Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute is a specialist higher education institution in Brooklyn, New York City, ranked #5 Top Art and Design University in the World by QS, offering programmes across architecture, art, design, liberal arts and sciences, and information studies. Founded in 1887, the Pratt Institute community today includes more than 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students learning across 58 academic programmes, while offering a memorable university experience in one of the most diverse and dynamic cities on the planet.

Pratt Institute's main 25-acre residential campus is located in the historic Clinton Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn. Students spend their time among green spaces, historic buildings, studios and a sculpture garden, while enjoying access to the wider creative landscape and professional opportunities available throughout New York City. Pratt also has a Manhattan campus in Chelsea, and additional facilities across Brooklyn.

Students can choose from a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programmes combining creative practice with theory, spanning subjects such as architecture, fine arts, fashion, industrial and communications design, digital arts, writing, information science and urban planning. Interdisciplinary study is encouraged, giving students opportunities to work across subject areas and develop perspectives beyond their main discipline that allows them to transition smoothly into a range of creative career pathways.

Pratt Institute brings together students from across the US and around the world, creating an international creative community within one of the world's major centers for art, culture, design and business.

Teaching at Pratt Institute combines several key components into a comprehensive learning experience. Creative practice, academic study and professional preparation are each integrated into the curriculum to ensure students have the breadth of opportunities to build their practice while developing their professional skills alongside. Students are encouraged to connect studio work and creative experimentation with critical reflection on wider social issues. Interdisciplinary learning also gives students opportunities to explore subjects beyond their primary area of study.

There are more than 1,000 faculty members across the Pratt Institute academic community. Students learn from tutors working across many interwoven creative areas, with courses designed to develop both specialized knowledge and broader creative and critical-thinking skills simultaneously.

Teaching development is supported by Pratt's Center for Teaching and Learning, which works with the institute's faculty across all disciplines and teaching formats. Its work covers areas including studio pedagogy, experiential learning, collaborative work, and field trips, while encouraging reflective approaches to teaching.

Teaching can also extend beyond individual departments. Pratt's Center for Interdisciplinary Studies allows students to link different areas of knowledge and customize parts of their academic experience, giving them a broader and more connected learning experience.

Pratt Institute is organized into six academic schools, covering its main areas of teaching and creative practice. Students can explore the institute's full academic structure online. Its six academic schools include:

School of Architecture

The school focuses on the design, planning and management of the built environment, with programmes addressing subjects including architecture, construction management, planning and sustainability.

School of Art

Home to eight departments, the School of Art encompasses a broad range of creative disciplines and supports students in developing their individual artistic practice.

School of Design

The school offers four undergraduate and four graduate programmes, with areas of study spanning fields such as communications, fashion, industrial and interior design.

School of Information

Students explore how information, technology and culture interact, with four core programmes covering areas ranging from algorithms and data to archives and information experience.

School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The school provides study across the humanities, sciences and social sciences, supporting both specialist programmes and the broader academic education of Pratt students.

School of Continuing and Professional Studies

This school provides flexible professional and continuing education in areas including art, design and architecture, with options for adult learners and working professionals.

Entry requirements at Pratt Institute vary according to level of study and programme. Undergraduate applicants are required to submit official high school transcripts, an essay, and a portfolio, with requirements differing by subject. Pratt is test optional, so SAT and ACT scores are not required for undergraduate admission.

Graduate applicants are required to hold a bachelor's degree and submit academic transcripts, a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. Depending on the programme, applicants may also need to provide a visual portfolio, writing sample or resume. The GRE is not required for any Pratt graduate programme.

International applicants whose first language is not English must normally provide evidence of English language proficiency. Accepted tests include TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test, Pearson PTE and Cambridge English. For undergraduate entry, standard minimums include IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 92 and Duolingo 125, although graduate requirements can vary, and prospective students are encouraged to check the requirements for their chosen programme online before submitting an application.

Pratt provides a range of creative facilities designed to support studio practice across its portfolio of creative programmes. Students have access to a wide range of makerspaces, workshops, and studios, covering both traditional craft methods and digital fabrication. Students have superb access to these facilities through their specific course, and also through the institute's encouragement of interdisciplinary experimentation.

Pratt operates dedicated computer facilities across its Brooklyn campus, including 2D and 3D printing centers, engineering computer labs, media labs and specialized facilities for CAD and 3D modelling. Students are well connected to the institute's technical staff who provide support and guidance, allowing students to learn to use new equipment under safe supervision.

The Brooklyn campus library holds more than 200,000 print volumes alongside periodicals, rare books, archives and electronic resources, with collections focused particularly on art, architecture, design and related subjects. Pratt also has a library at its Manhattan campus.

Additional facilities extend beyond the main campus. Graduate Fine Arts students have access to individual studios at Dock 72 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, while Pratt's nearby Research Yard provides 20,000 square feet of research and fabrication space.

Pratt Institute provides a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help students manage the cost of study. Around 78 percent of Pratt students receive some form of financial aid from either the institute itself, or federal or state sources.

International students are eligible for merit-based scholarships. Incoming international applicants are automatically considered for these awards when admitted, so they do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. Awards are based on the strength of the application and, where relevant, academic achievement and portfolio quality as determined by the Office of Admissions during the application review process.

Graduate scholarships are generally awarded through individual academic departments. Students are encouraged to check current tuition, living costs and programme-specific expenses when planning their budget, as the cost of attendance varies according to course, housing choices and personal circumstances.

In August 2026, Pratt Institute opened a new Student Wellness Center on its Brooklyn campus, bringing a range of services such as health support, counselling, academic support, career development and other student services together in one central location. The facility is designed to make support more accessible and ensure that every student has the resources and guidance needed to realize their full potential while studying at Pratt Institute.

Pratt is also creating new opportunities for students to showcase their work across New York City. In summer 2026, the institute launched Pratt Institute x The Village West: Windows on 14th Street, transforming vacant storefronts along the 14th Street corridor into a public gallery. The inaugural installation featured work by more than 30 students from across Pratt's six schools.

Research and collaboration also remain an important focus. Pratt's 2026 Research Open House featured more than 100 exhibitions, bringing together projects exploring subjects ranging from emerging technologies and material experimentation to climate resilience and public policy. Many projects involved partnerships with local communities, industry and other organizations, and students can use Pratt Institute News to keep up with further opportunities and developments online.