If you’re thinking about studying art in college, one of the best things you can do in high school is experience what that environment is actually like. College art programs give students the opportunity to work in university studios, learn from practicing artists, and explore creative disciplines at a level that usually goes beyond a high school art class.

Imagine spending part of your summer developing a portfolio, experimenting with printmaking, painting, sculpture, photography, or digital media, and receiving feedback during studio critiques. You might also attend artist talks, visit galleries, and work alongside students who are just as serious about pursuing art. Experiences like these can help you understand not only the subject itself but also what studying art in college really feels like.

How do you choose the right college art program for high school students?

College art programs vary widely in their focus. Some are designed around portfolio development, while others emphasize studio practice, contemporary art, illustration, animation, photography, or interdisciplinary work. Before applying, think about what you hope to gain from the experience and whether the curriculum supports those goals.

It’s also worth looking at how much time you’ll spend creating. Programs that prioritize studio work, critiques, faculty mentorship, and independent projects often provide the most authentic introduction to college-level art education. Beyond helping you improve as an artist, they can give you greater confidence about whether art is the path you want to pursue after high school.

To help you find the right fit, we’ve put together a list of 15 college art programs for high school students!

For adjacent programs, consider the online architecture program.

Key takeaways

• RISD’s Pre-College Program costs $12,495 for the residential option or $9,595 for commuters, runs five weeks from June 27 to August 1, and has roughly a 30% acceptance rate.
• Immerse Education’s Fine & Digital Art Summer School takes place at University College London for two weeks and is open to high school students worldwide aged 15 to 18, with bursary support available.
• Parsons Summer Intensive Studies in New York City costs $5,610 in tuition plus $265 in university fees and awards three college credits to students aged 16 to 18.
• The Museum of Arts and Design’s Artslife Internship is a paid, six week program at $17 per hour, but it accepts only about 10 students annually and is limited to NYC public or charter high school students.
• Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Art Program and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Early College Program both welcome international students and offer flexible program lengths ranging from one to six weeks.
• Cooper Union’s Summer Art Intensive costs $4,350, runs from July 13 to August 6, and admits approximately 20% of applicants aged 15 to 18.
• California State Summer School for the Arts costs $5,174 for California residents and $10,475 for out-of-state and international students during its month-long residential program at Cal Poly Pomona.
• Programs like the Harvard Pre-College Program and Parsons Paris Summer Intensive combine studio or seminar-based art instruction with access to major museum collections, including the Harvard Art Museums and Parisian cultural institutions.

15 College Art Programs for High School Students

1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Pre-College Program

Location: Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Cost: Residential: $12,495; Commuter: $9,595 ($60 application fee, mandatory personal laptop, and $300-$500 for studio supplies)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 30% acceptance rate
Dates: June 27th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Scholarship deadline: January 30th; general applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until cohorts fill
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18 who are rising juniors or seniors and have completed 10th or 11th grade; open to international students

RISD’s Pre-College Program offers five weeks of college-level studio instruction in one of the largest selections of art and design disciplines available to high school students. You choose a major ranging from Animation and Architecture to Graphic Design, Jewelry, Photography, or Textile Design, while also completing foundation coursework. Studio classes emphasize experimentation with materials, creative problem-solving, and portfolio development.

Students receive instruction from practicing artists and designers and participate in critiques similar to those used in undergraduate art programs. Museum visits, artist talks, and collaborative projects provide additional exposure to professional creative practice. 

Why it stands out: With more than 20 specialized majors and a curriculum modeled on RISD’s undergraduate programs, students can explore a specific artistic discipline while building a substantial portfolio.

2. Immerse Education’s Fine & Digital Art Summer School

Location: University College London, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to programme; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 15-18

The Fine & Digital Art Summer School by Immerse Education is designed for students who want structured exposure to both traditional studio practice and contemporary digital creation before pursuing higher education in the arts. You explore drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media alongside digital art tools and software, building technical skills and visual thinking through studio sessions, art history discussions, and computer-based projects.

Guided by professional artists, the program combines individual mentorship, portfolio development, and expert critique to help you refine your artistic voice. Through its Career Insights Pathway, you also engage in workshops and exhibition visits that introduce you to the professional landscape of fine and digital art, offering a clearer understanding of creative career pathways.

Why it stands out: A balanced program that integrates classical fine art training with digital practice and portfolio-focused mentorship.

3. Parsons Summer Intensive Studies: New York

Location: Parsons School of Design, New York City, New York, USA
Cost: $5,610 tuition plus $265 in university fees; housing is available for an additional cost
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 8-26; July 6-24
Application Deadline: May 1st for the June session; May 8th for the July session
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 entering grades 11-12 or recent high school graduates; open to international students

Parsons Summer Intensive Studies is a three-credit program designed to introduce students to college-level art and design education. You work on studio projects while exploring techniques relevant to fields such as illustration, fashion, graphic design, and visual communication. Coursework emphasizes project-based learning, portfolio development, and creative experimentation.

Students benefit from critiques, industry guest speakers, and field trips throughout New York City. The program also introduces participants to the pace and expectations of a university art curriculum. Residential and commuter options are available.

Why it stands out: Students earn college credit while developing portfolio pieces in a program that incorporates New York City’s museums, galleries, and creative industries into the learning experience.

4. Carnegie Mellon University Pre-College Art Program

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Cost: Varies for residential and commuter options
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive admission
Dates: June 20th – July 11th (3-week); June 20th – August 1st (6-week)
Application Deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: Students in 10th or 11th grade who are at least 16 years old; open to international students

CMU’s Pre-College Art Program provides intensive studio instruction modeled after the university’s School of Art curriculum. You will select from courses such as animation, drawing, sculpture, painting, digital photography, printmaking, and Concept Studio. Daily schedules include demonstrations, studio work, critiques, and individual feedback sessions.

Friday workshops allow participants to experiment with additional techniques and creative approaches. Small class sizes create opportunities for close interaction with faculty and undergraduate teaching assistants. The program is designed to help students understand how contemporary art education combines technical skill with conceptual development.

Why it stands out: The curriculum closely mirrors a collegiate art school experience, emphasizing both studio practice and critical thinking.

5. University of the Arts London (UAL) International Summer School

Location: University of the Arts London, London, United Kingdom
Cost: Tuition from £3,670 ($4,890)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited enrolment
Dates: Multiple 3-week sessions in July
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 from around the world

UAL’s International Summer School introduces students to contemporary art and design through studio-based projects and creative experimentation. You work across media such as drawing, collage, design, 3D modeling, and mixed-media practices. The curriculum encourages personal exploration while introducing techniques commonly taught in foundation art courses.

Tutors provide feedback through discussions, critiques, and group reviews that help students refine their ideas. You also gain exposure to London’s art and design culture through the university environment. The program supports both portfolio development and creative confidence.

Why it stands out: Students study within one of the world’s largest specialist art and design universities while experiencing London’s creative landscape firsthand.

6. Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) Artslife Internship

Location: Museum of Arts and Design, New York City, New York, USA
Cost: Paid internship ($17 per hour plus a complimentary unlimited-transit MetroCard for the full 6-week duration)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 10 students selected annually
Dates: Six weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Typically during the spring application cycle
Eligibility: Rising sophomores and juniors attending New York City public or charter high schools; not open to international students

Artslife combines museum education, leadership development, and creative practice through a paid internship experience. You get to collaborate with museum staff, artists, and designers while learning about careers in museum operations, education, and public programming. Interns contribute to projects such as peer-led tours, creative initiatives, and community engagement activities.

Workshops focus on communication, public speaking, and professional development skills. You get the chance to visit cultural institutions throughout New York City to learn about different roles within the arts sector. The program offers a practical introduction to both artistic and administrative careers.

Why it stands out: It provides paid, behind-the-scenes exposure to museum work while integrating creative projects and leadership training.

7. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) Early College Program Summer Institute

Location: School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Cost: Tuition ranges from $1,908 for 1 week to $7,632 for 4 weeks; housing is available separately
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 15th – July 31st (multiple session options)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application encouraged
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18 who have completed their sophomore year of high school; open to international students

SAIC’s Early College Program Summer Institute introduces students to interdisciplinary art-making through studio-based courses taught by practicing artists and designers. You can study drawing, painting, animation, fashion, photography, comics, sculpture, and emerging media.

Classes emphasize experimentation, critique, and conceptual thinking while utilizing the resources of the Art Institute of Chicago. You gain access to museum collections that support research and creative development. Programs are available in one, two, and four-week formats, allowing flexibility based on student goals. Merit and financial aid opportunities are available.

Why it stands out: Students learn within one of the country’s leading art museums while exploring a wide range of contemporary and traditional artistic disciplines.

8. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)

Location: California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), Pomona, California, USA
Cost: California residents: $5,174; out-of-state and international students: $10,475
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive
Dates: July 4th – August 1st (mandatory resident move-in on Saturday, July 4th; classes begin Monday, July 6th)
Application Deadline: February 28th
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9-12 or recent high school graduates; international students may apply

CSSSA is a month-long residential arts intensive focused on pre-professional artistic development. You will specialize in one discipline, including visual arts, animation, film, theater, dance, music, creative writing, or media arts. Daily studio instruction is supplemented by workshops, guest artist presentations, and collaborative activities.

You get to work closely with faculty and peers while developing both technical and conceptual skills. Residential life fosters community among artists from diverse backgrounds. Successful participants earn recognition as California Arts Scholars.

Why it stands out: Its intensive residential format allows students to focus deeply on a chosen artistic discipline while working alongside a highly motivated creative cohort.

9. Pratt Institute PreCollege Summer Intensive

Location: Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York, USA
Cost: Residential: $8,192; Commuter: $5,452 ($65 non-refundable application fee)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: July 6-31
Application Deadline: Scholarship deadline: February 1st; international deadline: April 1st; rolling deadline: May 1st
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18; open to international students

Pratt’s PreCollege program allows students to take two credit-bearing courses in art, design, architecture, or writing while experiencing life on a college campus. You develop technical and conceptual skills through studio projects and coursework taught by Pratt faculty.

Students earn four college credits and explore disciplines such as illustration, animation, photography, fashion, and architecture. The curriculum mirrors the workload and expectations of introductory college-level courses. Living and studying in Brooklyn also provides access to New York City’s cultural and creative resources. Portfolio development is integrated throughout the experience.

Why it stands out: Students can explore multiple creative disciplines while earning college credit and experiencing art school life in New York City.

10. Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive

Location: The Cooper Union, New York City, New York, USA
Cost: $4,350
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 20% acceptance rate
Dates: July 13th – August 6th
Application Deadline: July 5th
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 15-18 who are rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors

The Cooper Union Summer Art Intensive introduces students to a college-level studio environment through courses in drawing, painting, animation, graphic design, and studio practice. You work alongside faculty and undergraduate teaching assistants while developing projects and refining technical skills.

The program includes workshops, critiques, museum visits, artist studio tours, and cultural excursions throughout New York City. Students gain exposure to professional artistic practice while building portfolio pieces. The experience concludes with an exhibition showcasing student work. Coursework emphasizes experimentation, observation, and creative development.

Why it stands out: Students combine studio learning with extensive exposure to New York’s museums, galleries, and professional art community.

11. Harvard Pre-College Program

Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Cost: $6,100 plus a $75 application fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 30% acceptance rate
Dates: June 21st – July 2nd; July 5-17; July 19-31
Application Deadline: Early application and priority financial aid deadline in January; regular application deadline in February; late application deadline in April, space permitting
Eligibility: Students aged 16-19 who are expected to graduate from high school and enter college within the next two years; open to international students

Harvard’s Pre-College Program offers a range of arts-focused courses that introduce students to contemporary artistic practice, visual culture, and art theory. You can explore subjects such as photography, philosophy of art, and visual storytelling while studying in a university classroom environment. Coursework combines discussion-based seminars, independent projects, and faculty feedback.

You also have access to resources such as the Harvard Art Museums, which serve as an extension of the classroom experience. Guest lectures and collaborative learning opportunities help students engage with both creative and academic perspectives on art. The program provides an introduction to college-level study while allowing students to experience residential life on campus.

Why it stands out: Students can explore art through both creative practice and academic inquiry while studying in a broad liberal arts environment.

12. Parsons Paris Summer Intensive

Location: Parsons Paris Saint-Roch Campus, Paris, France
Cost: $9,999
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 30% acceptance rate
Dates: June 27th – July 18th
Application Deadline: April 10th
Eligibility: Students aged 16-18 entering their junior or senior year of high school, or recent graduates; open to international students

Parsons Paris Summer Intensive introduces students to art and design education through studio-based courses taught in English in the center of Paris. You can study areas such as drawing, painting, design, photography, and visual communication while earning three college credits. Coursework emphasizes creative problem-solving, technical development, and portfolio-building projects.

The program also incorporates museum visits and exposure to Parisian cultural institutions, helping students connect classroom concepts with artistic traditions and contemporary design practices. Faculty guidance and critiques encourage students to refine their ideas and artistic process. The curriculum is designed for students considering future study in art, design, or related creative fields.

Why it stands out: Students combine college-level studio coursework with direct access to Paris’s museums, galleries, and design culture.

13. UCLA Design Media Arts Summer Institute

Location: University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA (residential and virtual options)
Cost: Residential: approximately $6,541; Virtual: approximately $3,591
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admission
Dates: June 21st – July 8th (residential); July 13-30 (virtual)
Application Deadline: June 15th (residential); June 30th (virtual)
Eligibility: High school students interested in design, media arts, and digital creativity; open to international students

The Design Media Arts Summer Institute introduces students to contemporary digital art and design through an intensive three-week curriculum. You explore areas such as 2D image-making, motion graphics, net art, and 3D worldbuilding while working with professional software and creative technologies.

Projects emphasize experimentation, visual communication, and multimedia storytelling. You also receive instruction from practicing artists and designers and complete a portfolio-ready body of work by the end of the program. The experience culminates in a final exhibition that showcases student projects. Participants also earn four units of pass/no-pass UC credit.

Why it stands out: The program focuses on emerging forms of digital creativity and allows students to build a portfolio using tools and workflows common in contemporary media arts.

14. Introduction to Art Appreciation – Columbia University Pre-College Programs

Location: Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
Cost: Tuition varies by session and course selection
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited enrolment with small class sizes
Dates: June 29th – July 17th
Application Deadline: Varies by session; applications typically open several months in advance
Eligibility: High school students from around the world

This course introduces students to the study of visual art through close observation, discussion, and historical analysis. You will explore how artists communicate ideas, emotions, and social perspectives across different artistic movements and media. Classroom discussions are supplemented by visits to major New York museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum, the Guggenheim, and the Frick Collection.

Students learn how to analyze artwork using appropriate terminology and critical frameworks. The course emphasizes interpretation, context, and visual literacy rather than studio production. It is well-suited for students interested in art history, museum studies, or humanities-based approaches to the arts.

Why it stands out: New York’s major museums become part of the curriculum, giving students direct exposure to works that are frequently studied in university art history courses.

15. NYU Tisch School of the Arts: Drama, Production, and Design Workshop

Location: NYU Tisch School of the Arts, New York City, New York, USA
Cost: Approximately $12,012
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective admission; limited enrolment
Dates: July 5th – August 1st
Application Deadline: Varies annually; applications generally open during the academic year
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors; open to international students

This workshop focuses on the technical and design aspects of theatrical production, introducing you to the work that takes place behind the scenes of live performance. You get to study scenery, costume design, lighting, sound, drafting, and production management through studio-based instruction and collaborative projects. Faculty and industry professionals guide students through both creative and logistical elements of theatre production.

Weekly seminars and visits to Broadway and Off-Broadway productions provide insight into New York’s professional theatre industry. Students also meet working designers, technicians, and production managers to learn about career pathways in the performing arts. The program concludes with a presentation of student work developed throughout the session.

Why it stands out: It offers focused training in production and design while leveraging New York City’s theatre industry as an extension of the classroom.

Frequently asked questions: College art programs for high school students

Are college art programs for high school students open to international students?

Many college art programs welcome international students, though eligibility varies by school. RISD’s Pre-College Program, Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Art Program, Pratt Institute’s PreCollege Summer Intensive, and Immerse Education’s Fine & Digital Art Summer School all accept students from outside the US. Immerse Education is open to high school students worldwide aged 15 to 18 and offers bursary support, making it a strong option if cost or visa logistics are a concern for programs based only in the US.

How much do college art programs for high school students cost?

Costs vary enormously depending on length, location, and whether housing is included. Shorter or nonresidential options, like Parsons Summer Intensive Studies at $5,610, sit in the middle range, while five week residential programs like RISD’s Pre-College Program cost upwards of $12,495 for housing and tuition combined. Some programs, like the Museum of Arts and Design’s Artslife Internship, are actually paid positions rather than tuition-based courses. Always check whether quoted costs include housing, meals, and application fees.

Do you need a portfolio to apply to a college art program?

Portfolio requirements depend on the specific program rather than being universal across all college art programs. Some, like Cooper Union’s Summer Art Intensive, are more competitive and may weigh prior artwork more heavily during review. Others, including many pre-college studio programs, are designed for students still building their first portfolio and don’t require prior formal training. If a program does require submitted work, check its website directly, since requirements and formats differ from school to school.

What is the difference between a college art program and a regular summer art class?

College art programs place you inside an actual university or art school studio environment, often taught by the same faculty and structured like the introductory courses undergraduates take. You typically get access to critiques, faculty mentorship, and sometimes college credit, which regular summer art classes usually don’t offer. Programs like Pratt’s PreCollege Summer Intensive and Parsons Summer Intensive Studies award real college credit upon completion, giving you a preview of coursework and workload before formally enrolling in a degree program.

Can a college art program help with college admissions?

A college art program can strengthen your application by giving you portfolio pieces, faculty recommendations, and firsthand experience with studio-level work, all of which admissions committees value. Programs that end in an exhibition or critique, like Cooper Union’s Summer Art Intensive or SAIC’s Early College Program Summer Institute, give you finished work you can include directly in your application portfolio. Beyond the portfolio itself, completing a rigorous studio program signals genuine commitment to an art or design major.

Is Immerse Education a good option for high school students interested in art?

Immerse Education’s Fine & Digital Art Summer School is a solid option if you want structured exposure to both traditional and digital art before applying to art school. The two week program is open to students worldwide aged 15 to 18, includes bursary support, and pairs studio work with individual mentorship, portfolio development, and expert critique. It also includes a Career Insights Pathway with workshops and exhibition visits, useful if you’re still deciding between a creative career and further academic study.

Create, Reflect, and Prepare for Art School

Strong art applications demonstrate more than talent. They reveal experimentation, discipline, reflection, and an ability to develop creative ideas through sustained practice and constructive feedback.

The 15 college art programs for high school students listed here offer opportunities to build portfolio pieces, join studio critiques, learn from practising artists, and experience university-level expectations.

Use each project to refine your artistic voice, identify your strongest work, and understand which disciplines, teaching styles, and campus environments support your growth.

Ready to strengthen your art school application? Browse our University Preparation blogs for guidance on portfolios, personal statements, interviews, admissions, and university life.