School of the Art Institute of Chicago
About School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private art and design college in downtown Chicago. It is one of the most influential art schools in the country, offering programs in fine arts, writing, and visual arts, with a campus connected to the Art Institute museum.
Founded
1866
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Students
3,394
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
77.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
67%
Near national average
Tuition
$56,420
Per year
Avg Net Price
$49,790
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$40,151
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$65
Early
Nov 15
Regular
Jul 15
School of the Art Institute of Chicago accepts the majority of applicants at 77.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
67% complete their degree within six years
Retention
83.8%
4-Year Grad
43%
6-Year Grad
65%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
21.6%
$/Student
$18.4K
Class Size
Medium
The 43% graduation rate is below average, but 83.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$56,420
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,550
Books & Supplies
$2,380
Total Cost of Attendance
$75,625
After Financial Aid
$49,790
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$43,798
Receive Grants
18.7%
Take Loans
37.4%
The total cost of attendance runs about $75,625/yr, including $16,550 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $49,790.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at School of the Art Institute of Chicago fund their education.
While in School
18.7%
Get Grants
Free money
37.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$50,784
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Graduates leave with $27,000 in median debt, above the national average. Explore all scholarship and aid options, and consider your expected earnings in your chosen field.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Gender
77.3%
Female
23%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,805
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
589
Graduates
21.3%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
5.7%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 77% of the student body. 21.3% are first-generation college students. 27.9% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
2,805
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Special Focus
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of School of the Art Institute of Chicagoearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$40,151
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 3Fine and Studio Arts
$24K
581 grads
1yr Earnings
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
—
13 grads
Visual and Performing Arts, General
—
6 grads
Graduates earn about $27K six years out, growing to $40K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about School of the Art Institute of Chicago
What is the acceptance rate at School of the Art Institute of Chicago?▾
How much does School of the Art Institute of Chicago cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at School of the Art Institute of Chicago?▾
How much do School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.