QUICK ANSWER
For many Korean students the hard part of studying art in the U.S. is not drawing; it is English, writing about their own work, and cost. Schools now set English minimums on the new TOEFL 1–6 scale (RISD 5, MICA 4, CalArts 4), ask for written statements such as CalArts’ 500–1,000 words or Parsons’ two essays of 300–400 words, and charge tuition of $58,000–$65,000 a year at private art schools before housing.
Each of these can be prepared for, and starting English writing and budgeting early leaves more time for the studio work.
THE REAL HURDLES · 1
The Three Hurdles in Numbers
| Hurdle | Examples, 2026–27 |
|---|---|
| English score | TOEFL minimum: RISD 5, MICA 4 (or 72), CalArts 4 (or 80), FIT 4 (or 80); SAIC iBT 82 on the previous scale |
| Writing | CalArts statement 500–1,000 words; Parsons two essays of 300–400 words; PNCA statement 250–500 words |
| Tuition | MICA $58,310; Parsons $62,348; Pratt $64,703 (before housing and fees) |
From each school’s admissions, international and tuition pages, checked October 2026.
THE REAL HURDLES · 2
What Changes After Arrival
Many art schools begin with a foundation or shared first year: RISD’s shared first year and MICA’s First Year Experience are examples. Students make work in many media, present it in group critiques and write about it, so speaking about one’s own work in English becomes a regular part of class. Practising it before arrival helps.
FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
Funding can change the cost question: in our record MICA funded 80% of admits and SAIC 69%. See the TOEFL guide (Korean) and RISD vs MICA.
THE REAL HURDLES · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard for Korean students to study art in the U.S.?
The main hurdles are English, writing about one’s work, and cost, more than drawing skill.
What TOEFL score do art schools need?
On the new 1–6 scale, for example RISD 5, MICA 4 and CalArts 4.
How much writing is required to apply?
CalArts asks 500–1,000 words; Parsons two essays of 300–400 words.
How much is tuition?
About $58,000–$65,000 a year at private art schools such as MICA, Parsons and Pratt, before housing.
What is the first year like?
Usually a foundation or shared first year with critiques and work across media.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
Our director has taught Korean students for U.S. art schools for 19 years, from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our results page lists 1,099 acceptances, 2009–2026, each confirmed directly with the student. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From RISD, SAIC, MICA, FIT, CalArts, Parsons, PNCA and Pratt admissions and tuition pages. Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026). Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: TOEFL Guide (Korean) · RISD vs MICA · After a Rejection · Choosing an Academy · Royal Blue Results