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| School | City |
|---|---|
| Rutgers University | Camden |
| The Kubert School | Dover |
| The College of New Jersey | Ewing |
| Rowan University | Glassboro |
| New Jersey City University | Jersey City |
| Montclair State University | Montclair |
| Kean University | Union |
| William Patterson University | Wayne |
The Garden State is probably one of the best places for aspiring artists and here’s why. It is so close to New York and all it has to offer, that students and salaried artists alike can live in a much more affordable state, while enjoying the benefits of New York. If the goal is to move to New York one day, New Jersey is definitely a great place to live until your big break.
The state is home to major art museums such as Princeton University Art Museum (Princeton), Montclair Art Museum (Montclair), and the Hunterdon Art Museum in Clinton. New Jersey has an impressive collection of smaller art galleries as well in addition to art & design studios, production studios, and performance venues located throughhout principal cities such as Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Edison, to name a few.
In addition to a lively art and culture scene, easy access to New York, and affordability, New Jersey is home to a number of colleges and universities that offer art programs. Some of the state’s top art schools/programs include Rutgers in Camden, Rowan University in Glassboro, and Kean University in Montclair.
New Jersey Art Schools
New Jersey is home to more than 50 accredited colleges and universities, with more than 337,870 undergraduates enrolled. Hundreds of students are enrolled in art programs, with more than 100 enrolled in the state’s top art programs. Scroll through the list below to take a look at New Jersey’s best options for aspiring artists and what they have to offer.
Camden
Rutgers - Degrees Offered: B. A. Art with Specialization in Electronic Arts (Camden campus), B. A., B. F. A. Art with Specialization in Graphic Design (Newark campus); M. F. A. Art (New Brunswick campus)
Dover
The Kubert School - Degrees Offered: Diploma. This three-year accredited program prepares students for a career in cartooning and illustration
Ewing
The College of New Jersey - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Digital Arts, Graphic Design; B. A. Interactive Multimedia
Glassboro
Rowan University - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Studio Art with Specialization in Graphic Design
Jersey City
New Jersey City University - Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A. Digital Design and Illustration, Graphic Design, Illustration, B. A. Media Arts; M. A., M. F. A. Computer Arts, Graphic Design, Illustration
Montclair
Montclair State University – Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Animation and Illustration, Graphic Design; M. F. A. Studio Art
Union
Kean University - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design, Studio Art with Concentration in Computer/Video Art, Illustration
Wayne
William Patterson University - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art with Concentration in Computer Art and Animation, Graphic Design
More Art related programs to consider:
Selected Campus Locations:
- San Francisco & Online
Selected Programs:
Animation Career Review Rankings:
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#15) - 2023
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#36) - 2023
- Top 50 Nationally for Graphic Design (#40) - 2023
- Top 50 Nationally for Illustration (#20) - 2023
- Top 25 Nationally for Visual Effects (#5) - 2023
Selected Campus Locations:
- Winter Park, FL & Online
Selected Programs:
- 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
- Simulation & Visualization - Bachelor's - Campus
- Game Business & Esports Bachelor’s of Science - Online & Campus
- User Experience Bachelor's Degree – Online
Animation Career Review Rankings:
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#14) - 2023
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#8) - 2023
- Top 50 Nationally for Graphic Design (#28) - 2023
Selected Campus Locations:
- Online
Selected Programs:
Animation Career Review Rankings:
- Top 50 Private Graphic Design Schools in the US (#36) - 2023
Selected Campus Locations:
- Online
Selected Programs:
Animation Career Review Rankings:
- Top 25 International Animation Training Programs (#25) - 2022
Employment and Salary Trends for New Jersey Artists
New Jersey is home to a large population of around 43,250 salaried artists. In 2002, it was home to 40,510. Salaries increased as well. In 2002, New Jersey artists averaged $45,350. In 2010, they averaged $54,690. The mean annual wage for artists nationwide was $52,290 in 2010. In 2002, the average salary was $41,660.
Art Directors: New Jersey had a population of 900 art directors in 2002. By 2010, the population had increased to an impressive 1,040. Salaries for art directors increased significantly during the same period. In 2002, New Jersey art directors averaged $70,300. In 2010, they averaged $88,580.
Fine Artists: New Jersey had a population of 280 fine artists in 2002. By 2008, the population had decreased slightly to 230. Fortunately, salaries for fine artists increased between 2002 and 2008. In 2002, New Jersey fine artists averaged $42,840. In 2008, the