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2025 Best Fine & Studio Arts Schools in the Southeast Region

106 Colleges in the Southeast Region
6,112 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$26,338 Avg Early-Career Salary
Fine & Studio Arts is of the hottest degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #31 most popular major in the country. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

In 2025, College Factual analyzed 106 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Fine & Studio Arts Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 6,112 degrees in fine & studio arts annually.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Fine & Studio Arts School

Best Fine & Studio Arts Schools in the Southeast Region Your choice of fine & studio arts school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. We derive our Best Overall Fine & Studio Arts School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Fine & Studio Arts Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Fine Arts
Bachelor's Degrees in Fine Arts
Master's Degrees in Fine Arts
Doctor's Degrees in Fine Arts

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best Fine & Studio Arts Schools in the Southeast Region list, to help you choose the best school for you. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Fine & Studio Arts in the Southeast Region

The schools below may not offer all types of fine arts degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

21 Top Southeast Region Schools in Fine Arts

1
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In TN
29.2% Growth in Graduates

It is difficult to beat Vanderbilt University if you wish to pursue a degree in fine & studio arts. Vanderbilt is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Nashville. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were approximately 24 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from Vanderbilt University

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
142 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$32,371 Median Starting Salary

University of Georgia is a great option for students interested in a degree in fine & studio arts. Located in the midsize city of Athens, UGA is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were roughly 142 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the fine & studio arts program at University of Georgia get $6,033 above the average college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from University of Georgia

3
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
166 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
10.2% Growth in Graduates

Any student who is interested in fine & studio arts has to look into Florida State University. Located in the midsize city of Tallahassee, Florida State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #117 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Florida State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 166 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the fine arts program state that they receive average early career wages of $27,366.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from Florida State University

4
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
122 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$26,614 Median Starting Salary

University of Florida is a great decision for students pursuing a degree in fine & studio arts. Located in the city of Gainesville, UF is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #56 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were approximately 122 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the fine arts program make about $26,614 for their early career.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from University of Florida

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
161 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$24,383 Median Starting Salary

SCAD is a large private not-for-profit college located in the midsize city of Savannah.

There were roughly 161 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at SCAD in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, fine arts degree recipients generally make an average of $24,383 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from Savannah College of Art and Design

6
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
122 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$33,501 Median Starting Salary

JMU is a very large public university located in the city of Harrisonburg. A Best Colleges rank of #141 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means JMU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 122 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent data year. Those fine & studio arts students who get their degree from James Madison University make $7,163 more than the standard fine arts student.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from James Madison University

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
48 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$27,467 Median Starting Salary

UofSC is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of Columbia. A Best Colleges rank of #99 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UofSC is a great university overall.

There were about 48 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the fine arts program report average early career wages of $27,467.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from University of South Carolina - Columbia

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
42 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$24,005 Median Starting Salary

UNC Chapel Hill is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Chapel Hill. A Best Colleges rank of #38 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were roughly 42 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the fine arts program report average early career earnings of $24,005.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

9
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
8th Most Popular In GA

Located in the city of Atlanta, Emory is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #31 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were about 27 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from Emory University

10
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
12th Most Popular In FL
20.0% Growth in Graduates

U Miami is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Coral Gables. A Best Colleges rank of #175 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means U Miami is a great university overall.

There were approximately 30 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from University of Miami

11
Belmont crest
Belmont University
Nashville, TN
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
8th Most Popular In TN

Belmont is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Nashville. This university ranks 3rd out of 41 schools for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 15 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at Belmont in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from Belmont University

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
75 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
5.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize suburb of Charlottesville, University of Virginia is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #35 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means University of Virginia is a great university overall.

There were approximately 75 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the fine arts program make about $23,372 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from University of Virginia - Main Campus

13
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
59 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$36,927 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is a public school with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #58 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Virginia Tech is a great school overall.

There were approximately 59 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the fine & studio arts degree program at Virginia Tech earn $10,589 above the average graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from Virginia Tech

14
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
57 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$21,836 Median Starting Salary

UA is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of Tuscaloosa. This university ranks 3rd out of 42 schools for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were approximately 57 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at UA in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients typically earn an average of $21,836 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from The University of Alabama

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
42 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$23,661 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Knoxville, UT Knoxville is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 41 schools for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 42 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at UT Knoxville in the most recent data year. After graduating, fine arts degree recipients usually make around $23,661 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

16
UARK crest
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
69 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$24,970 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Fayetteville, UARK is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 36 colleges for overall quality in the state of Arkansas.

There were about 69 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at UARK in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the fine arts program earn about $24,970 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from University of Arkansas

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
80 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$21,351 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Richmond, VCU is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 57 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 80 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at VCU in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the fine arts program make around $21,351 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from Virginia Commonwealth University

18
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
139 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$23,324 Median Starting Salary

UCF is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of Orlando. This university ranks 10th out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 139 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at UCF in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the fine arts program state that they receive average early career earnings of $23,324.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from University of Central Florida

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
103 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$24,818 Median Starting Salary

USF Tampa is a fairly large public university located in the city of Tampa. This university ranks 8th out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 103 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at USF Tampa in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the fine arts program earn around $24,818 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from University of South Florida - Main Campus

20
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
91 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
4.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Charlotte, UNC Charlotte is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were about 91 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at UNC Charlotte in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the fine arts program make an average of $25,855 for their early career.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from University of North Carolina at Charlotte

21
William & Mary crest
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$29,752 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small suburb of Williamsburg, William & Mary is a public school with a medium-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #103 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means William & Mary is a great school overall.

There were approximately 19 fine & studio arts students who graduated with this degree at William & Mary in the most recent data year. Fine & Studio Arts degree recipients from William & Mary receive an earnings boost of approximately $3,414 over the average earnings of fine & studio arts graduates.

More information about a degree in fine & studio arts from William & Mary

Rest of the Top Best Fine & Studio Arts Schools in the Southeast Region

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Fine & Studio Arts Schools in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
22 East Carolina University Greenville, NC
23 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA
24 Elon University Elon, NC
25 University of Louisville Louisville, KY
26 University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, AL
27 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC
28 North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC
29 University of Kentucky Lexington, KY
30 College of Charleston Charleston, SC
31 Furman University Greenville, SC
32 Georgia State University Atlanta, GA
33 Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA
34 Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN
35 Florida International University Miami, FL

Best Fine & Studio Arts Colleges by State

Explore the best fine & studio arts colleges for a specific state in the Southeast Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Georgia 287 945
Florida 282 1,339
North Carolina 279 707
Virginia 274 761
Tennessee 269 440
South Carolina 248 347
Kentucky 244 375
Louisiana 242 370
Mississippi 234 130
Arkansas 234 221
Alabama 233 377
West Virginia 207 119

View All Rankings >

Fine & Studio Arts is one of 10 different types of Visual & Performing Arts programs to choose from.

Fine Arts Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Art Studies 2,646
Fine Arts 2,147
Art History 515
Intermedia/Multimedia 342
Drawing 177
Painting 105
Other Fine Arts & Art Studies 68
Fiber, Textile & Weaving Arts 61
Jewelry Arts 35
Sculpture 16

View All Fine Arts Concentrations >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Design & Applied Arts 8,008
Music 5,431
Film, Video & Photographic Arts 3,857
Drama & Theater Arts 3,274
General Visual & Performing Arts 2,101
Arts & Media Management 1,830
Dance 544
Other Visual Art 204
Crafts, Folk Art & Artisanry 39
Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art 1

View All Fine Arts Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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