Is an Art Degree Worth It? An Honest Reflection from a BFA Senior

Let me preface this by saying: this is not a criticism of anyone’s choices, of my university, or of higher education in general. This post is simply a journal of my own observations, experiences, research, and honest reflections as a senior in college working toward a BFA degree. Every student’s story is unique, and this is just mine. I will likely write a follow-up after I graduate to avoid bias (I understand this might be my senioritis talking), but if this can be of help or value to anyone, whether attending college currently, inquiring about enrolling in a university, or just a casual reader, it’s worth putting out there.

The Big Question

Is an art degree worth it? Looking back, I’m genuinely grateful (and a little lucky) that my spontaneous decision to go to college evolved into what I do now (running a small business focused on fine art and photography). Still, I’ve learned a lot along the way that I wish I’d known sooner.

The Reality Check

When I declared myself an art major, I imagined walking into class with a sketchbook in one hand and a canvas in the other, ready to create. So, when I first registered for courses and saw a long list of general education requirements in math, science, writing, and even freshman orientation, reality hit hard.

On average, 33% to 50% of a bachelor’s degree is spent completing courses unrelated to your major, especially in the first two years. It can be tedious and even discouraging when you realize how little of your time seems to apply directly to your passion.

But, surprisingly, some of those “unrelated” classes taught me lessons I still use daily. I made friends who became part of my creative network, learned to manage deadlines, and even met my husband. College, for me, wasn’t just about the classes, but mainly about the environment that shaped my discipline and direction. I can’t say my life would be the same without it.

My Experience in the Art Program

As I got deeper into my degree, the classes became more art-focused… and more revealing. Every university, professor, and program is different, but here’s a glimpse into what I experienced:

I learned quickly just how subjective art can be. And because art itself is so subjective, it only makes sense that the university art program was too. Every professor had their own philosophy, and sometimes those views completely contradicted one another. One strongly discouraged us to sell our work online, as we wouldn’t be taken seriously by galleries. Another dismissed one of my favorite professional artist’s work as “too weird” and “too contemporary.” Later, I had professors who loved contemporary art and nothing else, and dismissed the artists that were “too traditional” or “hobbyist.”

It was confusing to invest time and money into learning from people whose opinions could be so vastly different. But those contradictions forced me into deep self-reflection. I began to ask myself these valuable questions:

• “Where do I stand in the art world?”

• “Who are the artists I admire, and why?”

• “What does success look like for me? Do I want to do art or have an art career?”

Despite the inconsistency, there were professors whose mentorship was priceless and made me feel like the entire investment was worthwhile. If anything, college is a powerful space to find mentors who challenge, inspire, and shape your creative direction.

The Alternatives

As I began connecting with artists outside of school, I noticed something surprising: there wasn’t often a visible difference between those with art degrees and those without. What set them apart was what they did with their time. Here is what the artists who found success without a degree did instead:

1. Apprenticeships.
One western artist told me she dropped out of college to learn directly from professionals who specialized in her niche. Instead of paying for credits, she paid for real-world lessons, and it definitely paid off. Her work is shown in multiple galleries AND she sells her work on her own website (proving my professor wrong).

2. Practice and Volume.
Others said their growth came from sheer volume and creating dozens, even hundreds, of pieces. I once had a professor share a story about two students: one who spent the semester perfecting a single painting, and another who created twenty. By the end, the second student had improved far more. The more you create, the more you grow.

3. Financial Freedom.
This is a big one. I often wonder what my business could’ve become if I’d invested the cost of tuition directly into my craft. Artists who skip college often reinvest those funds into tools, materials, or marketing, creating direct returns.

Ultimately, both choices carry risk. Going to college might cost thousands with uncertain payoff, while skipping college might close certain professional doors. Neither is right or wrong, it just depends on your goals, values, and resources.

When an Art Degree Is Worth It

• You want to teach.
  If your dream is to become a professor teaching studio classes or art history, a degree (and often a master’s) is essential.
  

• You thrive in academic critique and community.
  If you love the structure of feedback and collaboration, the university environment can be incredibly motivating. Personally, this was invaluable for me, especially since I didn’t come from a family of artists like my peers had.
  

• You’re pursuing a field that values credentials.
  Careers like art therapy or corporate design often require formal degrees. Do your research before enrolling to see if this is something worth pursuing.

When It’s Not Worth It

• You want to freelance or sell art independently.
  Speaking as someone who went to college for fine art and now runs her own art business, at least 80% of my college experience didn’t directly contribute to what I do now. By the time I realized that, I had two semesters left.
  

• You’re taking on major debt without a clear plan.
  Whether you’re thinking about attending university for art or something else, please don’t spend $50,000+ a year just to “figure things out.” If exploration is your goal, choose an affordable option. Community colleges and online programs can offer the same value without the financial strain. Be practical, and push your pride aside if that’s what it takes.

What Actually Matters

For most artists, especially fine artists, your portfolio matters far more than your degree. Your body of work speaks louder than your transcript. If you’re strategic, you can use college to diversify your skills and mediums. But if you already know your niche, self-directed learning might serve you better.

At the end of the day, most college graduates in any field would agree that real-world experience teaches you in a way that no textbook can. The extent of this statement varies, but this applies especially for fine artists.

In Conclusion

If I could talk to my 18-year-old self, fresh out of high school, I’d tell her one thing: do your research.

College can be an incredible experience, but it’s not the only path to becoming an artist. Today, in a world that runs on visuals and visibility, your credibility comes from your work and presence, not your diploma. No one at an art market or gallery will ask where you went to school. They’ll look at your art, your product.

Say your prayers, take time to slow down and reflect, and give yourself space to find clarity in your goals. Life rarely unfolds exactly the way we expect, and that’s okay. Sometimes we face a fork in the road and have to reach a dead end to realize the other path was right all along.

If you’re reading this, trust that you’re already moving in the right direction. And if you ever need guidance or have questions, my inbox is always open.