Andre TaylorIn a city as vibrant as Indy, choosing the right creative space where you can learn can feel a little overwhelming.
You might be a high schooler dreaming of an animation career or an adult ready to finally pick up a welding torch, and in either case, the right environment makes all the difference.
I have spent time exploring these campuses and talking to students to see which spots actually live up to the hype.
Here’s my personal take on the best art schools in Indianapolis and the top spots where you can sharpen your skills, get creative, and find your artistic community right here in the Circle City.
How much does art school cost in Indianapolis?
Investing in your talent doesn’t have to break the bank, but it does require some planning. If you are looking at a two-year associate degree at a public spot, you might only spend about $10,000 a year.
On the other hand, a four-year bachelor’s degree at a private university or specialized institute can cost $20,000 or more per year, and that usually covers tuition only, so you’ll still need to budget for supplies, tech, and living expenses. If you’re not ready to commit to a degree, local centers also offer great weekend workshops for just a few hundred dollars.
1. Herron School of Art and Design
Website: https://herron.indianapolis.iu.edu/
Address: 735 W New York St
Contact: +1 317-278-9400
Hours:
- Mon – Thu: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Fri: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sat & Sun: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Herron sets itself apart with a massive, dedicated creative footprint that feels more like a professional village than just a school.
Walking through the 215,000 square feet of studio space, you really feel the scale of what is possible here. It is a high-energy environment where you can jump from a traditional bronze foundry to a state-of-the-art audio recording lab in the same afternoon.
I was particularly struck by the “Think It Make It Lab,” where students use CNC machines to create things that are simply impossible to craft by hand.
While the sheer size is a pro, it can also feel a bit intense for those who prefer a tiny, quiet setting. On top of that, some specialized graduate paths, like Music Therapy, aren’t always open for new applications every year.
However, if you want a place where your work is seen, having five public galleries right on campus is an incredible perk.
An Indianapolis gem
With galleries open to the public which are filled with unique, inspiring art; a curriculum that feeds not only the artistic soul of our city, but also it’s mental health (through the art therapy curriculum) and classes for non-artists, this is an Indianapolis gem definitely worth visiting!
– Karen E Laine, Google Review
2. Indianapolis Art Center
Website: https://indyartcenter.org/
Address: 820 E 67th St
Contact: +1 317-255-2464
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sat: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sun: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The Indianapolis Art Center is the perfect “everybody’s art” spot, famous for its iconic Michael Graves-designed building and the sprawling 9.5-acre ARTSPARK.
This is where I go when I want to try something new without committing to a full four-year degree.
Their “Make It Take It” workshops are a total blast because you can walk in and leave with a finished ceramic mug or a welded piece in just a few hours.
The best part is that the vibe here is incredibly inclusive, catering to everyone from toddlers to seniors in a way that feels natural.
I’ve also chatted with several regulars who love that the 14 studios offer such niche equipment for things like glassblowing and woodturning.
Just a heads-up: if you’re hoping to start a career in design or animation, this might not be the right fit.
It’s really meant for personal enjoyment, so you won’t get the official degrees or job connections you’d find at a university.
So well equipped and our teacher is wonderful.
Loving a woodworking class here. The shop is so well equipped and our teacher is wonderful. The building and grounds are beautiful. Stop by sometime and walk around. You’ll be impressed.
– Bev Shaw, Google Review
I have learned alot and have been able to improve my art skills.
I visit very often, the exhibits always change up. The staff is kind. I also love taking classes here. I have learned alot and have been able to improve my art skills.
– Sophia Finney, Google Review
3. University of Indianapolis
Website: https://uindy.edu/cas/art-design/
Address: 1400 E Hanna Ave
Contact: +1 317-788-3368
Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The University of Indianapolis is a strong choice if you want formal art education without feeling lost on a massive campus.
Since it is NASAD-accredited, a degree here holds real value, whether you are aiming for design, illustration, animation, or a creative career change later in life.
At the same time, the tight-knit community makes it easier to collaborate, build relationships, and get noticed. Another big advantage is the 24-hour studio access, which supports late-night creativity and flexible schedules.
Plus, students often mention that everyone in their cohort receives financial aid, making private education more achievable.
You can also find the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center here, where they offer professional facilities and small classes where professors truly know your work.
The only downside is that the location is not right in the heart of downtown, so you are farther from galleries, creative spaces, and the walkable energy of the city’s art scene.
A great option for students who want more attention and a smaller class size
I transferred here after attending Indiana University my first year of college.
I felt the college is a great option for students who want more attention and a smaller class size. I always really enjoyed my time at UIndy because of their great and supportive athletic department. The school being smaller gave me more opportunities to fulfill my dreams and do what I wanted to do in college.
Like everything, it is not for everyone. I believe it is a great school though and should be considered by all. It ended up being a perfect fit for me.
– The Landys, Google Review
4. Ivy Tech Community College
Website: https://www.ivytech.edu/fine-arts/
Address: 50 W Fall Creek Pkwy N Dr
Contact: +1 888-489-5463
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ivy Tech is a solid option if you want formal art education in Indianapolis without the heavy price tag.
Because the Associate of Fine Arts is fully NASAD-accredited, it works well for aspiring designers, illustrators, animators, and even adults looking to shift into a creative career.
What really stands out is how quickly students here are pushed into the real world. Instead of waiting years, you are encouraged early on to exhibit and even sell your work at local galleries.
Plus, the transfer pathways are smooth, making it easy to start here and move on to well-known schools. The free application and flexible timelines are especially helpful for adult learners.
One thing to consider, you won’t have 24/7 access to the workspaces. You can usually only use equipment like pottery wheels or darkrooms during your scheduled class or specific “open lab” hours.
Unlike a dedicated art college, you generally cannot stay until 2 AM to finish a project.
Higher education for cheap or no cost.
Nice place to go and get into higher education for cheap or no cost. Staff is a mixed bag but the nice and helpful people stand out. There’s not much social life but I think it depends on the person. Teachers are nice but it depends who you get. Also a diverse place and they try make everyone feel included. Only complaint is that they decided do construction when I went and they temporary closed a building. I enjoyed going and would recommend.
– John De Leon, Google Review
I love going to school here
it’s a wonderful school with very affordable classes. the teachers are amazing and actually care about you and getting you good grades, and the facilities are always clean and well maintenanced! i love going to school here and it’s helping me get my degree faster and for the fraction of the cost as IUPUI or even a large university.
– Drew Bowman, Google Review
5. Marian University Indianapolis
Website: https://www.marian.edu/academics/programs/bachelors/indianapolis/art
Address: 3200 Cold Spring Rd
Contact: +1 317-955-6000
Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Marian University really connects with students and adults who want more than basic art classes and are looking for clear creative direction.
The faculty here puts a strong emphasis on one-on-one mentorship, which is especially helpful if you are pursuing design, illustration, animation, or art therapy.
Plus, the study abroad programs stand out, offering opportunities to travel to creative hubs like Italy and France and learn art history in the places where it all began. Being just minutes from the Indianapolis Museum of Art also means inspiration is always close.
I have heard firsthand from a graduate who loved the personalized support in the digital art studio.
However, one drawback is the higher cost compared to public schools, which can be challenging since private tuition requires a bigger financial commitment despite the added mentorship and global experiences.
I love the morals values they instill
Tuition Can be a little high but I love the morals values they instill into every student. They have very nice staff. Even though it’s a Catholic college, they don’t push their religious beliefs on the students.
– Shon Tae, Google Review
