Indiana might not be the largest city in the Midwest, or even the second largest, but this state has something that’s better than being the biggest—excellent schools! It doesn’t matter if you’re interested in becoming the next Basquiat or a marine biologist, Indiana’s colleges and universities have a major to fit all career paths. Beside top schools for artists (in particular), from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne to Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana has a fine art and culture scene with most of the action taking place in principal cities such as Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, and Bloomington.
Head to Indianapolis where you’ll find the coveted Indianapolis Museum of Art and the hip Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art, or visit Bloomington where you’ll find the active Indiana University Art Museum and the versatile Bloomington Art Center. Elaborate venues for ballet, modern dance, opera, and the orchestra performances can also be found in most major cities here.
Indiana Art Schools
Indiana is home to more than 100 accredited colleges and universities that offer a variety of programs for artists, and all degree levels. Although the schools listed below are not art schools, the art departments for each institution are very well respected. Scroll through the list to review Indiana’s top schools for aspiring artists and what they have to offer.
Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington - Degrees Offered: B. A. and B. F. A. Graphic Design, Digital Art; B. S. Informatics; M F. A. Digital Art, Graphic Design
Fort Wayne
Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Visual Communication and Design with Concentration in Computer Art/Design or Graphic Design
University of Saint Francis - Degrees Offered: B. A. Communication Arts and Graphic Design, Computer Art; M. A. Studio Art with Computer Arts Major Area
New Albany
Indiana University Southeast - Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A. Fine Arts with Concentration in Graphic Design; B. S. Informatics, Computer Graphics Technology
Terre Haute
Indiana State University - Degrees Offered: B. S. Art with Concentration in Graphic Design, 2D Arts (Computer Art); B. F. A. Fine Arts with Concentration in Graphic Design, Computer Art; B. A. and B. S. Communication with Concentration in Electronic Media; M. A. Art (Studio) with Concentration in Graphic Design; M. F. A. Fine Art with Concentration in Graphic Design
More Art related programs to consider:
- San Francisco & Online
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#14) - 2021
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#37) - 2021
- Top 50 Nationally for Illustration (#24) - 2021
- Top 50 Nationally for Graphic Design (#38) - 2021
- Winter Park, FL & Online
- Computer Animation - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Game Programs - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Graphic Design & Digital Arts - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Film & Digital Cinematography - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Mobile Development - Bachelor's - Online
- Simulation & Visualization - Bachelor's - Campus
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#11) - 2021
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#10) - 2021
- Top 25 in the South for Graphic Design (#10) - 2021
- Online
Employment and Salary Trends for Indiana Artists
Indiana is home to around 30,730 salaried artists working as illustrators, painters, sculptors, and more. This figure has increased significantly since 2002, when the population of artists here stood at 25,300. Salaries increased as well. The average salary for Indiana artists overall was $32,310 in 2002. By 2010, the figure had increased to $38,090. In 2010, the mean annual wage for artists nationwide was $52,290. In 2002, the average salary was $41,660.
Fine Artists: Indiana was home to 190 salaried fine artists in 2002. By 2010, the population had decreased to 90. Salaries more than doubled from $33,570 in 2002 to $65,520 in 2010.
Art Directors: Indiana had a population of 200 art directors in 2002. By 2010, the population had increased to 300. Salaries increased quite a bit during the same period. In 2002, Indiana art directors averaged $53,890. In 2010, the average salary was $64,890.