School of the Art Institute of Chicago
School of the Art Institute of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 77.5%, an average net price of $53,331, and an overall rank of #1757 (Grade C). About 67.9% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $46,009 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private nonprofit university in Chicago, IL. 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, and 83.8% 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 18.1%, roughly 31.8 points below typical outcomes. 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 67.9% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 70.4% and keeps 83.8% 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
Est. annual aid gap: $27,619 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $58,220 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,380 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,180 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,760 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $80,950 |
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 23.5% 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 $53,571 to $63,581 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 $52,533/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $63,581/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $46,009
- 10-Year Median Earnings $47,612
- Average Years to Graduate 4.8 years
- Average Student Debt $26,567
- Debt-to-Earnings ~57.7%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 61.0%
- Employment Rate 83.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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.
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 2,805
- Full-Time Students 93.1%
- Part-Time Students 6.9%
- Retention Rate 83.8%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 67.9%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 70.4%
- 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 77.5%, 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 77.5% 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
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 581 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degree, 166 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degree, 22 graduates)
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Master's Degree, 20 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Journalism
- Interior Architecture
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)▼
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,805
- Full-Time Students 93.1%
- Part-Time Students 6.9%
- Male Students 22.7%
- Female Students 77.3%
- Caucasian 34.6%
- Asian 10.2%
- Hispanic 13.2%
- Black 5.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 23.5%
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 77.3% of the student body, while men represent 22.7%.
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 34.6% identifying as White. Women make up 77.3% of undergraduates. About 23.5% 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 0.0% ROI. Ranked #1757 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $53,331 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $46,009 median earnings. With 67.9% graduating within 150% of normal time and 83.8% 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 #1757 ranking, School of the Art Institute of Chicago competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $53,331 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 83.8% 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 $37,332 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 0.0% ROI and $46,009 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $43,331+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: School of the Art Institute of Chicago ranks #1757 of 1934 institutions, with 0 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
- 67.9% graduation rate sits 5.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 83.8% first-year retention is 7.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $46,009 run about 25% lower than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $53,331 is roughly $33,424 higher than the national median of $19,908.
- 83.7% employment rate within three years is 15.5 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 83.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 83.7% employment rate within three years sits 15.5 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $53,331 is about $33,424 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 23.5% trails the national share by 15.2 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 #1757 in EDsmart's rankings 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: 83.8% retention, 67.9% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 70.4% earning an award within eight years. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
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 $53,331 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $80,950.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $27,619 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $26,567 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 23.5% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $46,009 five years after graduation. This is roughly 25% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 83.7% of graduates are employed three years out.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
77.5% 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 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/school-of-the-art-institute-of-chicago/
MLA (9th): “School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/school-of-the-art-institute-of-chicago/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/school-of-the-art-institute-of-chicago/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is School of the Art Institute of Chicago's acceptance rate?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago's acceptance rate is 77.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does School of the Art Institute of Chicago cost?
At School of the Art Institute of Chicago, listed tuition and fees are $58,220 per year, and the average net price after aid is $53,331. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is School of the Art Institute of Chicago's ranking?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago ranks #1757 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is School of the Art Institute of Chicago's graduation rate?
At School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 67.9% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 70.4%, and first-year retention is 83.8%.
What are School of the Art Institute of Chicago's job outcomes?
Graduates of School of the Art Institute of Chicago report median earnings of $46,009 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is School of the Art Institute of Chicago's student population?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago enrolls about 2,805 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 36 S Wabash, Chicago, IL 60603
- Website www.saic.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$360.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate22.6%