Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, PA ranked #1550 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 99 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 87.5%. Students most often pursue Fine and Studio Arts.
Academically, students benefit from a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, 83.3% first-year retention, and 67.6% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $45,022, about $28,024 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -86.5%, roughly 171.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $24,229. That's about $19,459 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts graduates 67.6% of students within six years and keeps 83.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $44,600 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,768 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,662 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $6,408 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $64,035 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 32.5% of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $45,633 to $48,597 depending on family income. Use Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $43,390/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $48,597/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $24,229
- 10-Year Median Earnings $24,229
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 55.3%
- Employment Rate 75.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts graduates earn $24,229 median, the -86.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 99
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 83.3%
- Graduation Rate 67.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 5:1
How to Get Into Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 87.5%, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 87.5% acceptance rate, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts undergraduates. Fine and Studio Arts and Design and Applied Arts draw the most students.
- Fine and Studio Arts 84.8%
- Design and Applied Arts 15.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Fine and Studio Arts $28,984
- 2. Fine and Studio Arts $20,597
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degree) $37,400
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Fine and Studio Arts grads earn $28,984—41% more than Fine and Studio Arts ($20,597). Graduate: Fine and Studio Arts programs lead with $37,400 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degree, 32 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 15 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 5 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 4 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Fine and Studio Arts
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Fine and Studio Arts
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)▼
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 99
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 32.3%
- Female Students 67.7%
- Caucasian 57.6%
- Asian 5.1%
- Hispanic 5.1%
- Black 15.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 32.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 67.7% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -86.5% ROI. Ranked #1550 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $45,022 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $24,229 median earnings. With 67.6% graduating within six years and 83.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1550 ranking, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $45,022 annually, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 83.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $31,515 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -86.5% ROI and $24,229 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $35,022+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts ranks #1550 of 1971 institutions, with 1764 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 67.6% six-year graduation rate sits 5.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 83.3% first-year retention is 6.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -86.5% return on investment is 171.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $24,229 run about 45% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $45,022 is roughly $25,123 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 5:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 83.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 75.5% employment rate within three years sits 7.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $45,022 is about $25,123 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 32.5% trails the national share by 1.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Philadelphia, PA, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a C+ from EDsmart. It holds a #1550 national ranking Category results include Completion (B+), Support (A), Career Outcomes (C), and Affordability (D+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 83.3% of first-year students return, and roughly 67.6% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -86.5% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $45,022 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $64,035.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $19,013 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 32.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $24,229 at the median. This is roughly 45% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 75.5%.
Plan around an ROI of about -86.5% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
87.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Philadelphia, PA 19102-1510
- Website www.pafa.org
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$39.5M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate24.3%