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School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Courses, Admission, Cost
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Last updated on 9 Oct '24, by Kanika Arora (Study Abroad Expert)
- SAIC Highlights 2025
- SAIC Popular programs
- SAIC Scholarships
- Admission Dates
- SAIC Courses and Fees 2025
- SAIC College comparison
- Studying in USA
SAICHighlights 2025
Founded in the year 1866, School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) an age-old institution and a non-profit making private art school. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1936 and is also a Chater member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design since 1948.
Located in Chicago, SAIC offers classes in subjects including art and technology, arts, administration, art history, theory and criticism, art therapy, art education, historic preservation, Film, Video, New Media, and Animation, fashion design, ceramics, interior architecture, architecture, journalism, painting and drawing, photography, performance, print media, sculpture, sound, visual communication design, illustration, animation, Playwriting/Screenwriting, and Fiber and Material Studies. Apart from the conventional UG, PG, and certificate courses, the institution also offers interdisciplinary Low Residency MFA for interested candidates. There are also provisions for continuing studies, adult programs, children's programs, middle school programs high school programs, and teacher programs.
SAIC maintains academic partnerships with the Glasgow School of Art of the U.K. Moreover, it is a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, American Association for Higher Education, National Art Education Asociation, American Association of University Women, and several others. SAIC offers financial aid to deserving students. There are provisions for availing federal aid as well as the prorated amount of institutional aid facility or the Illinois State MAP Grant if the candidate meets the eligibility criteria.
SAIC is one of the finest institutions and a global leader for educating and creating eminent artists from various sectors. The basic infrastructure of the institution includes hi-tech classrooms, auditoriums, conference halls, well-stocked libraries, well-equipped labs, and expert faculty. SAIC follows a unique method for educating students that involve not only books and classroom lectures but also several interactive sessions with eminent personalities during seminars, workshops, and conferences.
Others
73%
Hispanic
11%
Asian
10%
Black
4%
Out of state
62%
Foreign
25%
In state
11%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Q: How expensive is living at School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
The expenses of living at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago can be bifurcated as follows:-
- Housing Costs: $16,000 to $20,000 per academic year depending upon the type of accomodation being selected.
- Meal Plans: $900 per semester for new students, and $600 per semester for returning students.
- Health Insurance Costs: $1800 per semester.
- Technology Fees:$335.
- Orientation Fees:$225.
Q: What is School of the Art Institute of Chicago known for?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is known for being the finest institution and a global leader in educating and creating eminent artists from various sectors. The college provides so many facilities such as hi-tech classrooms, auditoriums, conference halls, well-stocked libraries, well-equipped labs, and expert faculty.
Partnerships with the Glasgow School of Art in the UK have also made the college come into the limelight. Moreover, it is a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the American Association for Higher Education, the National Art Education Association, and the American Association of University Women.
Q: Why do Indian students choose to study at School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
Indian students choose to study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. SAIC is one of the finest institutions and a global leader in educating and creating eminent artists from various sectors. It provides a high-class infrastructure including hi-tech classrooms, auditoriums, conference halls, well-stocked libraries, well-equipped labs, and expert faculty. SAIC has interactive sessions with eminent personalities during seminars, workshops, and conferences. The classroom doesn't comprise just the classroom lectures.
Having ranked 10 by the QS Rankings in Art and Design, the institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1936 it is Chater member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design since 1948.
Q: Will my campus life be better at School of the Art Institute of Chicago than staying off-campus?
Yes, my campus life is better at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago than staying off-campus. No other experience is even comparable to living with other artists and designers, exchanging ideas, supporting one another, and growing together. Living on campus makes it easy to immerse yourself in the SAIC experience and makes the students feel that they are a part of the community. Residence Life staff plan activities help to build relationships, connect with the city, and get to know what SAIC has to offer. SAIC ensures a secure living environment through controlled access and 24-hour security staff.
Q: What are the popular Indian restaurants near School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
The popular Indian students near the School of the Art Institute of Chicago are:
- Campus Center Cafe: Being located on the second floor of the Neiman Center Campus Centre Cafe offers specialty coffee drinks to daily specials at the hot buffet.
- 280 Cafe: It consists of a wide array of sandwiches & salads, stir fry, choices from the hot frill, grab-and-go options, and tasty desserts.
- Mac Lean Cafe: The MacLean Center Café offers breakfast items, sandwiches, specialty coffee drinks, and many grab-go offerings. It is a perfect place for before or after class, or for your mid-class break.
SAIC Popular programs
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Q: Does School of the Art Institute of Chicago offer any online courses?
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers a variety of online courses as part of its educational programs. These include:
- Online Degree Courses: As many as 60 online courses like digital drawing, graphic design, and art history are available on credit for remote students.
- Continuing Education: Continuing courses catering to a broader audience, including adults and high school students, with options for workshops and intensive courses are available.
- Hybrid Learning Options: These options combine hybrid with other off-campus learning programs.
Q: What is the most preferred course by Indian students at School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
The most preferred course by Indian students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is the Master of Fine Arts in Studio. It is a 60-credit programme that supports creative work, inquiry, and investigation across 14 different departments. This programme encourages students to move beyond their home departments and work with faculty and peers in any area that supports their graduate work and research. The purpose of this degree is to prepare students to enter into their chosen fields of practice or to pursue their unique professional pathways as independent artists. It is ranked 10 by Art and Design QS 2024 Ranking.
SAIC Scholarships
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Q: What are the top scholarships for Indian students at School of the Art Institute of Chicago? How do I avail them?
The top scholarships for Indian students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the methods to avail them are:-
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships: It offers Scholarships up to $100,000, especially for the Indian students.
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: It covers tuition and living expenses for graduate studies in the US. International students can apply for this.
- SAIC Travel Scholarships: This Scholarship assists International students with travel and tuition expenses. To avail of this scholarship you need to have a portfolio, a 250-word travel proposal, and an application form.
Admission Dates
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Q: Is it hard to get into School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
Getting into the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is not hard. The acceptance rate of the institute is 79% which shows that out of 100 students, 79 enter the college. The college is not highly selective as far as admission is concerned.
The Average SAT score required for the students to get admitted is around 1230.
The ACT score required is between 22 and 25. The average GPA of the students to get admission is 3.55. These criteria are not so difficult to fulfill.
Q: Is School of the Art Institute of Chicago good for international students?
Yes, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is good for the International students. Approximately 30% of the total student body is from other countries. The availability of a public transportation system includes a subway,an elevated train, and buses that will bring out an experience of 77 culturally diverse neighborhoods. The Office of International Affairs is highly experienced in supporting the needs and interests of international students from different backgrounds. The services it provides are:-
1. Orientation of the students before each semester.
2. Assistance with visas, pre-arrival, and arrival concerns.
3. Workshops on topics from immigration regulations to resources for achieving academic, financial, and personal goals.
Q: Can an average Indian student join School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
An average Indian student can join the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. The entry requirements are:-
- The four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent is required.
- The TOEFL mark of 85 out of 120 is required.
- An IELTS score of 6.5 out of 9 is required.
- Official transcripts, Statement of purpose (500- to 700-word statement that describes work or research), 2 LOR, ePortfolio, and an Interview are required.
Tier 1 or Tier 2 colleges students can easily meet these requirements.
Q: What are the deadlines for Indian students to submit applications at School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
The deadlines for submitting applications for the Indian students at the School of Art Institute of Chicago are:-
For the undergraduate programs:
- Merit Action deadline: November 15.
- Merit Scholarship deadline for the first year: January 15.
- Merit and the Final Application Deadline: April 15.
For the graduate programs:
- Priority Application Deadline: December 1.
- Final Application Deadline January 10.
Q: What is the application process at School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
To apply to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, apply online through a common application. The application fee is $65 for the US Applicants and $85 for the International applicants. Submit a portfolio that gives them a sense of you, your interests, and your willingness to experiment, explore, and think beyond technical skills. The merit scholarship will also be granted based on the portfolio.
Upload your work electronically through SlideRoom, which you will access through SAIC's member screen within the Common Application under the Portfolio section.
SAIC Courses and Fees 2025
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
M.A.(2 courses) | INR 34 L - 40 L | Duration: 18 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 85 - 96, PTE: 65 & Above |
Others UG(1 course) | INR 46 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 55 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Q: How much money is required in Indian rupees to study at School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
The money required in Indian rupees to study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is bifurcated as follows:-
| Fees Components | M.A. | Other UG Fees |
Tuition | INR 33.97 L - 39.82 L | INR 45.81 L |
| Transportation | INR 1.6 L - 3.11 L | INR 1.6 L |
| Others | INR 89.88 K | INR 5.51 L |
| Total Fees | INR 37.01 L - 44.36 L | INR 66.44 L |
Q: What English proficiency exams are accepted by School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
The English proficiency exams accepted by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is :
- TOEFL ibT: A score above 82 is required.
- TOEFL Essentials: A score above 9 is required.
- IELTS: A score above 6.5 is required.
- PTE Academic: A score above 55 is required.
- Duolingo: A score above 110 is required.
Q: How expensive is living at School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
The expenses of living at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago can be bifurcated as follows:-
- Housing Costs: $16,000 to $20,000 per academic year depending upon the type of accomodation being selected.
- Meal Plans: $900 per semester for new students, and $600 per semester for returning students.
- Health Insurance Costs: $1800 per semester.
- Technology Fees:$335.
- Orientation Fees:$225.
SAICCollege comparison
Compare SAIC with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Shiksha Grade | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
SAIC | INR 34.08 L - 39.94 L | -/- | -/- |
CalArts  Compare | INR 39.46 L - 49.14 L | -/- | -/- |
Fashion Institute of Technology Compare | INR 19.88 L | -/- | -/- |
Felician University Compare | INR 4.42 L - 19.92 L | -/- | -/- |
AUB Compare | INR 21.18 L | C+ | #89 CUG, 2025 |
UMKC Compare | INR 16.37 L | B+ | #1001 QS, 2025 |
SAICStudying in USA
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SAIC
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
A lot of students are able to hold a part time job while studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) due to the different opportunities available on campus and even outside the campus. To help them find places to do internship, assistantship or work in study, SAIC developed a thoro
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
There are no application fees for the School of The Art Institute of Chicago. The modes of fee payment include:
1. Check for Money Order: Payments can be made in US currency, drawn on a US Bank, and sent to the SAIC Bursar's office.
2. Credit/Debit Card: Through Transact with 2.85% fees for the US Ca
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 months ago
With its specialised concentration and individualised learning environment, Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) may be a more appealing option for some students seeking a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation than the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Students wishing to get a firm f
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
The student's reviews of the School of the Art Institute are generally positive. It is rated 4.0 at Niche. Students are amazed by the broad range of people with different backgrounds, and interests that all come together in this art school.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the world is ranked among top 10 arts and design schools in the World by QS World University Rankings. It is also ranked as 11 in QS World University Rankings by subject 2023. Columbia University's National Art Journalism also named it "The Most Influent
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Contributor-Level 10
About the author
Study Abroad Expert
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio
Classroom
SAICLocation
| University City | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Size of city | Large |
| Population of City | 27,16,450 |
SAICCampuses
E Monroe St, Chicago Loop, IL 60603, United States
Visit official site
SAICContact Information
E Monroe St, Chicago Loop, IL 60603, United States
Chicago ( Illinois)
Is getting part-time jobs easy while studying at School of the Art Institute of Chicago?