School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Founded in 1866, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is one of the most historically significant accredited independent schools of art and design in the world. SAIC is consistently ranked among the top art and design schools by QS World University Rankings and U.S. News and World Report, and is distinct in providing an interdisciplinary curriculum, cutting-edge facilities, renowned faculty, exceptional resources including the Art Institute of Chicago museum, and the necessary freedom for students to develop as artists, designers and scholars. SAIC confers bachelor’s degrees in Art Education, Studio Art, Writing, Art History, and Visual Studies.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Blind
This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Major city
Admissions Requirements
SAT
Yes
ACT
Yes
Transcript
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier. | November 15 | |
| Fall Regular Decision | November 15 | |
| Spring Regular Decision | November 1 |
Rolling Admissions
The college has rolling admissions, which means applications are accepted any time throughout the year.
Admitted Student Stats
30%
Submitting ACT
40%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 27
Average SAT Composite: 1238
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Master's
Total Number of Students
3,132
Total Number of Undergrads
2,487
Classroom Sizes
0
100
47%
Graduate in 4 Years
US National: 28%
0
100
64%
Graduate in 6 Years
US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
8:1
US National: 21:1
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $50,623
|
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $50,623
|
Additional Costs
Room and Board
The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
|
$15,980
|
| Books and Supplies | $2320
|
Aid & Grants
Students Receiving Gift Aid
Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
Students Receiving Grants
Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
19%
Average Aid Per Year
$17,406
19%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,308
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$16,231
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans
Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
36%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$9,177
Average Debt at Graduation
The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$18,000
Median Monthly Loan Payment
The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$248
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
49
Size of Town
Major city
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
No
Housing
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Athletics
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Not applicable
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Chicago
New York
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Seattle
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$40,800
What Students Are Saying
3.79
Average Rating
saic provides a challenging and creative environment to sharpen your artistic skills. the staff is well equipped with experience and knowledge to give practical and helpful direction. the school is also located in one of the most exciting cities in the world, with a vibrant history and many opportunities to make your voice heard.
Maria from Irmo, SC
I've visited the campus multiple times and have had absolutely no criticisms against it! The school's little supportive ideas for the artist's mind (having school in the museum, studios in all dorm buildings open 24/7, and having no majors or grades whatsoever) is extremely helpful! If you're an artist looking to pursue an education within the city and want to be pushed to be the greatest you can be, I suggest you apply here.
Amanda from Westchester, IL
This is an interdisciplinary school and they will make sure you know it. The first year program focuses almost exclusively on the interdisciplinary aspect of the bachelor of fine arts track. However, once you get out of that first year they definitely take care of you.
Katherine from Clinton, MO
Interdisciplinary, major-less environment. Tons of opportunities. Very conceptual and design-y.
Sarah from MA
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