School of the Art Institute of Chicago
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL ranked #1796 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C-, enrolling about 2,762 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 76.4%. Students most often pursue Fine and Studio Arts and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Day to day, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 82.4% first-year retention, and 64.0% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $49,822, about $32,824 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -86.6%, roughly 171.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $26,742. That's about $16,946 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates 64.0% of students within six years and keeps 82.4% 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago'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 | $54,530 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,380 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $16,100 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,180 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $74,138 |
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 19.1% of School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 $43,080 to $55,898 depending on family income. Use School of the Art Institute of Chicago's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $52,086/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $55,898/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $26,742
- 10-Year Median Earnings $26,742
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 61.0%
- Employment Rate 76.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how School of the Art Institute of Chicago's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes School of the Art Institute of Chicago's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates earn $26,742 median, the -86.6% 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 2,762
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 82.4%
- Graduation Rate 64.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into School of the Art Institute of Chicago
1. Meet Academic Requirements: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 76.4%, School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 76.4% acceptance rate, School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago undergraduates. Fine and Studio Arts, Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies, and Visual and Performing Arts, General draw the most students.
- Fine and Studio Arts 96.6%
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies 1.8%
- Visual and Performing Arts, General 1.5%
- Interior Architecture 0.0%
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 $36,916
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $56,302
- 2. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $49,062
- 3. Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degree) $48,963
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Master's Degree) $37,157
Program Choice Matters: Graduate: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas programs lead with $56,302 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for School of the Art Institute of Chicago. 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 (Bachelor's Degree, 627 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degree, 169 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Architectural Sciences and Technology (Master's Degree, 19 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degree, 19 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 (4 programs)▼
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Interior Architecture
Online Master's Degrees (10 programs)▼
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Design and Applied Arts
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Journalism
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Interior Architecture
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)▼
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,762
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 24.2%
- Female Students 75.8%
- Caucasian 34.2%
- Asian 11.0%
- Hispanic 11.8%
- Black 4.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 19.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects School of the Art Institute of Chicago's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of School of the Art Institute of Chicago's undergraduate population. Women make up 75.8% of the student body, while men represent 24.2%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: School of the Art Institute of Chicago has a diverse student body, with 34.2% identifying as White. Women make up 75.8% of undergraduates. About 19.1% 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
School of the Art Institute of Chicago offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -86.6% ROI. Ranked #1796 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $49,822 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $26,742 median earnings. With 64.0% graduating within six years and 82.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: School of the Art Institute of Chicago's Positioning
With a C- grade and #1796 ranking, School of the Art Institute of Chicago competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $49,822 annually, School of the Art Institute of Chicago charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 82.4% 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 $34,875 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -86.6% ROI and $26,742 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $39,822+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: School of the Art Institute of Chicago ranks #1796 of 6272 institutions, with 1721 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
- 64.0% six-year graduation rate sits 1.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 82.4% first-year retention is 5.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -86.6% return on investment is 171.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $26,742 run about 39% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $49,822 is roughly $32,704 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 82.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 76.4% employment rate within three years sits 8.2 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $49,822 is about $32,704 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 19.1% trails the national share by 19.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates School of the Art Institute of Chicago—a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL—at C- overall. It appears at #1796 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support B+, 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.
Student momentum is strong: 82.4% retention and 64.0% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -86.6% 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 $49,822 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $74,138.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $24,316 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 19.1% 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 $26,742 six years after entry. This is roughly 39% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 76.4% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -86.6% 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
76.4% 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago 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 Illinois campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Chicago, IL 60603
- Website www.saic.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$312.4M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate22.9%