School of Visual Arts (SVA) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About School of Visual Arts
Studios hum late into the night in a city that never really quiets. School of Visual Arts is known for rigorous training in drawing, design, film, animation, photography, fine arts, and digital media. Courses lean on critique and portfolio building, with many instructors active in the field. Students work in studios, digital labs, fabrication shops, photo facilities, sound rooms, screening spaces, and galleries, supported by advising, career coaching, wellness services, and residence life.
Campus life spills into the street: club shows, pop-up exhibitions, screenings, visiting artist talks, and cross-disciplinary collaborations. The vibe is focused, practical, a little scrappy in the best way. Career prep centers on internships, reviews with industry guests, and a network woven through New York's studios, agencies, and galleries. Chelsea and major museums become part classroom. Known traditions include year-end shows and events at the SVA Theatre. Notable alumni include Keith Haring and Mike Mignola.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at School of Visual Arts (SVA) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in New York. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Arts (14)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0402
Commercial and Advertising Art.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $73,310 | -$6,180 (-7.8%) |
27-1021 | Commercial and Industrial Designers | $88,000 | $83,270 | -$4,730 (-5.4%) |
27-1024 | Graphic Designers | $68,610 | $68,480 | -$130 (-0.2%) |
50.0408
Interior Design.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1031 | Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | $110,360 | $76,980 | -$33,380 (-30.2%) |
27-1025 | Interior Designers | $71,430 | $58,260 | -$13,170 (-18.4%) |
50.0410
Illustration.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $60,800 | -$41,440 (-40.5%) |
27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $73,310 | -$6,180 (-7.8%) |
27-1027 | Set and Exhibit Designers | $78,450 | $95,290 | +$16,840 (+21.5%) |
27-1029 | Designers, All Other | $78,000 | $83,860 | +$5,860 (+7.5%) |
50.0499
Design and Applied Arts, Other.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
99-9999 | NO MATCH | N/A | N/A | N/A |
50.0602
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $60,800 | -$41,440 (-40.5%) |
27-2012 | Producers and Directors | $114,280 | $181,530 | +$67,250 (+58.8%) |
27-4031 | Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $79,870 | N/A | N/A |
27-4032 | Film and Video Editors | $83,530 | $87,700 | +$4,170 (+5%) |
50.0605
Photography.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $60,800 | -$41,440 (-40.5%) |
27-4021 | Photographers | $55,650 | $50,760 | -$4,890 (-8.8%) |
50.0699
Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $60,800 | -$41,440 (-40.5%) |
50.0702
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $60,800 | -$41,440 (-40.5%) |
27-1013 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $76,450 | $77,150 | +$700 (+0.9%) |
27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $73,310 | -$6,180 (-7.8%) |
50.0703
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY 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 | $60,800 | -$41,440 (-40.5%) |
25-4011 | Archivists | $67,620 | $73,000 | +$5,380 (+8%) |
25-4012 | Curators | $70,060 | $53,360 | -$16,700 (-23.8%) |
25-4013 | Museum Technicians and Conservators | $53,630 | $51,050 | -$2,580 (-4.8%) |
Computer & IT (4)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0801
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
15-1254 | Web Developers | $98,790 | $65,310 | -$33,480 (-33.9%) |
15-1255 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | $111,450 | $87,180 | -$24,270 (-21.8%) |
25-1194 | Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $68,710 | $63,780 | -$4,930 (-7.2%) |
27-1014 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | $110,110 | N/A | N/A |
27-1024 | Graphic Designers | $68,610 | $68,480 | -$130 (-0.2%) |
11.0803
Computer Graphics.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
15-1251 | Computer Programmers | $103,640 | $88,760 | -$14,880 (-14.4%) |
25-1194 | Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $68,710 | $63,780 | -$4,930 (-7.2%) |
27-1024 | Graphic Designers | $68,610 | $68,480 | -$130 (-0.2%) |
Media Tech (1)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0304
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
27-1014 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | $110,110 | N/A | N/A |
Interdisciplinary (3)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.0601
Systems Science and Theory.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $126,110 | -$23,780 (-15.9%) |
25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $50,970 | -$43,500 (-46%) |
30.1401
Museology/Museum Studies.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $50,970 | -$43,500 (-46%) |
25-4011 | Archivists | $67,620 | $73,000 | +$5,380 (+8%) |
25-4012 | Curators | $70,060 | $53,360 | -$16,700 (-23.8%) |
25-4013 | Museum Technicians and Conservators | $53,630 | $51,050 | -$2,580 (-4.8%) |
30.3101
Human Computer Interaction.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $187,990 | $158,390 | -$29,600 (-15.7%) |
15-1221 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | $152,310 | $132,860 | -$19,450 (-12.8%) |
15-1255 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | $111,450 | $87,180 | -$24,270 (-21.8%) |
15-1299 | Computer Occupations, All Other | $116,700 | $86,460 | -$30,240 (-25.9%) |
25-1021 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,830 | $63,170 | -$42,660 (-40.3%) |
Communication (2)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
09.0702
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $126,110 | -$23,780 (-15.9%) |
15-1255 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | $111,450 | $87,180 | -$24,270 (-21.8%) |
25-1122 | Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,340 | $64,310 | -$26,030 (-28.8%) |
27-3099 | Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $84,870 | $87,320 | +$2,450 (+2.9%) |
09.0903
Advertising.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-2011 | Advertising and Promotions Managers | $149,270 | $231,250 | +$81,980 (+54.9%) |
25-1122 | Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,340 | $64,310 | -$26,030 (-28.8%) |
Health (1)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.2301
Art Therapy/Therapist.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $70,530 | -$67,370 (-48.9%) |
29-1129 | Therapists, All Other | $73,800 | $63,990 | -$9,810 (-13.3%) |
Education (1)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1302
Art Teacher Education.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in New York
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | New York Avg | NY vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $73,800 | -$4,700 (-6%) |
25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $60,800 | -$41,440 (-40.5%) |
25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $68,090 | -$1,950 (-2.8%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $68,630 | -$5,070 (-6.9%) |
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 Visual Arts (SVA)
How much does it cost to attend School of Visual Arts (SVA)?
The annual tuition at School of Visual Arts (SVA) is $49,140 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $80,908 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $24,200 and books and supplies $1,868.
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 Visual Arts offer?
School of Visual Arts (SVA) offers 28 academic programs across 7 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (14 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (4 programs)
- Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (3 programs)
- Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (2 programs)
- Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (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 Visual Arts?
School of Visual Arts (SVA) has an 91.3% acceptance rate and a 23.7% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 3,458
- Students admitted: 3,158
- Students enrolled: 747
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 Visual Arts?
School of Visual Arts (SVA) provides financial aid to 22% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $16,664 and average loans of $13,429.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,450
- State/Local grants: $3,997
- Institutional grants: $15,557
- Federal loans: $5,414
The university supports 424 students with grants and 197 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 Visual Arts graduates?
School of Visual Arts (SVA) graduates earn a median salary of $31,855 after 6 years and $46,459 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $20,288 (25th percentile) to $80,384 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $96,800 (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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