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School of Visual Arts (SVA) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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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

Location: 209 E 23rd St, New York, New York, 10010, USA
Website: sva.edu
Unit ID: 197151

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private for-profit institution (operates for revenue)
Accreditation: MSCHE
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Bachelor's, Master's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Master's - Large programs
Campus Setting: Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Tuition: In-state: $49,140 · Out-of-state: $49,140
Student Profile:
Total Students: 4,016
Undergraduate: 3,432
Graduate/Other: 584
Male: 1,025 Female: 2,991
Applications:
Total Applicants: 3,458
Admitted: 3,158
Enrolled: 747
Acceptance: 91.3% Yield: 23.7%
Staff:
Total: 1,587 Full-time: 718 Part-time: 869

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.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in New York vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (14)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0402 Commercial and Advertising Art. (PostBacCert)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences via illustrations and other forms of digital or printed media. Includes instruction in concept design, layout, paste-up, and techniques such as engraving, etching, silkscreen, lithography, offset, drawing and cartooning, painting, collage, and computer graphics.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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+)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to apply artistic principles and techniques to the professional planning, designing, equipping, and furnishing of residential and commercial interior spaces. Includes instruction in computer applications, drafting, and graphic techniques; principles of interior lighting, acoustics, systems integration, and color coordination; furniture and furnishings; textiles and their finishing; the history of interior design and period styles; basic structural design; building codes and inspection regulations; and applications to office, hotel, factory, restaurant and housing design.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
A program that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to develop and execute interpretations of the concepts of authors and designers to specifications. Includes instruction in book illustration, fashion illustration, map illustration, rendering, exhibit preparation, textual layout, cartooning, and the use of various artistic techniques as requested by clients.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
Any instructional program in design and applied arts not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
A program that prepares individuals to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the making and producing of films and videos. Includes instruction in theory of film, film technology and equipment operation, film production, film directing, film editing, cinematographic art, film audio, techniques for making specific types of films and/or videos, media technologies, computer image making, multi-media production, and the planning and management of film/video operations.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
A program that focuses on the principles and techniques of communicating information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the creation of images on photographic film, plates, and digital images and that may prepare individuals to be professional photographic artists. Includes instruction in camera and equipment operation and maintenance, film and plate developing, light and composition, films and printing media, color and special effects, photographic art, photographic history, use of computer applications to record or enhance images and applications to the photography of various subjects.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
Any instructional program in film/video and photographic arts not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
A program that prepares individuals to generally function as creative artists in the visual and plastic media. Includes instruction in the traditional fine arts media (drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, CAD/CAM) and/or modern media (ceramics, textiles, intermedia, photography, digital images), theory of art, color theory, composition and perspective, anatomy, the techniques and procedures for maintaining equipment and managing a studio, and art portfolio marketing.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
A program that focuses on the study of the historical development of art as social and intellectual phenomenon, the analysis of works of art, and art conservation. Includes instruction in the theory of art, art history research methods, connoisseurship, the preservation and conservation of works of art, and the study of specific periods, cultures, styles, and themes.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
A program that prepares individuals to apply HTML, CSS, XML, JavaScript, graphics applications, and other authoring tools to the design, editing, and publishing (launching) of documents, images, graphics, sound, and multimedia products on the World Wide Web. Includes instruction in Internet theory, web page standards and policies, elements of web page design, user interfaces, vector tools, special effects, interactive and multimedia components, search engines, navigation, morphing, e-commerce tools, and emerging web technologies.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
A program that focuses on the software, hardware, and mathematical tools used to represent, display, and manipulate topological, two-, and three-dimensional objects on a computer screen and that prepares individuals to function as computer graphics specialists. Includes instruction in graphics software and systems; digital multimedia; graphic design; graphics devices, processors, and standards; attributes and transformations; projections; surface identification and rendering; color theory and application; and applicable geometry and algorithms.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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+)
A program that prepares individuals to use computer applications and related visual and sound imaging techniques to manipulate images and information originating as film, video, still photographs, digital copy, soundtracks, and physical objects in order to communicate messages simulating real-world content. Includes instruction in specialized camerawork and equipment operation and maintenance, image capture, computer programming, dubbing, CAD applications, and applications to specific commercial, industrial, and entertainment needs.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
A program with a multidisciplinary approach to the analysis and solution of complex problems, requiring a combined approach using data and models from the natural, social, technological, behavioral and life sciences, and other specialized fields.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
A program that focuses on the attitudes, knowledge, and skills required to develop, prepare, organize, administer, conserve, store and retrieve artifacts, exhibits and entire collections in museums and galleries, and that prepares individuals to assume curatorial, technical and managerial positions in museums. Includes instruction in institutional management, acquisition, exhibit design, conservation, packing techniques, and public relations.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
An interdisciplinary program that focuses on the study of the interaction between people and technology and how that technology impacts society, and combines disciplines within the fields of computing and information science (information systems, software engineering, artificial intelligence and design), engineering, and the behavior sciences (cognitive science, cognitive psychology, sociology, organizational psychology, and social psychology). Includes instruction in information technology, cognitive and behavioral sciences, and systems design.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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+)
A program that focuses on the development, use, critical evaluation, and regulation of new electronic communication technologies using computer applications; and that prepares individuals to function as developers and managers of digital communications media. Includes instruction in computer and telecommunications technologies and processes; design and development of digital communications; marketing and distribution; digital communications regulation, law, and policy; the study of human interaction with, and use of, digital media; and emerging trends and issues.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
A program that focuses on the creation, execution, transmission, and evaluation of commercial messages in various media intended to promote and sell products, services, and brands; and that prepares individuals to function as advertising assistants, technicians, and managers. Includes instruction in advertising theory, marketing strategy, advertising design and production methods, campaign methods and techniques, media management, related principles of business management, and applicable technical and equipment skills.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
A program that prepares individuals, in consultation with other rehabilitation team members or in private practice, to use drawing and other art media forms to assess, treat, and rehabilitate individuals with mental, emotional, developmental, or physical disorders. Includes instruction in art, history and theory of art therapy, art therapeutic techniques, psychopathology, patient assessment and diagnosis, cultural diversity issues, legal and ethical practice issues, and professional standards and regulations.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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)
A program that prepares individuals to teach art and art appreciation programs at various educational levels.

Graduate Career Earnings in New York

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$80,908
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$80,908
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$49,140
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$49,140
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$24,200
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,868
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$5,700 (on) / $5,400 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$5,400
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$55,040
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$55,040
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

22%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$16,664
Avg. Loan
$13,429
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,414
Additional
Students with Any Grant
424
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
197
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
118
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$15,557
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

75%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
88%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$20,288 – $80,384
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$20,288 (25th %) $80,384 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $46,459
Median Salary After 6 Years
$31,855
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$46,459
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
67.0%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
76.3%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$27,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 58.3%
Middle 66.4%
High 74.4%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 68.5%
Independent 53.5%

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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