Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah College of Art and Design has an acceptance rate of 83.0%, annual tuition of $41,630, average net price of $49,430, and a national rank of #1383 (Grade B-), with a 69.3% graduation rate, about 15,243 undergraduates, and median earnings of $47,980 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Savannah College of Art and Design is a private nonprofit university in Savannah, GA. Students most often pursue Human Computer Interaction and Radio, Television, and Digital Communication.
Day to day, students benefit from a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, and 86.3% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 21.5%, roughly 28.4 points below typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Savannah College of Art and Design Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Savannah College of Art and Design graduates 69.3% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 86.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns an F compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Savannah College of Art and Design'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 | $41,630 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,061 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,123 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,194 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $63,627 |
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 18.8% of Savannah College of Art and Design students receive Pell Grants — 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 $44,858 to $52,147 depending on family income. Use Savannah College of Art and Design's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $51,558/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $52,147/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $47,980
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,954
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $25,148
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 55.4%
- Employment Rate 78.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Savannah College of Art and Design 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.
Savannah College of Art and Design vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Savannah College of Art and Design's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Savannah College of Art and Design's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Savannah College of Art and Design graduates earn $47,980 median, the 21.5% 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 540-660
- SAT Math 490-610
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-28
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 15,243
- Full-Time Students 87.9%
- Part-Time Students 12.1%
- Retention Rate 86.3%
- Graduation Rate 69.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 21:1
How to Get Into Savannah College of Art and Design
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Savannah College of Art and Design 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 83.0%, Savannah College of Art and Design 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 83.0% acceptance rate, Savannah College of Art and Design is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1030 and 1270 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Savannah College of Art and Design undergraduates. Design and Applied Arts, Graphic Communications, and Radio, Television, and Digital Communication draw the most students.
- Design and Applied Arts 36.8%
- Graphic Communications 14.2%
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication 13.4%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 11.3%
- Fine and Studio Arts 5.5%
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 5.2%
See more majors
- Apparel and Textiles 4.8%
- Architectural Sciences and Technology 2.8%
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. Human Computer Interaction $83,500
- 2. Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $64,724
- 3. Architectural Sciences and Technology $59,427
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Apparel and Textiles $57,108
- 5. Graphic Communications $49,365
- 6. Film/Video and Photographic Arts $44,203
- 7. Design and Applied Arts $43,503
- 8. Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians $38,034
- 9. Fine and Studio Arts $34,897
- 10. Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft $33,955
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $110,872
- 2. Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Master's Degree) $77,499
- 3. Architectural Sciences and Technology (Master's Degree) $74,185
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Historic Preservation and Conservation (Master's Degree) $61,992
- 5. Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degree) $60,114
- 6. Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Master's Degree) $54,180
- 7. Apparel and Textiles (Master's Degree) $53,305
- 8. Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Master's Degree) $53,241
- 9. Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degree) $51,744
- 10. Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (Master's Degree) $50,449
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Human Computer Interaction grads earn $83,500—146% more than Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($33,955). Graduate: Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management programs lead with $110,872 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Savannah College of Art and Design. 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
- Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degree, 335 graduates)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 266 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 130 graduates)
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degree, 122 graduates)
- Apparel and Textiles (Bachelor's Degree, 114 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 (13 programs)â–¼
- Graphic Communications
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Apparel and Textiles
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Human Computer Interaction
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Architectural History and Criticism
Online Master's Degrees (9 programs)â–¼
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Apparel and Textiles
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Sustainability Studies
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Architectural History and Criticism
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 15,243
- Full-Time Students 87.9%
- Part-Time Students 12.1%
- Male Students 29.4%
- Female Students 70.6%
- Caucasian 51.6%
- Asian 5.9%
- Hispanic 7.8%
- Black 13.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 18.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Savannah College of Art and Design's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Savannah College of Art and Design's undergraduate population. Women make up 70.6% of the student body, while men represent 29.4%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Savannah College of Art and Design 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 Savannah College of Art and Design, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 70.6% of undergraduates. About 18.8% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Savannah College of Art and Design 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 Savannah College of Art and Design, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Savannah College of Art and Design offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 21.5% ROI. Ranked #1383 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $49,430 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $47,980 median earnings. With 69.3% earning an award within eight years of entry and 86.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Savannah College of Art and Design's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1383 ranking, Savannah College of Art and Design competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $49,430 annually, Savannah College of Art and Design charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 86.3% 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 $34,601 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 21.5% ROI and $47,980 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $39,430+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Savannah College of Art and Design ranks #1383 of 1962 institutions, with 1740 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
- 69.3% graduation rate sits 6.8 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 86.3% first-year retention is 9.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 21.5% return on investment is 28.4 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $47,980 run about 21% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $49,430 is roughly $29,351 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 21:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 86.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 78.2% employment rate within three years sits 10.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $49,430 is about $29,351 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 18.8% trails the national share by 15.6 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 Savannah, GA, Savannah College of Art and Design operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #1383 nationally Category results include Completion (B), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (C-), and Affordability (F).
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.
Student momentum is strong: 86.3% retention and 69.3% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures 21.5% 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 $49,430 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $63,627.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $14,197 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,148 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 18.8% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $47,980 four years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 21% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 78.2%.
Plan around an ROI of about 21.5% 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
83.0% 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 Savannah College of Art and Design 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
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Georgia campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savannah College of Art and Design's acceptance rate?
Savannah College of Art and Design's acceptance rate is 83.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Savannah College of Art and Design cost?
At Savannah College of Art and Design, listed tuition and fees are $41,630 per year, and the average net price after aid is $49,430. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Savannah College of Art and Design's ranking?
Savannah College of Art and Design ranks #1383 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Savannah College of Art and Design's graduation rate?
At Savannah College of Art and Design, the graduation rate is 69.3%, and first-year retention is 86.3%.
What are Savannah College of Art and Design's job outcomes?
Graduates of Savannah College of Art and Design report median earnings of $47,980 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Savannah College of Art and Design's student population?
Savannah College of Art and Design enrolls about 15,243 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Savannah, GA 31402-3146
- Website www.scad.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$326.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate16.7%