Organizer Information
Anderson University is a private Christian university in Anderson, South Carolina, United States. Its South Carolina School of the Arts includes the Department of Art + Design, which offers undergraduate study in visual arts, photography, art education, and graphic design. The university also provides programs in theatre, music, design, and other academic disciplines.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Anderson University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate and graduate; availability depends on the academic field.
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, and other undergraduate and graduate degrees across the university.
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Photography, Graphic Design, Art Education, Theatre, Music, Interior Design.
- Relevant Programs: BA in Art: 3D Studies; BA in Art: Art Education (K–12); BA in Art: Painting & Drawing; BA in Art: Photography; BFA in Graphic Design; BFA in Theatrical Design and Production.
- Language of Instruction: English.
- International Applicants: Yes.
- Application Period: Rolling admission for the listed undergraduate art programs.
- Application Deadline: 1 December for priority scholarship consideration; 1 July for fall entry.
- Start of Studies: Fall (August) and spring (January), as listed for relevant undergraduate programs.
- Application Fee: $40 for international undergraduate applicants.
- Tuition: $36,800 per year for full-time undergraduate tuition; mandatory listed fees bring the annual total to $37,790.
- Funding: International undergraduate merit scholarships of $12,000–$18,000 for first-year students and $12,000–$14,000 for transfer students, plus a listed $4,000 out-of-state grant, subject to eligibility.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
The Department of Art + Design offers undergraduate pathways in studio art, photography, art education, and graphic design. The curriculum includes practical studio work and the development of visual, technical, and conceptual skills. Students in the department can access dedicated facilities relevant to their disciplines, including photography studios, a darkroom, drawing and printmaking studios, and sculpture facilities.
Relevant disciplines include:
- Fine Arts: 3D Studies, Painting & Drawing.
- Photography: BA in Art: Photography.
- Design: BFA in Graphic Design.
- Art Education: BA in Art: Art Education (K–12).
- Theatre Design: BFA in Theatrical Design and Production.
General Eligibility
- International and domestic applicants may apply to the relevant undergraduate programs. Applicants entering as first-year students must meet the university's undergraduate admission requirements. Transfer applicants must provide previous academic records for evaluation.
- International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency and the documentation required by international admissions. Program-specific requirements and immigration documentation may differ according to applicant status.
Educational Background
- Applicants to the listed undergraduate art programs do not need a previous university degree. Official high school or GED transcripts are required for first-year applicants. Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from their previous institution.
- International applicants must provide official academic documentation through the university's accepted evaluation process. Transfer students are required to submit a course-by-course credential evaluation for transfer-credit review.
Language Requirements
- International undergraduate applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting one accepted form of evidence. The university lists the following minimum scores and alternatives:
| Test or qualification | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| TOEFL paper-based | 550 |
| TOEFL internet-based | 75 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 |
| Pearson PTE | 50 |
| iTEP | 3.7 |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 480, first-year applicants only |
The university also accepts specified alternatives, including successful completion of designated English-language programs and qualifying prior education in English. Official test results must be sent directly by the testing agency where required.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| International undergraduate applicants | $40, non-refundable |
| Graduate applicants | $40 |
The graduate application fee is listed on the university's general tuition and fees page. Graduate fees should not be assumed to apply to undergraduate applications.
Tuition
| Charge | Per semester | Per academic year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time undergraduate tuition (12–18 credit hours) | $18,400 | $36,800 |
| Technology fee | $310 | $620 |
| Health and wellness fee | $125 | $250 |
| Student government fee | $60 | $120 |
| Total tuition and listed mandatory fees | $18,895 | $37,790 |
- Students taking fewer than 12 or more than 18 undergraduate credit hours are subject to a separate per-credit-hour rate of $1,240. Housing, meal plans, books, transportation, and personal expenses are additional costs where applicable.
- Graduate tuition varies by school, degree, and credit hours. For example, the university lists per-credit-hour rates of $655 for MS programs in the College of Arts and Sciences and $610 for MBA and MOL programs. These graduate rates do not apply to the undergraduate art programs described above.
Funding & Financial Support
International undergraduate students may qualify for institutional scholarships and grants:
- First-year students: Merit scholarships of $12,000–$18,000 and a listed $4,000 out-of-state grant.
- Transfer students: Merit scholarships of $12,000–$14,000 and a listed $4,000 out-of-state grant.
- Additional scholarship consideration: International students may submit SAT or ACT scores for consideration for additional scholarships and may qualify for the same academic scholarships as domestic students.
Awards are subject to the university's eligibility criteria and individual assessment. Admission does not guarantee a particular award. Applicants should consult the international admissions office for their individual award and the financial documentation required for Form I-20 issuance.
University Services & Academic Support
- The Department of Art + Design offers small studio classes and faculty mentorship. Facilities include drawing and printmaking studios, ceramics and sculpture facilities, a photography studio, a photography darkroom, and gallery space used for exhibitions and student work.
- The department also identifies opportunities for exhibitions, workshops, visiting-artist activities, community projects, and study abroad. Specific opportunities and access may depend on the student's program and participation.
Application Requirements
International undergraduate applicants must submit:
- A completed undergraduate application.
- A non-refundable $40 application fee.
- A scan or photocopy of their passport.
- Official documentation of English-language proficiency.
- Official academic records, submitted and evaluated according to the university's international admissions requirements.
First-year applicants to the listed art programs must provide official high school or GED transcripts. Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from previous institutions; international transfer applicants must also provide a course-by-course credential evaluation for transfer-credit review.
A portfolio review is offered by the Department of Art + Design. However, the general program admissions pages reviewed do not establish a portfolio as a mandatory admission requirement for every listed art program. Applicants should confirm any program-specific portfolio conditions directly with the department.
How to Apply?
- Undergraduate Application Portal
- International Undergraduate Admissions Portal
- Graduate Admissions Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Priority Deadline for Scholarship Consideration: 1 December 2026
- Recommended Deadline for Fall Entry: 1 July 2027
- Fall Start: August
- Spring Start: January
These dates reflect the published guidance for the relevant undergraduate art programs. Anderson University uses rolling admission, and applicants should verify the dates for their intended entry term and applicant category before applying.
Location
Anderson University — Anderson, South Carolina, United States.
Additional Details
- Institutional context: Anderson University is a Christian institution. The South Carolina School of the Arts describes its mission as combining artistic development with Christian faith.
- Program accreditation: The Department of Art + Design states that its programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
- International student planning: Applicants who require a student visa should review the university's international admissions and financial documentation requirements. The university provides program-specific information about I-20 approval; applicants should verify that their intended program qualifies.
- Financial planning: The listed undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees do not include all possible living, housing, meal, travel, or personal expenses. Scholarship awards and the final amount required for enrollment or visa documentation should be confirmed with the university.