Overview
Founded in 1866 alongside the Art Institute of Chicago museum, SAIC has grown into one of the largest and most respected accredited independent schools of art and design in the United States. It is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to move fluidly between painting, sculpture, film, fashion, writing, and emerging media, and counts influential artists, designers, and architects among its faculty and alumni. The school's close relationship with the Art Institute of Chicago museum gives students unparalleled access to one of the nation's premier art collections.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Founded | 1866 |
| Total students | 3,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 9:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 78% |
| Graduation rate | 70% |
| Average starting salary | $42,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $56,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $56,000 |
| Room & board | $16,000 |
| Average financial aid | $25,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1080-1290 |
| ACT range | 22-28 |
| Average GPA | 3.50 |
| Regular deadline | January 15 |
Top Programs
- Painting & Drawing
- Film, Video, New Media & Animation
- Fashion Design
- Architecture, Interior Architecture & Designed Objects
- Art History, Theory & Criticism
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.