SCAD Admission Requirements
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- 4 Year
- Savannah, GA
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SCAD Admission Overview
SCAD admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year SCAD admitted 83% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.56 GPA (A-) and SAT 1030-1270 / ACT 21-28. SCAD is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
SCAD is test-optional for 2026-27. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
SCAD Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Very Low
Admission difficulty for Savannah College of Art and Design
Acceptance Rate
The SCAD acceptance rate is 83%. Last year, 13,241 of 15,956 applicants were admitted. That is the 30th lowest acceptance rate in Georgia.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into SCAD and can you get accepted?
SCAD is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.
Savannah College of Art and Design typically attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.56. 26% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
SCAD GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.56Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
A-Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.56
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at SCAD typically have around a 3.56 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have very good grades in high school. SCAD is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
The school ranks #10 in Georgia for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.6 GPA range.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
SCAD Test Policy
Test Submission Requirements
Savannah College of Art and Design is test-optional for first-year applicants. SAT or ACT scores are not required, and leaving them off does not hurt admission or scholarship review. Send scores only if you want them considered. Applicants with a high school GPA below 3.0 are encouraged to add a portfolio, recommendations, or a statement of purpose.
Cycle: 2026-27. Source: https://www.scad.edu/admission/admission-information/frequently-asked-questions
SCAD SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
1030-1270Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
16%25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 540
- Math 490
- Composite 1030
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 660
- Math 610
- Composite 1270
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at SCAD typically score around a 1150 SAT (middle 50% 1030–1270) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 68th percentile nationally. SCAD ranks #11 in the state of Georgia for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1030 to 1270
SAT policy
SCAD is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1150 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
SCAD ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
21-28Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
12%25th Percentile Scores
- English 21
- Math 18
- Composite 21
75th Percentile Scores
- English 30
- Math 25
- Composite 28
Average ACT
Incoming testers at SCAD typically have around a 24 ACT (mid-50 21–28) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 73rd percentile of ACT takers nationwide. SCAD places #11 among colleges in Georgia for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 21 to 28
ACT policy
You may apply to SCAD without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 24.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the SCAD chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Savannah College of Art and Design and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Test scores: school admissions site, 2026-27. Other fields: IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Savannah College of Art and Design is $100.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
SCAD is test-optional for 2026-27. Last year it admitted 83% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.56 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1030-1270); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Savannah College of Art and Design often consider these colleges
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=140951.
GPA calculator: Savannah College of Art and Design GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026