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5 Best Art Schools in Phoenix That Will Shape the Artist You Want to Become
Looking for the best place to develop your artistic talents in the Valley of the Sun? Finding the best art school in Phoenix comes down to your goals, whether you’re exploring art as a creative hobby or pursuing a degree in the visual arts.
With so many programs, teaching styles, and specializations to choose from, narrowing down your options can feel overwhelming at first. To help you get started, I’ve rounded up the best art schools in Phoenix and what makes each one stand out.
Many students also enjoy complementing their creative education with other interests, like taking martial arts classes to improve discipline and focus or seeking local counseling services to help manage the demands of school and everyday life.
How much does attending an art school cost in Phoenix?
The cost of attending art school in Phoenix typically ranges from $25 per casual class up to $12,000 annually for a public university degree.
| Program Type | Average Cost |
| Public Universities (In-State) | $11,000 – $12,000 annually |
| Community Colleges (Associate Degree) | $5,774 total program |
| Private For-Profit Degrees | $9,312 annually |
| Non-Degree Studio Courses | $25 – $40 per class |
1. Phoenix College
Website:https://www.phoenixcollege.edu/degrees-certificates/fine-arts
Address: 1202 W Thomas Road
Contact: 602-285-7777
Hours:
Spring/Fall:
- Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Summer:
- Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
College can feel intimidating at first, especially if you’re planning to transfer to a four-year university later on.
Fortunately, Phoenix College makes that transition much easier with its Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA), which is designed to cover the first 2 years of a bachelor’s degree.
On top of that, students can follow dedicated studio transfer pathways that help prepare them for competitive art programs.
I actually spoke with a former student who loved having the chance to explore painting, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and sculpture before deciding where to focus.
The administrative side, however, isn’t always as smooth. Some students have found it difficult to get timely responses from faculty and advisors, making simple questions take longer to resolve.
The school also relies heavily on online instruction and adjunct faculty, so the classroom experience may vary depending on who’s teaching.
Customer Reviews:
Found the quality of instruction to be excellent
I’ve studied various subjects here over there years and have found the quality of instruction to be excellent. Would highly recommend! Also, many of the students are older so don’t be afraid to go back if you are in that demographic. (:
- Katherine Layden | Google Review
Great and caring staff and faculty
Phoenix College is amazing. It is the epitome of what a Community College should be. Great and caring staff and faculty. The campus is gorgeous and in a very convenient location. You won’t regret learning and growing here.
- Maria Rodriquez | Google Review
2. Arizona State University
Website:https://asuonline.asu.edu/online-degree-programs/undergraduate/art-studies-bachelors/
Address: 411 N. Central Ave
Contact: 480-965-7788
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
A traditional art degree doesn’t always fit into a busy schedule, and that’s where Arizona State University’s fully online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art Studies stands out.
It’s an excellent option for students balancing work, family, or other commitments while continuing their education.
Rather than focusing on a single studio discipline, the program introduces you to a wide range of artistic fields, including painting, animation, printmaking, and photography.
Students also benefit from the resources of the prestigious Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, with opportunities for research, internships, and global learning experiences.
But because this is a Bachelor of Arts rather than a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), the curriculum isn’t as studio-intensive as a traditional fine arts program.
And as part of a large university, some students have found that administrative support and transfer-related questions can take longer than expected to resolve.
Customer Reviews:
A vibrant urban feel to it
ASU had several campuses around the Valley. Each is unique, all are beautiful. The Downtown Campus is nestled in the heart of Phoenix. There’s a wide array of restaurants, shops, theaters, concert halls, sports arenas, art galleries, parks and activities within walking distance of the campus. The campus itself integrated into downtown Phoenix, the buildings are scattered around, intermingled with the businesses. The Downtown Campus has a vibrant urban feel to it.
- M Eye | Google Review
Beyond my expectations, proud to be a part of it
I’ve done an online degree program before where I was responsible for my own experience and success. At ASU, support is so accessible to online students that you can get help making any and every decision about your studies. Including 24/7 therapy or tutor/research assistance or how to handle personal finances, etc.! I also feel like they’re making an effort to include online students in the school culture with online organizations and events. It’s beyond my expectations, proud to be a part of it!
- Isabel Giraldo | Google Review
3. Paradise Valley Community College
Website:https://www.paradisevalley.edu/
Address: 18401 N. 32nd St
Contact: 602-787-7000
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
If you’re hoping to save money before transferring to a 4-year university, Paradise Valley Community College is a smart place to begin.
The Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA) provides a clear transfer pathway for students planning to earn a bachelor’s degree, while the Visual and Performing Arts program builds a strong foundation across multiple creative disciplines.
Along the way, students develop creative problem-solving skills that can serve them well in both artistic and professional careers.
My younger sibling actually started their art journey here and really appreciated the hands-on experience in ceramics, metals, photography, and traditional drawing.
The biggest drawback is simply the nature of the program itself. Since it’s an associate degree, you’ll complete only the first 2 years of your undergraduate education before transferring elsewhere.
That means you’ll eventually need to navigate the transfer process and adjust to a new campus to finish your bachelor’s degree.
Customer Reviews:
This school has taught me many life skills
Counseling Services, Student Life, Instructors, Janitors, President, and other staff members help make PVCC a great learning environment for all. This school has taught me many life skills. For example, how to advocate for myself and for patients.
- Maria Leon Pena | Google Review
Clean and good quality all around
I’ve only experienced the outdoor recreational areas. Enjoy well lit tennis and basketball courts, and a cushioned quarter mile track. Clean and good quality all around. Also, every time, I have seen either a campus security guard or a police officer patrolling. Feels safe even at night. The rest of the campus looks modern and well landscaped but I haven’t attended as a student.
- Prime | Google Review
4. GateWay Community College
Website:https://www.gatewaycc.edu/degrees-certificates/fine-arts
Address: 555 N. 18th St
Contact: 602-286-8000
Hours:
- Fall/Spring: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Summer: Monday – Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
For students looking to stretch their education budget, Gateway Community College offers an affordable way to begin an art degree.
Their Fine Arts program is designed to prepare you for careers in fields like education, graphic design, museums, and galleries while also creating a smooth pathway to a 4-year university.
What I like about them is that their class schedules are very accessible to busy students. On top of that, this center provides a wide range of support services, from tutoring and advising to mental health.
Just keep in mind that students must eventually transfer to another institution to complete a bachelor’s degree. Planning that next step in advance can make the transition much easier, especially for those pursuing a BFA.
5. South Mountain Community College
Website:https://www.southmountaincc.edu/degrees-certificates/fine-arts
Address: 7050 South 24th St
Contact: 602-243-8000
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
A quality art education doesn’t have to come with a hefty tuition bill, and South Mountain Community College proves it.
The college’s Fine Arts program offers an affordable pathway into careers in graphic design, museum studies, and education while helping students build a strong creative foundation.
Another standout feature is the award-winning Performing Arts Center, which adds energy to campus and gives students an engaging place to develop their artistic skills.
Students who complete the Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA) will be well positioned to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.
On the downside, some report that academic advising can be slow, especially during busy registration periods. If you need help before an important deadline, following up regularly may save you some frustration.
Customer Reviews:
I always feel welcomed
I love SMCC. I always feel welcomed. The facility is cleaned and looks new. The staff is very cordial and friendly. The wait time is also short. Less than five minutes, at least from my experience. If you ask the front desk an info and they don’t know, they get you with someone who can help. I wish they had a nursing program. But SMCC is my number one community college, and I had been referring my friends and family there. So far, no complaints. Keep up the good work. 👍
- Louise LaBelle | Google Review
The campus is so beautiful
My son registered for a class today in person. The registration process was easy and everyone was super helpful. The admission person went above and beyond and helped us beyond registration. Plus, the campus is so beautiful. Great experience all around.
- Gabriela | Google Review
