Organizer Information
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is an art and design school in Chicago, United States, offering interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate education across studio art, design, architecture, art history, writing, visual studies, and related fields. SAIC provides undergraduate programs (BFA and BA degrees), graduate programs (including MA and MFA degrees), post-baccalaureate programs, and certificates.. Its academic environment emphasizes interdisciplinary study, individual creative practice, faculty mentorship, and access to the resources of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Undergraduate Degrees and Areas of Study at SAIC
SAIC offers five undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio (BFA), the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing (BFAW), and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Art History (BAAH), Visual and Critical Studies (BAVCS), and Art Education (BAAE). The BFA in Studio, SAIC's most popular undergraduate degree, lets students work across 13 art and design disciplines or place an emphasis on art education or writing. Undergraduates do not declare a traditional major. Instead, they build an individual, interdisciplinary path with faculty advising, combining fields such as photography, film/video, animation, fashion, architecture and design. The undergraduate degree requires 120 credit hours, normally completed in four years of full-time study. For the full list of areas of study, see SAIC's Explore Undergraduate Programs page.
Key Information
- Official institution name: School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
- Opportunity type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study levels: Undergraduate, Graduate, Post-Baccalaureate
- Academic fields: Fine Arts, Design, Film/Video, Animation, Photography, Architecture, Fashion, Writing, Art History, Visual & Critical Studies, Art Education, Arts Administration, and related fields
- Program types: BFA / BA (undergraduate); MA / MFA and other graduate degrees; post-baccalaureate certificates
- Language of instruction: English
- International applicants: Yes
- Application period: Program/degree-specific
- Application deadline: 10 January 2027 (final deadline; reduced fee until 1 December 2026). Confirm the date for your specific program.
- Start of studies: Fall 2027
- Application fee: $90; reduced to $45 for applications submitted and paid by December 1
- Tuition: See Tuition & Fees below
Eligibility
- Who can apply: International and domestic applicants
- Minimum academic qualification: Degree requirements vary by program
- Accepted academic backgrounds: Program-specific
- Professional experience: Program-specific
- Portfolio: Required for many art and design programs; requirements vary by degree
- Other eligibility conditions: Graduate applicants must submit program-specific supporting materials.
Language Requirements
- Language: English
- IELTS: 6.5 for undergraduate international applicants; graduate requirements are program/application-specific
- TOEFL: Accepted; minimum scores vary according to applicant/program and test version
- Duolingo: Accepted
- Other accepted tests: PTE Academic for undergraduate applicants
- Exemptions / Waivers: Certain applicants with English-language education or qualifying degrees may be exempt.
Tuition
| Study Level | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate | $61,980/year | $61,980/year |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | $59,460/year | $59,460/year |
These are SAIC's 2026–27 rates for 30 credit hours per year. Undergraduate tuition is also $59,460 per year ($1,982 per credit hour), and graduate tuition works out to $2,066 per credit hour. SAIC publishes the same rates for domestic and international students. Rates for students starting in Fall 2027 may differ..
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $90 |
| Reduced Application Fee | $45 |
| Technology Fee | $1,000/year |
| Health Insurance | $3,940/year |
Additional charges vary by student and program.
Funding & Financial Support
SAIC offers merit- and need-based scholarships and grants for undergraduate and graduate students. International students are considered for merit-based scholarships during the undergraduate admissions process without a separate application. SAIC also identifies financial resources specifically for international applicants.
University Services & Academic Support
- Academic advising
- Flaxman Library & Special Collections
- Studios and academic facilities
- Art Institute of Chicago museum resources
- Visiting Artists Program
- Career and internship support
- International Student Affairs
- Off-campus study opportunities
Application Requirements
- Online application
- Academic transcripts
- Portfolio, where required
- Statement/artist statement
- CV/resume, where required
- Recommendation/reference materials, where required
- Writing sample, where required
- English language test, where required
- Program-specific materials
Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Reduced Application Fee Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Final Deadline: 10 January 2027
- Interview Period: Mid-February
- Admission Results: March–May
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027
Location
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, United States
Additional Details
SAIC's interdisciplinary structure allows students to explore multiple media and fields rather than being restricted to a single artistic discipline. Portfolio requirements differ substantially between degrees; for example, the BFA in Studio accepts visual, time-based, digital, and written work, while the BA in Art History includes both a writing sample and visual portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions about SAIC
1. How many undergraduate degrees and areas of study does SAIC offer?
SAIC offers five undergraduate degrees: two BFAs (Studio and Writing) and three BAs (Art History, Visual and Critical Studies, and Art Education). The BFA in Studio alone covers 13 art and design disciplines, and students can combine them rather than declaring a single major.
2. What is the SAIC application fee and deadline for Fall 2027?
The application fee is $90, reduced to $45 if you submit and pay by 1 December 2026. The final deadline is 10 January 2027, with interviews in mid-February and admission results between March and May. Requirements can vary, so check your specific program.
3. What are SAIC's portfolio requirements?
A portfolio is required for many art and design programs, and requirements differ by degree. For example, the BFA in Studio accepts visual, time-based, digital and written work, while the BA in Art History asks for both a writing sample and a visual portfolio.
4. How much is SAIC tuition?
For 2026–27, SAIC lists $59,460 per year for undergraduate and post-baccalaureate certificate students and $61,980 per year for graduate students, the same for domestic and international students. Add a $1,000 technology fee and $3,940 health insurance. Fall 2027 rates may change.
5. Is SAIC the same as the Art Institute of Chicago?
Not exactly. The Art Institute of Chicago is the museum, while SAIC is the school that offers degrees. SAIC students can use the museum's resources, but admissions, degrees and applications are handled by SAIC through its own application portal.
2 Comments
Where can applicants find SAIC’s academic calendar for 2026–27 and 2027–28? It would help to know when the Fall 2027 semester actually starts before planning the application timeline.
Good question. SAIC publishes its semester dates on its official Academic Calendar page. This listing confirms that studies start in Fall 2027, but exact class dates for 2027–28 may not be released yet, so it’s worth checking again closer to admission. For other study options in the US, see our art education opportunities in the United States.