School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Studying here means your sketchbook can sit steps from galleries of a major art museum. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago is known for critique-driven, cross-disciplinary learning that blends studio time with solid academics. Students work in studios and shops with digital labs and campus galleries, plus access to the museum's collections. Advising, wellness, housing, and career services cover the day to day.
Campus life moves like a city street: student-run shows, visiting artist talks, performance nights, and chances to test ideas in public. The culture is experimental and collaborative, but it asks for rigor and honest feedback. Career prep comes through practicing faculty and internships with galleries, design studios, and cultural nonprofits. Chicago is the extra studio, from the lakefront to theater blocks. Signature moments include the annual fashion show and end-of-year exhibitions. Alumni include Georgia O'Keeffe and Cynthia Rowley.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Illinois. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Arts (11)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0101
Visual and Performing Arts, General.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $73,330 | -$28,910 (-28.3%) |
| 27-1012 | Craft Artists | $45,340 | $46,960 | +$1,620 (+3.6%) |
| 27-1013 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $76,450 | $64,600 | -$11,850 (-15.5%) |
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | N/A | N/A |
| 27-4021 | Photographers | $55,650 | $33,580 | -$22,070 (-39.7%) |
50.0407
Fashion/Apparel Design.
(BSc, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $73,330 | -$28,910 (-28.3%) |
| 27-1022 | Fashion Designers | $122,430 | N/A | N/A |
50.0499
Design and Applied Arts, Other.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99-9999 | NO MATCH | N/A | N/A | N/A |
50.0702
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
(Cert2y+, BSc, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $73,330 | -$28,910 (-28.3%) |
| 27-1013 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $76,450 | $64,600 | -$11,850 (-15.5%) |
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | N/A | N/A |
50.0703
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13-2022 | Appraisers of Personal and Business Property | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $73,330 | -$28,910 (-28.3%) |
| 25-4011 | Archivists | $67,620 | $70,770 | +$3,150 (+4.7%) |
| 25-4012 | Curators | $70,060 | $71,760 | +$1,700 (+2.4%) |
| 25-4013 | Museum Technicians and Conservators | $53,630 | $50,050 | -$3,580 (-6.7%) |
50.1002
Fine and Studio Arts Management.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $122,240 | -$27,650 (-18.4%) |
| 13-1011 | Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes | $165,600 | $97,730 | -$67,870 (-41%) |
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $73,330 | -$28,910 (-28.3%) |
English (2)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
23.1302
Creative Writing.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1123 | English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,400 | $69,620 | -$20,780 (-23%) |
| 25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $57,300 | -$37,170 (-39.3%) |
| 27-3041 | Editors | $85,700 | $48,060 | -$37,640 (-43.9%) |
| 27-3043 | Writers and Authors | $85,780 | $58,610 | -$27,170 (-31.7%) |
Architecture (3)
Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services
04.0501
Interior Architecture.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $175,710 | $144,650 | -$31,060 (-17.7%) |
| 25-1031 | Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | $110,360 | $87,300 | -$23,060 (-20.9%) |
| 27-1025 | Interior Designers | $71,430 | $58,480 | -$12,950 (-18.1%) |
04.0902
Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $175,710 | $144,650 | -$31,060 (-17.7%) |
| 17-3011 | Architectural and Civil Drafters | $68,860 | $70,060 | +$1,200 (+1.7%) |
| 25-1031 | Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | $110,360 | $87,300 | -$23,060 (-20.9%) |
Health (1)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.2301
Art Therapy/Therapist.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $96,300 | -$41,600 (-30.2%) |
| 29-1129 | Therapists, All Other | $73,800 | $78,260 | +$4,460 (+6%) |
Education (1)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1302
Art Teacher Education.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $71,380 | -$7,120 (-9.1%) |
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $73,330 | -$28,910 (-28.3%) |
| 25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $59,660 | -$10,380 (-14.8%) |
| 25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $60,720 | -$12,980 (-17.6%) |
Communication (1)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
09.0499
Journalism, Other.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1122 | Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,340 | $87,120 | -$3,220 (-3.6%) |
| 27-3023 | News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | $106,030 | N/A | N/A |
Interdisciplinary (1)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.1201
Historic Preservation and Conservation, General.
(BSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Illinois Avg | IL vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $96,190 | -$18,330 (-16%) |
| 19-3093 | Historians | $78,470 | $97,660 | +$19,190 (+24.5%) |
| 25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $57,300 | -$37,170 (-39.3%) |
| 25-4011 | Archivists | $67,620 | $70,770 | +$3,150 (+4.7%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
How much does it cost to attend School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)?
The annual tuition at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is $52,604 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $75,264 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $16,100 (on) / $10,370 (off) and books and supplies $2,380.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does School of the Art Institute of Chicago offer?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers 23 academic programs across 7 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (11 programs)
- Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services (3 programs)
- English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis (2 programs)
- Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (1 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has an 76.4% acceptance rate and a 13.3% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 6,633
- Students admitted: 5,069
- Students enrolled: 676
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) provides financial aid to 23% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $18,872 and average loans of $10,818.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,366
- State/Local grants: $7,360
- Institutional grants: $17,348
- Federal loans: $5,474
The university supports 621 students with grants and 249 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) graduates earn a median salary of $26,742 after 6 years and $40,151 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $19,505 (25th percentile) to $65,300 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $68,500 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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