School of the Art Institute of Chicago

6/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
Chicago, IL
2.0 2 reviews

#16 Best Private Colleges in Illinois

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

3,394

Location Chicago, Illinois
Website saic.edu
Type Private 4 Year
Setting Large City

Best Colleges Rank

#459

Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) operates from multiple buildings integrated within Chicago's downtown Loop district, adjacent to its affiliated Art Institute of Chicago museum. The urban campus spans several historic buildings, including the landmark Modern Wing and the original 1893 Michigan Avenue structure, providing studio spaces, galleries, and specialized facilities for various artistic disciplines. As one of the most selective art and design schools in the United States, SAIC maintains a rigorous admissions process for its undergraduate and graduate programs. The institution offers comprehensive studies in fine arts, design, fashion, architecture, and art history, with particular strength in contemporary art practices and interdisciplinary approaches. Students reside primarily in two downtown residence halls, though many upper-level students opt to live in nearby Chicago neighborhoods, taking advantage of the city's artistic communities and cultural resources.

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Ratings

School of the Art Institute of Chicago is rated within the top 45% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10.

Overall Rating

6 out of 10
Academics

6 out of 10
Resources

9 out of 10
Outcomes

5 out of 10
Value

1 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for School of the Art Institute of Chicago within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Moderate

Acceptance Rate

77.5%

Applications Due Nov 15, 2026
Enrollment Rate 11.8%
Application Fee $65

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$56,420

Costs for School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Fee		Cost
Tuition		$56,420
Books and Supplies		$2,380
Other Fees		$980
Room and Board		$16,550
Budget for Other Expenses		$5,600
Total One Year Cost		$81,930

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$39,100 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

60% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at School of the Art Institute of Chicago are Visual and Performing Arts, English and Literature, and Architecture. 96% of students major in Visual and Performing Arts, 3% in English and Literature, and 2% in Architecture.