Online art degrees often combine flexible coursework with career-focused training that prepares graduates for roles in graphic design, digital media, animation, photography, fine arts, and related fields.
Read on for a list of some of the best online art programs based on factors like affordability, academic quality, and student outcomes.
Top Online Art Degrees
How to Choose the Best Online Art Program For You
While everyone has different priorities when it comes to choosing a school or program, considering the total value rather than focusing on a single factor — such as curriculum or tuition — can be a smart move. Here are some criteria to keep in mind:
Check the Total Program Cost, Not Just Tuition
College is an investment, and calculating what the entire program will cost — not just each credit — can help you find an option that best fits your budget.
Start with each school's net price calculator. Using information about your finances and household, the tool estimates what you may pay for one year after grants and scholarships.
You should also submit a FAFSA application with your preferred schools listed — you're not obligated to attend one of the schools you list.The ones you're accepted to will send you financial aid packages detailing your cost of attendance and the aid you qualify for.
When comparing offers, look at how much aid comes from grants and scholarships versus loans you'll have to repay. That can help you see which school will actually cost you less.
Verify Accreditation
Accreditation signals that a school meets U.S. Department of Education standards. Since many employers and graduate programs favor or require degrees from accredited institutions, it can directly affect your job prospects and your ability to continue your education. Attending an unaccredited school will also make you ineligible for federal financial aid.
You can check a school's accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) database.
Look for Opportunities to Build a Professional Portfolio
Building a strong professional portfolio that showcases your skills as an artist will be essential for applying to graduate programs, pursuing job opportunities, or displaying your work in galleries.
When comparing programs, look for opportunities to build your portfolio inside and outside the classroom, such as:
Coursework specifically designed around portfolio development
Real-world experience through client-based projects, internships, or collaborative work
Capstone projects meant to present your work professionally
If you're planning to freelance or sell your art, you may also want to look for a curriculum that includes how to market yourself and your work to reach potential clients.
Consider Flexibility and Course Format
When comparing online art programs, pay attention to course format. Online art programs typically fall into one of two formats: synchronous and asynchronous:
Synchronous courses run on a set schedule, with students attending real-time virtual classes with live instructors and classmates.
Asynchronous courses — like most courses at ASU Online — let you complete coursework on your own time within a given timeframe.
While both of these formats require discipline and good time-management, synchronous courses may be better suited to students who want or need more structure, while asynchronous courses may be best for self-motivated students or those with unpredictable or demanding schedules.
Check Available Art Specializations
A degree in digital photography from ASU Online will lead to a very different portfolio and career path than a BA in interdisciplinary studies from Vermont State.
As part of your research, look up the course catalog of any program you're considering and check whether it covers the areas that match your career goals. The programs featured on this page include some of the following course offerings:
Art history
Digital photography
Drawing and illustration
Digital media and storytelling
Museum studies
Graphic design
Web publishing and design
Game design and development
Digital painting
Arts management
Consider Faculty Experience and Industry Connections
Your professor can have a bigger impact on your education than you might imagine. This can be especially true in a creative field where industry connections and professional experience are highly valued.
As part of your research, read faculty bios on the school's website to see whether your professors maintain professional portfolios, publish work, or have been featured in industry publications. These can give you a sense of their professional background and whether their expertise aligns with the kind of work you want to do.
A professor who has carved out a career in a niche you're interested in — whether that's gallery curation or game design — could also become a valuable mentor and help you navigate a path you might not have considered on your own.
Check Technology and Creative Software Requirements
Depending on your area of specialization, online art programs may require you to invest in specific software like Adobe Creative Cloud, photo editing tools, or 3D modeling applications. If your program involves 3D modeling or animation, you'll also need a computer with enough RAM and a decent graphics card.
Some schools cover software costs as part of tuition or offer student discounts on software. Eligible ASU students, for example, can request free access to Adobe Creative Cloud. And SUNY Empire students can get academic software discounts that include Adobe Creative Cloud Student & Teacher Edition. If a school doesn't address software access upfront, it's worth asking the program directly before you commit.
Beyond software, check whether your program requires any specialized hardware such as a drawing tablet, a camera, or an external hard drive for large project files. These costs can add up quickly and should be accounted for in your budget.
How Much Does An Online 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 your residency status.
The table below shows estimated tuition and fees for a full degree at each school, excluding indirect expenses.
| School | In-state tuition + fees(total degree) | Out-of-state tuition + fees (total degree) |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont State | $38,784 | $38,784 |
| SUNY Empire | $30,592 | $70,232 |
| ASU | $67,472 | $67,472 |
Note: The figures above were calculated using each school's net price calculator and are based on specific personal and financial inputs. They will vary by person and do not account for potential tuition increases over time.
SUNY Empire's net price calculator does not include an option for online out-of-state students, so the estimate shown may be higher than what you would actually pay.
To get your own estimate, use your school's net price calculator or search for the school's name plus "net price calculator."
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Art Degrees
An art degree can open doors across a wide range of industries. Graduates go on to work as museum curators, art directors, independent designers, illustrators, and more. Some fields, like art therapy, may require additional graduate study, but an undergraduate degree gives you a strong foundation to build on and plenty of room to chart your own course.
