| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts College of Art and Design | Boston |
| 2 | Lesley University | Cambridge |
Our 2025 ranking of the top illustration schools in Massachusetts. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) has an Illustration BFA program that focuses in narrative and character development. All students have the opportunity to complete an internship, independent study, and/or a course assistantship. The program culminates with a thesis, portfolio, and presentation for professionals from the advertising, editorial, publishing, and corporate markets. Graduates of the Art and Design programs at MassArt have been hired at places such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, Hasbro, Discovery Channel, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and MGM Studios.
The College of Art and Design at Lesley University houses the Illustration BFA, minor, and certificate programs. All students have access to state-of-the-art studios; mentorship opportunities with professional illustrators in the Greater Boston area; and internship opportunities at places such as Disney, National Geographic, and Cartoon Network. Illustration BFA and certificate students also have opportunities to participate in critiques, workshops, and trips to cultural institutions in Boston and Cambridge. Graduates go on to land positions in industries such as advertising, entertainment, publishing, and education. Potential titles include Technical Illustrator, Cartoonist, and Book Illustrator.
