BFA

Most BFA fine art programs start with a foundation year where you learn art and design fundamentals before you have to declare a degree focus. There is also quite a bit of overlap in degree requirements that it is relatively easy to switch programs (core requirements for one will be elective requirements for another). A more important decision to make is whether you want to go to an art school or a university with an arts programme. The culture will be very different at each. A university will grant you more exposure to cross-disciplinary opportunities, traditional college experiences (sports, Greek life, and general education). Your state-school will likely be cheaper than an arts school and many universities boast strong art departments. However, at an art school (RISD, Cal Arts, Parsons), you will be surrounded by an intense, focused creative environment of like-minded individuals. Arts schools may also have better resources (studios, fabrication labs) and more support dedicated to career services. Ultimately, yes, you can make a career out of art and design, be it freelancing, working in an agency, or working in-house. The opportunities are vast and you'll discover more as you go through your undergraduate programme.