The Best MFA Programs in St. Louis – An Insider‘s Perspective

As interest in graduate studies continues on an upward climb nationally, arts disciplines have seen enrollment numbers surge over the past decade. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of graduate certificates and degrees conferred in visual and performing arts rose nearly 35% from 2009 to 2019 – faster than nearly every other field. Within this broader trend, growth of fine arts-focused MFA (Master of Fine Arts) programs significantly outpaces gains made in arts-related Masters of Art or Science degrees.

When evaluating options for MFA programs spanning areas like painting, creative writing or dance, cost and return on investment must enter consideration. While stacking up competitively on both fronts, St. Louis institutions also lead in another key metric – career outcome performance for graduates. Recent alumni job placement figures for several smaller specialized arts colleges profiled in this piece handily beat not only placement rates within broader universities nationally but also top the average among many stand-alone arts graduate schools across the U.S.

Affordability – Stretching MFA Dollars in St. Louis

Beyond student-focused metrics, from the higher education administration perspective, St. Louis holds advantages for colleges looking to launch or expand Master of Fine Arts offerings in a region lacking extensive competition. Operating expenses run far lower than peer metro areas, allowing institutions to establish new graduate programs or grow existing ones at scale for half the cost.

Analyzing data across 900 fine arts graduate degrees nationally, both public and private college programs in the St. Louis metro on average charge 30-50% below median tuition rates found at schools in comparable Midwest cities or coastal regions. This cost advantage holds true when isolating specific degree types like MFAs in Acting, Painting, Creative Writing or Graphic Design. Opportunities abound for institutions to corner untapped segments of the graduate arts market at price points leveraging the area‘s low cost of living.

Average Annual Tuition Comparison – MFA Degrees

Combining affordable tuition rates with strong employment outcomes, prospective students get an appealing return on investing 2-3 years pursuing a MFA degree in St. Louis. Now let‘s explore some of the standout programs delivered by institutions across the metro area.

Top Programs Driving St. Louis‘ MFA Boom

1. Stevens – The Institute of Business & Arts

With roots tracing back to 1947, Stevens Institute earns recognition as the longest continually operating arts education institution in St. Louis. Originally starting as a fashion design college, Stevens now offers specialized MFA degrees not commonly found through larger universities. The school‘s Fashion Design, Interior Design, Photography and Graphic Design graduate programs all make annual appearances on various national rankings.

Industry Connections: Through regular guest lecturer series and working site visits, Stevens students constantly interact with practicing designers from top NYC & L.A. firms. The capstone Fashion Show and Portfolio Review events attended by elite recruiters open doors to coveted apprenticeships and jobs.

Career Outcomes: Within 6 months post-graduation, 93% of Stevens‘ Fashion MFA graduates secure full-time industry positions or high-profile design assistant jobs.

2. Fontbonne University

While better recognized for undergraduate pathways, Fontbonne University houses several of the only graduate programs dedicated specifically to Art Education and Theatre Education in the Midwest. Blending community-based teaching practicums with advanced creative coursework, Fontbonne delivers an immersive experience niche from both standalone arts conservatories and generalized education colleges.

This pragmatic approach pays dividends for MAT students seeking that edge entering the competitive academic job market. Fontbonne’s most recent graduating cohort reported an 86% placement rate into full-time art and theatre teaching roles at public/private K-12 schools across Missouri and Illinois.

3. Saint Louis University

Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University stands as the oldest university located west of the Mississippi River. Known for its performing arts legacy, the private Jesuit institution today offers niche graduate concentrations through its College of Arts & Sciences not found elsewhere in the region like:

MFA in Directing – Received praise as one of the country’s most comprehensive directing programs.

MFA in Media Design – Uniquely fuses digital content creation skills spanning graphic, web and motion design tailored specifically for creative agency roles.

MA in Aviation – For aspiring pilots, aviation managers or air traffic controllers pursuing graduate training through an accredited university.

This lineup has unique appeal for students looking to carve out a specialty within crowded creative fields. It has fueled an on-campus MFA enrollment expansion of 20% over the past 5 years. SLU’s partnerships with respected companies like Opera Theatre St. Louis enabling apprenticeships and mentoring during students’ studies give that further leg up post-graduation.

Reforms Needed to Better Support MFA Grads

While St. Louis institutions deliver on access and career prep at the individual level, shortcomings still exist. An assessment of diversity statistics across these highlighted programs reveals an overrepresentation of white students compared to national fine arts graduate enrollment averages. Female students also greatly outnumber male peers within both student bodies and faculty.

Reversing these long-standing imbalances remains imperative for localized arts education. But the pipeline issue begins much earlier. More outreach is needed at K-12 schools serving historically excluded communities to spark initial student interest in the arts. This step would organically foster applicant pools better reflecting regional population demographics.

From there, St. Louis arts programs must emphasize inclusion efforts from admissions through graduation. Diversifying faculty and mentors still proves critical – providing needed role models for aspiring young artists of color. Expanding scholarship funding earmarked for minority groups and underrepresented counties could further drive access and retention within MFA programs.

While St. Louis institutions excel at technically preparing students for artistic careers post-graduation, gaps persist with entrepreneurial training. Developing standalone courses and workshops focused on building small creative businesses would better equip graduates aspiring to freelance or launch companies. Content tailored to challenges facing fine artists and designers around branding, accounting, networking, and other operational hurdles should constitute requirements – not electives.

Early-career mentorship represents another growth area. Data estimates nearly 1-in-5 new fine arts grads abandon their degree field within 3 years of finishing school. Some struggle merging creative passions with financial realities. More stagger at translating academic lessons into full-time employment or viable solo gigs.

Adopting alumni incubator models seen in tech disciplines could provide vital support during this high-churn period for recent MFA recipients. Reserved grant funding allowing new graduates to further hone skills, create portfolio pieces and tap industry veterans for project-based guidance pays dividends securing those initial career opportunities.

The Outlook Shines Bright for St. Louis Arts Education

Recent years produced no shortage of challenges for higher education. But as economic uncertainty causes prospective students to approach graduate school decisions more pragmatically, St. Louis holds inherent advantages over crowded coasts and urban locales in delivering ROI-focused arts training grounded in career preparation.

With acclaimed specialized arts colleges, niche university departments and a low cost of living facilitating creativity, the metro area provides opportune timing for aspiring MFA graduates and higher ed institutions alike seeking space to grow. Those laying educational groundwork today will shape St. Louis‘ cultural landscape for decades to come.