School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Established in 1886, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is an art school affiliated with the Art Institute and one of the oldest design schools in the nation. SAIC confers bachelor’s degrees in Art Education, Studio, Writing, Art History, and Visual Studies and its Studio degrees feature 13 artistic concentrations. Technically located in the business district of Chicago, SAIC offers study abroad programs at several other art and design institutions in locations such as London, Seoul, Zurich, and Vancouver. Outside of the classroom, all students are invited to exhibition openings at the school’s Student Union Galleries and Sullivan Galleries.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Major city
Key Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier. | November 15, 2019 | |
| Fall Regular Decision | April 15, 2020 | |
| Spring Regular Decision | January 1, 2020 |
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Master's
Total Number of Students
3,640
Total Number of Undergrads
2,895
Academic Calendar
Semester
Non Traditional Learning
- Online Classes
- Online Undergrad Degrees
- Summer Sessions
- Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
- Some Programs Requires Co-Op/Internship
Learning Options
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- Teacher Certification Offered
0
100
47%
Graduate in 4 Years
US National: 28%
0
100
65%
Graduate in 6 Years
US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
11:1
US National: 21:1
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition | $50,610
|
| Out-of-State Tuition | $50,610
|
Students Receiving Financial Aid
91%
Average Aid Per Year
$16,495
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Gender
Student Organizations
45
Size of Town
Major city
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Chicago
New York
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Seattle
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$33,500
What Students Are Saying
3.80
Average Rating
Yes, SAIC is an expensive school, but for good reason: the resources available here are better than most art schools in the country, let alone the art programs at big universities that are better known for their research studies. However, if your only ambition to become the best technical painter there ever was, think twice. SAIC is a very conceptual school, and your work has to do more than look good. The best aspect of the school is certainly the amount of freedom it gives to allow students to study multiple artistic disciplines. It's common (and encouraged) for one student to take courses in Sound, Designed Objects, Painting, etc.
Claire from Chicago, IL
Interdisciplinary, major-less environment. Tons of opportunities. Very conceptual and design-y.
Sarah from MA
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