Best Art Colleges in Alabama
Table of Contents
If you’ve got a passion for painting, a knack for design, or an eye for photography — Alabama has a place just for you. From Huntingdon College’s small, supportive classes in Montgomery to the University of Montevallo’s popular studio art programs, and from Jacksonville State’s hands-on design tracks to bigger schools like the University of Alabama and Auburn University, Alabama has some great options for future artists. These colleges offer the right mix of creativity, helpful professors, and real-world experience — so you can build your skills, your portfolio, and your future. Let’s check out the best art colleges in Alabama that are helping students turn their passion into a career.
Huntingdon College
Huntingdon College, located in Montgomery, Alabama, this private liberal arts institution has been shaping creative minds since 1854. While the college offers a range of programs, its Department of Art stands out for providing a Bachelor of Arts in Art with concentrations in Studio Art and Art History.
With a student body of just under 900 undergraduates, Huntingdon offers personalized instruction, small class sizes, and a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, creating a learning environment that nurtures creativity. The college also hosts on-campus art exhibitions, encourages community involvement, and promotes art-based service learning. Following are the key details of Huntingdon College:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Montgomery, Alabama |
| Established | 1854 |
| Institution Type | Private Liberal Arts College |
| Student Enrollment | ~866 undergraduate students (Fall 2023) |
| Art Programs Offered | Bachelor of Arts in Art – Concentrations in Studio Art and Art History |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 13:1 |
| Tuition & Fees (2025) | ~$28,650/year (excluding housing); scholarships and aid available |
| Acceptance Rate | ~54% (moderately selective) |
| Graduation Rate | ~58% (within 6 years, varies by program) |
| Campus Life | Art clubs, on-campus galleries, service learning, creative internships |
| Facilities | Art studios, digital media labs, gallery spaces |
Top Universities and Colleges in Alabama
University of Montevallo
As the state’s only public liberal arts university, Montevallo delivers a uniquely personalized and enriching experience — especially for those pursuing the arts. Located in Montevallo, Alabama, the university has built a reputation for blending small-class intimacy with broad academic offerings since its founding in 1896.
The Department of Art at Montevallo provides Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees with multiple concentrations, including ceramics, painting, graphic design, drawing, photography, and printmaking. The campus itself is known for its picturesque 160-acre setting, and the Center for the Arts offers a stunning, modern venue for exhibitions and collaboration. Following are the key details of University of Montevallo:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Montevallo, Alabama |
| Established | 1896 |
| Institution Type | Public Liberal Arts University |
| Student Enrollment | ~2,600 students |
| Art Programs Offered | BFA and BA in Art – Concentrations in Ceramics, Painting, Graphic Design, Drawing, Photography, Printmaking |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 14:1 |
| Tuition & Fees (2025) | In-state: ~$16,000/year; Out-of-state: ~$30,000/year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~55% (moderately selective) |
| Graduation Rate | ~52% (within 6 years, varies by program) |
Jacksonville State University
If you’re looking for an affordable, supportive, and skill-focused art school in Alabama, Jacksonville State University (JSU) might be your perfect fit. Its Department of Art and Design offers both Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees with concentrations in ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, and printmaking.
JSU’s facilities include modern studios and galleries, and the university supports opportunities for internships, on-campus exhibitions, and art club participation. With a student population of around 9,000, JSU provides a campus that’s lively yet approachable, giving art students space to explore, connect, and build a strong portfolio. Below are the key details of Jacksonville State University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Jacksonville, Alabama |
| Established | 1883 |
| Institution Type | Public University |
| Student Enrollment | ~9,000 students |
| Art Programs Offered | Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art – Concentrations in Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Graphic Design, Printmaking |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 18:1 |
| Tuition & Fees (2025) | In-state: ~$11,000/year; Out-of-state: ~$20,000/year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~64% (moderately accessible) |
| Graduation Rate | ~45% (6-year average) |
University of Alabama
University of Alabama (UA) Located in Tuscaloosa, this flagship public research university, founded in 1831, is not only known for its spirited athletics but also for its dynamic and diverse Department of Art and Art History. UA offers both Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees, as well as a highly regarded Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art.
With areas of study including graphic design, digital media, ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and art history, students have access to a full spectrum of disciplines and are encouraged to explore their creative voice in depth. Following are the key details of University of Alabama (UA):
| Category | Details |
| Location | Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
| Established | 1831 |
| Institution Type | Public Research University |
| Student Enrollment | ~38,000 students |
| Art Programs Offered | BA and BFA in Art; MFA in Studio Art – Areas in Ceramics, Painting, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Drawing, Photography, Sculpture, Printmaking, Art History |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 20:1 |
| Tuition & Fees (2025) | In-state: ~$11,000/year; Out-of-state: ~$30,000/year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~80% (broad access, competitive programs) |
| Graduation Rate | ~72% (6-year average) |
| Campus Life | Dozens of art orgs, student-led exhibitions, campus galleries, cultural festivals |
| Facilities | Woods Hall, Sella-Granata Art Gallery, sculpture studios, design labs, digital print centers |
Auburn University
Auburn University, located in Auburn, Alabama, this public research university has been shaping the South’s intellectual and cultural landscape since 1856. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art, or even take their craft further with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art.
With specialties like graphic design, animation, printmaking, painting, and photography, the program is built to help students find their voice and their professional footing. With a student population of around 30,000, Auburn maintains a personalized approach to instruction, thanks to studio-based learning and faculty mentorship. Following are the key details of Auburn University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Auburn, Alabama |
| Established | 1856 |
| Institution Type | Public Research University |
| Student Enrollment | ~30,000 students |
| Art Programs Offered | BA and BFA in Art; MFA in Studio Art – Includes Graphic Design, Animation, Printmaking, Drawing, Sculpture, Painting, Photography |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 19:1 |
| Tuition & Fees (2025) | In-state: ~$11,500/year; Out-of-state: ~$31,000/year |
| Acceptance Rate | ~71% |
| Graduation Rate | ~81% (6-year average) |
| Campus Life | Student-run galleries, competitive exhibitions, visiting artist lectures, art & design orgs |
| Facilities | Biggin Hall (studio spaces), digital labs, printmaking shops, photo darkrooms, 3D workshops |
Conclusion
Choosing the right art college isn’t just about rankings — it’s about finding the space that lets your creativity shine. Whether you’re craving the personal touch of a small college like Huntingdon, the well-rounded liberal arts setting of Montevallo, or the expansive resources at Alabama’s big-name universities, this state offers a rich canvas to start your artistic journey. No matter your medium — graphic design, ceramics, illustration, animation, or mixed media — Alabama’s top art colleges are ready to help you turn your passion into purpose. Ready to make your mark? Start exploring, start creating, and start shaping your future today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for art programs at Alabama universities?
Following are the admission requirements for art courses at top Alabama universities:
- University of Alabama (UA): UA employs a holistic admissions process, considering factors like high school GPA, performance in core subjects, academic honors, and standardized test scores (optional through Fall 2025).
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB): Admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program requires a portfolio review by the Department of Art and Art History's BFA committee.
- University of North Alabama (UNA): Unconditional admission requires a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 and completion of specific high school courses, including English, mathematics, and sciences
Are there scholarships available for art students in Alabama?
Below are the various scholarships at top art schools in Alabama for students:
- University of Alabama (UA): The Department of Art & Art History offers scholarships to declared art majors who have completed at least 3 art credit hours at UA, with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and a 3.0 GPA in art courses.
- University of North Alabama (UNA): The Art Department provides five endowed scholarships exclusively for art majors or BFA candidates, funded by friends and patrons of the department.
- Auburn University: The College of Liberal Arts offers scholarships such as the Arthur Brooke Turk Scholarship for students majoring in Studio Art or Art History, requiring a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and demonstrated financial need.
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB): The Department of Art and Art History provides several scholarships, including the Incoming Freshman Scholarship and the Dr. Ellen Shizuko Takahashi Endowed Support Fund.
Do I need to submit a portfolio for admission to art programs in top universities in Alabama?
Yes, admission to the BFA program requires a portfolio review. Students aiming for the BFA in Graphic Design must undergo a sophomore review after completing specific courses.
What types of art degrees are offered in Alabama universities?
Following are the various degrees offered by top art universities in Alabama:
- Athens State University: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts with concentrations in Graphic Design or Studio Art, along with minors in Graphic Design, Studio Art, and Art History.
- Alabama A&M University: Provides a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts with concentrations in Graphic Design or Studio Art, and minors in Graphic Design, Studio Art, and Art History.
What are the top art colleges in Alabama?
Alabama has several esteemed institutions for art studies, including:
- University of Montevallo: Offers BFA and BA degrees with concentrations in ceramics, painting, graphic design, drawing, photography, and printmaking.
- University of Alabama: Provides BA and BFA degrees, as well as an MFA in Studio Art, with areas of study such as graphic design, digital media, ceramics, and more.
- Auburn University: Offers BA and BFA degrees in Art, including specialties like graphic design, animation, printmaking, painting, and photography.
- Jacksonville State University: Provides BA and BFA degrees with concentrations in ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, and printmaking.
- Huntingdon College: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art with concentrations in Studio Art and Art History.
