University of the Arts
University of the Arts is a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, PA ranked #1536 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 1,064 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 78.2%. Students most often pursue Design and Applied Arts and Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management.
Day to day, students benefit from a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, 80.7% first-year retention, and 69.2% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $44,154, about $27,156 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -84.7%, roughly 170.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $27,011. That's about $16,677 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is University of the Arts Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of the Arts graduates 69.2% of students within six years and keeps 80.7% 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 University of the 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 | $54,290 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,314 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $19,028 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,520 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $70,834 |
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 33.4% of University of the 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 $42,104 to $46,757 depending on family income. Use University of the Arts's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $43,590/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $46,757/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $27,011
- 10-Year Median Earnings $27,011
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $23,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 63.4%
- Employment Rate 80.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of the 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.
University of the Arts vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of the Arts's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of the Arts's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of the Arts graduates earn $27,011 median, the -84.7% 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 1,064
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 80.7%
- Graduation Rate 69.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 7:1
How to Get Into University of the Arts
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of the 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 78.2%, University of the 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 78.2% acceptance rate, University of the 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 University of the Arts undergraduates. Design and Applied Arts, Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, and Dance draw the most students.
- Design and Applied Arts 18.7%
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 18.7%
- Dance 14.0%
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management 12.9%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 11.1%
- Music 9.0%
See more majors
- Graphic Communications 6.3%
- Fine and Studio Arts 4.5%
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. Design and Applied Arts $47,447
- 2. Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management $45,225
- 3. Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry $39,210
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft $36,737
- 5. Film/Video and Photographic Arts $35,179
- 6. Fine and Studio Arts $34,600
- 7. Music $30,902
- 8. Dance $28,494
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $60,412
- 2. Museology/Museum Studies (Master's Degree) $52,083
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Design and Applied Arts grads earn $47,447—67% more than Dance ($28,494). Graduate: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas programs lead with $60,412 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of the 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
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 71 graduates)
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degree, 71 graduates)
- Dance (Bachelor's Degree, 53 graduates)
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Bachelor's Degree, 49 graduates)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 42 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 (11 programs)▼
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Design and Applied Arts
- Dance
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Music
- Graphic Communications
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
- Human Computer Interaction
Online Master's Degrees (8 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Dance
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Music
- Education, Other
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Design and Applied Arts
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)▼
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Music
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,064
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 34.5%
- Female Students 65.5%
- Caucasian 51.8%
- Asian 4.3%
- Hispanic 15.4%
- Black 19.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 33.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of the Arts's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of the Arts's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of the Arts support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 University of the Arts, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 65.5% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of the Arts support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 University of the Arts, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of the Arts offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -84.7% ROI. Ranked #1536 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $44,154 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $27,011 median earnings. With 69.2% graduating within six years and 80.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: University of the Arts's Positioning
With a C+ grade and #1536 ranking, University of the Arts competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $44,154 annually, University of the Arts charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 80.7% 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 $30,908 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -84.7% ROI and $27,011 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $34,154+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of the Arts ranks #1536 of 1971 institutions, with 1755 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
- 69.2% six-year graduation rate sits 6.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 80.7% first-year retention is 3.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -84.7% return on investment is 170.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $27,011 run about 38% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $44,154 is roughly $24,255 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 7:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 80.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 80.5% employment rate within three years sits 12.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $44,154 is about $24,255 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 33.4% trails the national share by 0.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of the Arts, a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, PA, secures a C+ grade in our latest review. It stands at #1536 among 1971 schools Completion earns 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 80.7% of first-year students return, and roughly 69.2% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -84.7% 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 $44,154 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $70,834.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,680 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $23,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 33.4% 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 $27,011 at the median. This is roughly 38% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 80.5%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -84.7%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
78.2% 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 University of the 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 19102-4901
- Website www.uarts.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- Endowment$59.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate16.6%