Best Affordable Online Associate Degrees 2025
Affordable online associate degrees prepare you for entry-level careers and further studies. Popular degree choices include business, nursing, and more.
Updated October 30, 2025
Accelerated Online Associate Degree Programs
Looking to finish a degree quickly and start your career? Learn more about earning your accelerated associate’s degree online.
by Reese Lopez
Updated October 24, 2025
Most Affordable Online Colleges 2026
Discover the top 10 most affordable online colleges for earning your degree, with rankings based on factors like program options and student-to-faculty ratio.
Updated January 7, 2026