Organizer Information
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a private, nonprofit, accredited, degree-granting university specializing in art and design education. Founded in 1978, SCAD offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its locations in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and online through SCADnow.
Academic offerings are organized across schools including the School of Film and Acting, School of Fine Arts, School of Design, School of Building Arts, School of Fashion, School of Creative Technology, School of Visual Communication, and School of Liberal Arts
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate / Graduate
- Degrees Offered: BA / BFA / MA / MFA / MBI / M.Arch and other degree types
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts / Film & Television / Acting / Animation / Photography / Design / Architecture / Fashion / Illustration / Interactive Media / Game Development / Art History / Liberal Arts and related creative disciplines
- Relevant Programs: Film and Television; Acting; Animation; Photography; Graphic Design; Illustration; Architecture; Interior Design; Fashion; Fine Arts; Industrial Design; Interactive Design and Game Development; Art History and other SCAD degree programs.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Year-round
- Application Deadline: No fixed application deadline
- Start of Studies: Fall / Winter / Spring / Summer quarters
- Application Fee: US$100
- Tuition: From US$42,975/year for full-time undergraduate study
- Funding: Institutional scholarships and other financial-aid opportunities are available.
General Eligibility
SCAD accepts first-year undergraduate, transfer, and graduate applicants. International applicants may apply to the university's undergraduate and graduate programs.
Educational Background
- First-year undergraduate applicants must provide a high school diploma or equivalent. Transfer applicants must provide records from colleges or universities attended. Graduate applicants must hold, or be completing, a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
- Graduate applicants whose bachelor's degree does not meet SCAD's specified institutional-recognition or comparability standards may be required to submit GRE scores.
- International students entering the United States must obtain the appropriate student visa and provide required financial documentation. F-1 international students must maintain qualifying health insurance.
Language Requirements
English is the language of instruction at SCAD. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency or take SCAD's English-language placement process.
For international applicants, SCAD accepts, among other approved evidence:
- IELTS: Overall 6.5, with at least 6.5 in reading and writing.
- TOEFL iBT: For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, an overall score of 4.5, with minimum section scores specified by SCAD.
- Duolingo English Test: Overall 120, with SCAD-specified section ranges.
- Certain academic-background and other test-based exemptions may apply.
Applicants who do not meet the applicable benchmark may be considered for admission but must take SCAD's English-language placement test and may be required to complete ESL coursework.
Application Fee
| Applicant Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | US$100 |
| Graduate | US$100 |
The application fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Tuition
| Study Level | Billing Structure | 2026–27 Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, full-time | 3 courses / 15 credit hours per quarter | US$14,325 per quarter / US$42,975 annually |
| Graduate, full-time | 3 courses / 15 credit hours per quarter | US$14,655 per quarter / US$43,965 annually |
| Undergraduate, 1 credit hour | Per credit hour | US$955 |
| Graduate, 1 credit hour | Per credit hour | US$977 |
A one-time US$500 enrollment fee applies to new students. Savannah students also have a US$125 annual student health fee. International students on F-1 visas are automatically enrolled in SCAD's Student Advantage Health Insurance Plan unless eligible for an exemption; the 2026–27 rate is US$1,417.
Housing, meals, ESL courses, and other optional or circumstance-dependent costs are charged separately.
Funding & Financial Support
SCAD offers institutional scholarships based on academic achievement, overall achievement, and other criteria. Scholarships include SCAD Academic Scholarships, SCAD Achievement Scholarships, Distinguished Scholars, the International Student Scholarship, and other awards.
International students are not eligible for U.S. federal or state financial aid, but admitted students are automatically considered for institutional scholarships. Some scholarships require additional materials or a specific request.
University Services & Academic Support
SCAD provides career and alumni support, including résumé and portfolio development, interview preparation, career advising, internship and employment assistance, employer presentations, and access to the SCAD Career Planner.
International students receive support through the International Student Services Office, including assistance with life in the United States and post-graduation OPT-related support. SCAD also provides English-language support through its language programs and CLASS resources.
Application Requirements
Undergraduate applicants must submit: a high school diploma or equivalent, evidence of English proficiency when applicable, and the required application materials. Recommendations and supplementary materials may be submitted as applicable.
Undergraduate portfolio: Not required for admission. First-year and transfer applicants may submit a portfolio and résumé/list of achievements for scholarship consideration.
Graduate applicants must submit: a bachelor's degree or equivalent, portfolio, two recommendations, résumé, statement of purpose, and evidence of English proficiency. An interview may be applicable, while GRE scores are required or encouraged in specified circumstances.
Graduate portfolio: Required for graduate admission. Program-specific portfolio, audition, or writing requirements apply.
How to Apply?
Apply, Admission Catalog | SCAD.edu
Deadline & Timeline
- Application Opens: Year-round
- Application Closes: No fixed deadline
- Recommended Application Timing: At least six months before the intended start date
- Latest Recommended Application Timing: At least 30 days before the intended quarter begins
- Admission Results: Typically 2–4 weeks after completion of the application file
- Fall Quarter: Begins in September
- Winter Quarter: Begins in January
- Spring Quarter: Begins in March
- Summer Quarter: Begins in June
Location
SCAD — Atlanta, Savannah, Georgia, United States