These Are the Best MFA Painting Programs in the United States

Deciding whether to attend an MFA program in painting can be a difficult choice. MFAs can be expensive and mentally exhausting, but they can also be incredibly rewarding in terms of networking and artistic growth. A great MFA in painting program offers far more than just studio space and instruction. It provides a dynamic and supportive environment where aspiring artists can develop their unique voices, engage with diverse perspectives, and push the boundaries of their artistic practice.

Through a combination of distinguished faculty, well-equipped facilities, a rigorous curriculum, and a vibrant artistic community, these programs cultivate the next generation of innovative and visionary painters who are poised to make meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art. In this quest for excellence and fulfillment, prospective students seek programs that not only nurture their talents but also challenge them to expand their horizons, question conventions, and explore new possibilities in the realm of painting. Read on to learn more about the best painting graduate programs in the U.S.

What Makes a Great Graduate Program for Painters?

A great MFA painting program typically encompasses several key elements that contribute to a rich and effective learning environment for aspiring artists. However, what ultimately makes a great MFA painting program can vary depending on individual preferences, goals, and values.

It’s essential for prospective students to thoroughly research and visit programs, speak with current students and faculty, and consider how well each program aligns with their artistic aspirations and educational needs. That said, here are a few criteria by which to judge the best painting MFA programs in our country.

Distinguished Faculty

A great MFA painting program is characterized by its faculty, comprised of accomplished artists who serve as mentors and guides to students. These faculty members are not only highly skilled practitioners in their own right but also passionate educators who provide invaluable insights, feedback, and support to help students develop their artistic voice and vision.

Studio Facilities

Central to the MFA painting experience are well-equipped studio spaces that provide students with the necessary tools and resources to explore their creativity freely while supporting their rigorous studio practice. These facilities offer ample space, good lighting, ventilation, and a range of equipment tailored to various painting techniques, ensuring that students have the ideal environment to experiment, innovate, and refine their craft.

Dynamic and Comprehensive Curriculum

A comprehensive and dynamic curriculum is essential for a great graduate painting program, balancing foundational skills with contemporary concepts and approaches. Through a diverse range of courses, workshops, and seminars, students are exposed to a variety of techniques, materials, and theoretical frameworks, empowering them to develop their artistic practice in a meaningful and informed manner.

Regular Critique and Feedback

Regular critiques and feedback sessions are a hallmark of an excellent graduate school for any fine arts student. Students need opportunities to present their work, receive constructive criticism, and engage in dialogue with peers and faculty. These private and group critiques not only help graduate students refine their technical skills but also deepen their understanding of their own creative process, fostering growth, resilience, and self-awareness.

Exhibition Opportunities

Access to exhibition spaces and opportunities to showcase their work are crucial for MFA painting students to gain exposure, build confidence, and establish their presence within the art community. Whether through student-run shows, institutional exhibitions, or external galleries and fairs, these opportunities enable students to share their artistic vision with a broader audience and receive valuable feedback from art professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Visiting Artists and Lectures

A great MFA painting program regularly invites visiting artists, critics of contemporary painting, curators, and scholars to enrich students’ learning experiences through lectures, workshops, and studio visits. These interactions expose students to diverse perspectives, practices, and career pathways within the contemporary art world, inspiring them to expand their horizons, challenge conventions, and forge their own unique artistic paths.

Professional Development

Beyond technical skills and artistic expression, a great MFA program equips students with the tools, material knowledge, and resources to navigate the professional aspects of the art world. Through workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs, students learn about portfolio development, exhibition strategies, networking, and career opportunities. The right graduate education will empower painters to pursue their artistic ambitions with confidence and resilience.

Community and Collaboration

A sense of community and collaboration is integral to the MFA painting experience, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students can share ideas, collaborate on projects, and engage in meaningful dialogue with peers, faculty, and visiting artists. This sense of belonging nurtures creativity, resilience, and empathy, encouraging students to push boundaries, take risks, and explore new possibilities in their artistic practice.

Research Opportunities

A great MFA painting program provides students with access to resources such as libraries, archives, and research centers, allowing them to deepen their understanding of art history, theory, and critical discourse relevant to their practice. Through independent research projects, seminars, and interdisciplinary collaborations, students engage with diverse perspectives, methodologies, and contexts, enriching their artistic practice and contributing to the broader cultural dialogue.

Networking and Alumni Connections

Strong connections with alumni networks, as well as partnerships with galleries, museums, and arts organizations, are invaluable resources for MFA painting students as they transition into the professional art world. Through networking events, mentorship programs, and alumni showcases, students gain exposure, build relationships, and access opportunities for exhibitions, residencies, grants, and other career advancement prospects, paving the way for long-term success and fulfillment in their artistic endeavors.

These Are the Best MFA Painting Programs in the United States

Yale University – Yale School of Art

Renowned for its rigorous yet supportive environment, Yale School of Art offers an MFA program in painting that emphasizes experimentation, critical thinking, and artistic innovation. With a distinguished faculty comprising leading contemporary artists and scholars, students benefit from personalized mentorship and access to state-of-the-art studio facilities.

The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and encourages students to explore diverse media and conceptual approaches, preparing them for successful careers as practicing artists. Additionally, Yale’s close-knit artistic community and extensive alumni network provide valuable networking opportunities and support for graduates as they navigate the art world.

Impressive Alumni

• Chuck Close
• Mickalene Thomas
• Kehinde Wiley

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) – Painting Department

RISD’s Painting Department is celebrated for its vibrant creative atmosphere and commitment to artistic excellence. Led by a faculty of accomplished painters and educators, the program offers a dynamic curriculum that balances traditional techniques with contemporary practices, encouraging students to push the boundaries of their craft.

With access to spacious studio facilities, specialized equipment, and a rich array of resources, students have the freedom to experiment with various mediums and concepts while receiving personalized guidance and feedback. RISD’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with the broader art community cultivates well-rounded artists who are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.

Impressive Alumni

• Jenny Holzer
• Kara Walker
• Julie Mehretu

School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) – Painting and Drawing Department

SAIC’s Painting and Drawing Department offers a dynamic and innovative MFA program that encourages students to explore diverse artistic practices and concepts. Led by a faculty of acclaimed artists and educators, the program emphasizes experimentation, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

With access to state-of-the-art studio facilities and a rich array of resources, students have the freedom to push the boundaries of traditional painting and drawing techniques while engaging with contemporary issues and debates. SAIC’s location in the vibrant arts community of Chicago provides ample opportunities for students to exhibit their work, participate in cultural events, and connect with artists, galleries, and institutions both locally and internationally.

Impressive Alumni

• Jeff Koons
• Rashid Johnson
• David Salle

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) – Hoffberger School of Painting

MICA’s Hoffberger School of Painting offers an MFA program that combines rigorous artistic training with a supportive and collaborative learning environment. With a faculty of accomplished painters and mentors, students receive individualized attention and guidance as they develop their artistic voice and vision.

The program encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and exploration across a range of media and concepts, fostering a spirit of innovation and creativity. Located in the vibrant arts community of Baltimore, MICA provides students with access to exhibition opportunities, cultural resources, and professional connections, preparing them for successful careers as practicing artists in today’s rapidly evolving art world.

Impressive Alumni

• Amy Sherald
• Katherine Bradford
• Phaan Howng

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) – School of Art

CalArts’ School of Art offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary MFA program that celebrates experimentation, collaboration, and artistic innovation. With a faculty comprised of leading contemporary artists and thinkers, students have the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of perspectives and practices.

The program encourages students to challenge conventions, explore new technologies, and push the boundaries of traditional artistic disciplines. Located in the vibrant arts community of Los Angeles, CalArts provides students with access to a wealth of cultural resources, exhibition opportunities, and industry connections, preparing them to thrive as creative practitioners in a global context.

Impressive Alumni

• John Baldessari (Not an alumnus but Member of the Board of Overseers)
• Mike Kelley
• Carrie Mae Weems

Pratt Institute – Department of Fine Arts

Pratt Institute’s Department of Fine Arts offers an MFA program that combines technical skill development with conceptual exploration, providing students with a comprehensive foundation for their artistic practice. Led by a faculty of established artists and educators, the program emphasizes individualized instruction, critical dialogue, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

With access to well-equipped studio spaces and a vibrant artistic community in the heart of Brooklyn, students have the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of artistic perspectives and techniques. Pratt’s strong connections to the New York City art scene provide students with valuable networking opportunities, exhibition possibilities, and access to internships and residencies, preparing them for successful careers as contemporary artists.

Impressive Alumni

• Mark Bradford
• Eva Hesse
• Lari Pittman

Columbia University – School of the Arts

Columbia University’s School of the Arts offers a prestigious MFA program that fosters artistic excellence, critical inquiry, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a faculty of leading artists, critics, and scholars, students receive personalized mentorship and guidance as they develop their creative practice. The program encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and innovation, while also providing a strong foundation in art history, theory, and critical discourse.

Located in New York City, one of the world’s cultural capitals, Columbia offers students unparalleled access to museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, as well as a dynamic community of artists and thinkers. Graduates of Columbia’s MFA program emerge with a deep understanding of contemporary art practices and a robust network of professional connections, positioning them for success in the global art world.

Impressive Alumni

• Dana Schutz
• Jordan Casteel
• Elizabeth Peyton

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Department of Art

UCLA’s Department of Art offers a dynamic and diverse MFA program that encourages students to explore new ideas, materials, and techniques while fostering critical thinking and dialogue. With a faculty of renowned artists, scholars, and practitioners, students receive personalized mentorship and guidance as they develop their artistic practice.

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, social engagement, and experimentation, providing students with the tools and resources to address pressing social, political, and cultural issues through their work. Located in Los Angeles, a global hub for contemporary art and culture, UCLA offers students access to a vibrant artistic community, world-class museums, galleries, and performance spaces, as well as opportunities for internships, residencies, and professional development.

Impressive Alumni

• Catherine Opie
• Chris Burden
• James Welling

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) – Painting + Printmaking

VCU’s Painting + Printmaking program offers an innovative and interdisciplinary MFA experience that prepares students for success in today’s rapidly evolving art world. With a faculty of accomplished artists and educators, students receive individualized mentorship and guidance as they develop their artistic voice and vision.

The program encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and collaboration across traditional and emerging media, providing students with the skills and knowledge to create meaningful and impactful work. Located in Richmond, Virginia, a thriving arts community with a rich history and vibrant cultural scene, VCU offers students access to exhibition opportunities, residency programs, and professional connections, as well as a supportive and inclusive community of artists and scholars.

Impressive Alumni

• Trenton Doyle Hancock
• Fahamu Pecou
• Sarah Oppenheimer

University of Pennsylvania – School of Design

The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design offers a rigorous and interdisciplinary MFA program that combines studio practice with critical inquiry and theoretical exploration. With a faculty of distinguished artists, designers, and scholars, students receive personalized mentorship and guidance as they develop their creative practice. The program emphasizes experimentation, collaboration, and innovation, providing students with the tools and resources to address complex social, environmental, and technological challenges through their work.

Located in Philadelphia, a historic city with a thriving arts community and rich cultural heritage, PennDesign offers students access to world-class museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, as well as opportunities for internships, residencies, and professional development. Graduates of PennDesign’s MFA program emerge as critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and engaged citizens, prepared to make meaningful contributions to the fields of art and design.

Impressive Alumni

• Jenny Saville
• Glenn Ligon
• Njideka Akunyili Crosby

Where Will You Pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Painting?

Whether it’s the vibrant visual arts community of New York City, the innovative spirit of Los Angeles, the rich cultural heritage of Philadelphia, or the thriving artistic scene of Chicago, each institution offers its own distinct environment and resources for students to flourish. By carefully weighing factors such as faculty expertise, studio facilities, curriculum structure, and alumni success, students can make informed decisions about where to pursue their MFA in painting.

Ultimately, the choice of where to study is a deeply personal one that should align with one’s artistic aspirations, values, and goals for the future. Wherever their journey takes them, students are encouraged to embrace the opportunity for growth, exploration, and creative discovery as they embark on this transformative educational experience.

Where will you study? Let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear about your experiences.