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Top 10 Photography Schools in the USA – The Ultimate Guide

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Being a college student is not that easy. Every learner faces hundreds of challenges on his/her way to a diploma. The first issue is to choose a sphere you like. For many students, this is a very troublesome choice because they do not know what they really want to do in the future and what career will suit them best. Then, a learner has to choose an institution that meets his/her expectations, demands, and budget, of course.

After these two steps are complete, a student has to do everything possible to study the field perfectly and use the knowledge gained in his/her future career, but this is a long way with hundreds of minor issues.

Well, if you have decided that you want to be a photographer and have just stepped onto this road, in this article, we will provide you with the top ten photography schools in the USA. We will also provide you with all the information you need to know before applying.

Moreover, we will tell you how to survive during your college years. As with other disciplines, where students can google to get help with their writing tasks, photography students can also get professional assistance.

This article will also shed some light on tools to help you easily handle your issues. Finally, we will present some inspirational stories so you understand what to expect after graduation and how to move closer to your dream job. 

That should be interesting and helpful… Let’s go!


Rhode Island School of Design

Cost: ~$56,000/year

Rhode Island School of Design

Rhode Island School of Design was founded in 1877, and nowadays, it is one of the top art and design schools in the world. It is widely known for its rigorous academic programs and emphasis on creative exploration. The photography department at RISD encourages students to blend technical skills with innovative thinking to deeply understand contemporary and traditional photography. Students like RISD for its creative freedom. Annually, the school organizes art shows, exhibitions, and photography workshops for its learners. Those students who show promising results can also get assistance finding a job.

The application process is pretty simple. All you need to do is fill out the application form through the website, including your portfolio, letter of recommendation, and transcripts. For those learners who demonstrate academic excellence or have financial needs, RISD offers merit-based and need-based scholarships.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Cost: ~$53,000/year

Top 10 Photography Schools in the USA - The Ultimate Guide

School of the Art Institute of Chicago has a long history dating back to 1866 and is one of the premier fine arts institutions in the USA. The photography program at SAIC offers students the freedom to explore multiple mediums and disciplines; they encourage students’ creativity and critical thought in their work. This is a perfect alternative for those looking for an interdisciplinary approach to photography. SAIC is highly ranked by students. Among the strongest sides, learners name the variety of photography exhibitions, student-run galleries, and networking events with industry professionals that help them gain practical experience and more profound knowledge. And finally, the school has a career development office that offers assistance for internships and job placements.

With modern technologies, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago offers online applications via its website. Also, you should attach your portfolio, personal statement, and recommendation letter. You can also try to apply for a scholarship; SAIC offers merit-based scholarships requiring a solid portfolio and academic performance.

California Institute of the Arts

Cost: ~$54,440/year

California Institute of the Arts

This particular school was founded by Walt Disney in 1961. Today, the institute is known for its avant-garde approach to the arts. The Photography and Media program is rooted in experimentation. It is an excellent choice for students looking to push the boundaries of photographic art while exploring new forms of media and expression. There are a lot of positive reviews from former students about CalArts. Many learners say that their photography exhibitions, critiques, and workshops throughout the year are of much use to those who want to study the photography field to the fullest. Moreover, CalArts has a strong industry connection, offering internships and job placements through its network.

To apply, as with other schools, you should fill out an application form on the CalArts’ website and include your portfolio, artist statement, and letters of recommendation. California Institute of the Arts offers both need-based and merit-based scholarships; the only requirement for a merit-based scholarship is a solid artistic portfolio.

Yale School of Art

Cost: ~$44,500/year for the MFA program

Top 10 Photography Schools in the USA - The Ultimate Guide

Today, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious art schools in the USA. The photography department is highly selective and known for its critical approach, focusing on the theoretical and conceptual aspects of the medium. Students receive individualized attention from renowned faculty members. Among the benefits of the school, students include the ability to participate in various photography exhibitions, critiques, and artist talks for students that Yele organizes every year. And, of course, the fact that Yale has different career services, a robust alumni network, and solid post-graduation support for jobs is also a great bonus for students who do not know where to start their careers.

The application forms are available online and must be submitted with your portfolio, artist statement, and references. Although Yale does not offer merit-based scholarships, it still offers need-based financial aid. Moreover, students can enjoy work-study programs at Yale.

Parsons School of Design

Cost: ~$51,000/year

Parsons School of Design

Parsons School is located in New York City, and it is a part of The New School. Today, it is a world-renowned art and design school that offers a cutting-edge photography program that blends commercial, editorial, and fine art practices. With a focus on innovation, Parsons helps students develop a professional portfolio to prepare for the industry. The school is highly rated for its commercial and artistic photography training. Parsons has a career center that helps students find jobs through internships and an extensive network after graduation. Still, during college years, students can access various photography exhibits, networking events, and industry panels to deepen their knowledge of the industry.

To apply, you must submit an online application, portfolio, and artist statement through their website. Parsons School of Design also offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships. Students with strong academic records and portfolios can get merit scholarships.

Rochester Institute of Technology

Cost: ~$52,000/year

Top 10 Photography Schools in the USA - The Ultimate Guide

Rochester Institute of Technology was founded in 1829, and now it is a leader in technical education, known for its strong focus on the intersection of art, technology, and design. RIT’s photography programs emphasize technical proficiency and creative expression, offering one of the most comprehensive photography curricula in the USA. In reviews, many former students highly regard RIT for its technical training and for annual exhibitions, networking events, and photography workshops organized by the school so that their students can get some experience in the field they study. Rochester Institute of Technology also provides career services; thus, many graduates find jobs through the school’s co-op programs and internships.

To apply, you also need just the internet and all the documents required (portfolio, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation). Students with solid portfolios can also apply for a scholarship. Rochester Institute of Technology offers scholarships only based on academic merit and artistic talent.

New York Institute of Photography

Cost: ~$1,000-$2,000 per course

Top 10 Photography Schools in the USA - The Ultimate Guide

The New York Institute of Photography has been operating since 1910. Today, NYIP is the largest online photography school, offering flexible courses for photographers at all levels. The school focuses on practical, hands-on learning, which makes it an affordable and accessible alternative for those students who want to study photography remotely at their own pace or those who do not have an opportunity to move to another city to study. For that reason, the school is highly rated by previous students for flexibility, affordability, and quality education. The school offers a large number of courses, including a Professional Photography Course, a Photojournalism Course, and a Travel Photography Course, all online. However, NYIP does not guarantee jobs to its graduates, but it offers many job placement resources and career advice that can help students find their jobs after course completion.

The application process is quite simple, and no extra documents are required. All you need is to apply online, and that’s it. As for the scholarships, they are not available at the New York Institute of Photography, but there are some plans available.

San Francisco Art Institute

Cost: ~$50,500/year

Top 10 Photography Schools in the USA - The Ultimate Guide

San Francisco Art Institute is one of the oldest art schools in the country and is well-known for its commitment to contemporary art practices. The photography program encourages students to experiment with different techniques and concepts, helping them develop a unique artistic voice. SFAI is well-regarded for providing students with much creative freedom. Among the events the school organizes are student exhibitions, photography workshops, and various industry networking events. For its graduates, the San Francisco Art Institute offers internships and job placement services through its career office.

If you want to apply, be ready to attach your portfolio and letters of recommendation to the online application form on their website. At San Francisco Art Institute, merit-based and need-based scholarships are available. If you want to apply for a scholarship, you will have to present a strong portfolio and demonstrate financial need so that the committee can see that you are the one who needs this scholarship.

Savannah College of Art and Design

Cost: ~$39,000/year.

Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah College of Art and Design was opened in 1978. This is the youngest alternative on our list, and it is no wonder that today, the college is known for its innovative approach to arts education and excellent facilities. Well, it does not mean that all the previous options offer old-school education. SCAD’s photography program combines technical expertise with artistic development, offering students access to state-of-the-art facilities and extensive industry connections to foster career success after graduation. As with other schools, SCAD also hosts annual student art shows, exhibitions, and guest speaker series to help their students dive into the photographic industry. Compared to many other institutions, Savannah College of Art and Design has a strong job placement record. They provide their students with career services and alumni connections for job opportunities.

The application requirements are standard. You have to submit the online application, portfolio, and letter of recommendation. Students with high GPAs and strong portfolios can also apply for scholarships.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Cost: ~$43,000/year for out-of-state students

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

University of California’s School of the Arts and Architecture is renowned for its comprehensive and well-rounded arts education and is highly rated for its faculty and resources. The photography concentration within the Art Department is designed to give students a broad understanding of the medium, blending creative, historical, and technical elements. With the help of various photography exhibitions, industry networking events, and student workshops, learners can study the field profoundly and get practical experience that will help them in their future careers. Currently, UCLA has a career center that assists its graduates with job placement and offers networking opportunities.

UCLA has its own system where applicants can submit their application forms with portfolios and artist statements. The school also offers need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships to students with strong academic records and portfolios.


Top Graduates from Photography Schools with Their Career Paths

It is a fact that if one wants to succeed in his/her career, much effort is required. Of course, there is hardly a person who has flown high on the first try, and it is really important to understand this when you face challenges on your way to success. Inspiration won’t hurt, so we decided to tell you some success stories about renowned photographers and how they got there.

Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz is one of the most famous portrait photographers in the world, known for her iconic images of celebrities and public figures. After graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she was a staff photographer for Rolling Stone magazine. Her work with Rolling Stone and later Vanity Fair allowed her to build a reputation for crafting visually striking, narrative-driven portraits. Her most famous works include portraits of John Lennon, Queen Elizabeth II, and numerous Hollywood stars. Like many other professionals, Leibovitz struggled with self-doubt and a lack of direction; she did not know how to carve a niche in such a competitive field, but finally, she did it!

David LaChapelle

David LaChapelle is known for his surreal images, and he significantly impacted both fashion and fine art photography. His career began with the work for Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine. Later, he gained fame for his imaginative and bold editorial work with magazines like Vogue and GQ. Of course, his professional route was not that effortless. At the beginning of his career, LaChapelle faced rejection for his over-the-top style. He really struggled to break into the fashion world, but finally, his persistence in sticking to his unique vision paid off. His work gained traction for its originality and artistic depth.

Gregory Crewdson

Gregory Crewdson is a fine art photographer known for elaborately staged, cinematic images of suburban life. His works are known for large-scale photographs resembling film or theater production scenes. Crewdson’s early work, such as the Twilight series, garnered attention for its eerie, haunting portrayal of everyday life. Unfortunately, Crewdson faced many financial and logistical challenges because his staged photographs required significant resources like sets, actors, and crew, akin to film production, etc., and finding funding was pretty difficult.


Asking for Help Is Okay: Common Beginner Issues in Photography

Photography is another profession where experts face challenges and need help. Thus, you should never forget that asking for help is okay. No one learns silent; asking questions is your way to success. So, here are some common issues that beginner photographers face with solutions.

  • Lack of confidence. Only practice makes perfect. Do not hesitate to ask your mates for constructive criticism and try to fix these issues. Also, you can find various communities with beginner photographers and help each other sharpen your skills. 
  • Low-quality equipment. As a beginner, you are likelier to be like Gregory Crewdson and have financial issues. Of course, you do not want to use semi-professional tools. Thus, we highly recommend considering services like eBay, KEH Camera, MPB, B&H Photo Video, UsedPhotoPro, etc., and looking for used equipment.
  • Post-processing issues. Post-processing challenges are what most newbies face frequently. Editing is one of them. If you are not good at this question, you can use professional editing tools or services and learn how to edit your photographs in practice. Learn More: Photography Education 101
  • Inconsistent style. Do you remember David LaChapelle’s story? Do not be afraid to try different styles and choose the one that suits you and helps you stand out.
  • Technical inexperience. Correct lighting and ​​exposure, blurry photos, and other technical issues are what many photographers have to master. If you do not have your personal equipment and work with the one provided by studios, for example, you can ask if they have a person who can help you with the technical problems. On the other hand, if you work with your own tools, do not hesitate to ask for professional assistance.

Being a professional photographer requires effort, from choosing the right school to get knowledge to having a lot of practice. We hope our list can help you find a school that meets your needs and opportunities, and all the tips will help you start a professional career in photography as well as handle tricky issues on your way to success. Good luck!

About the author:
Picture of Chris Daniel
Chris Daniel

Chris Daniel is a very unique, professional, and informative website/blog writer. His biography page features various types of photography strategies in the USA. Keep an eye on his blog that contains a lot of creative details that draw with keep attention.

Picture of Chris Daniel

Chris Daniel

Chris Daniel is a very unique, professional, and informative website/blog writer. His biography page features various types of photography strategies in the USA. Keep an eye on his blog that contains a lot of creative details that draw with keep attention.

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