CalArts’ School of Art has once again been recognized among the top graduate fine arts programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. In its 2026 Best Fine Arts Programs rankings, released April 7, CalArts was ranked No. 7 nationally and No. 2 in California.
For its 2026 rankings, U.S. News evaluated graduate-level fine arts programs based on assessments from academic leaders at 222 art and design schools. This year’s report focused on overall fine arts programs and did not include separate specialty rankings within the discipline.
Graduate study at CalArts’ School of Art is shaped by individualized instruction, mentorship, and rigorous critique. Faculty are active artists, and the broader CalArts community, which includes music, film, dance, theater, and critical studies, makes interdisciplinary exchange a vital part of the experience.
