Savannah College vs University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary differences between Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)?

  SCAD is a private, for-profit art and design university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various creative disciplines. UNCSA, on the other hand, is a public conservatory focused primarily on performing arts like music, dance, drama, filmmaking, and design & production. SCAD emphasizes a broader spectrum of art and design fields, while UNCSA concentrates on intensive training in the performing arts.

• Which school is better for someone interested in animation or visual effects?

  Both schools offer strong programs, but SCAD is generally considered to have a more extensive and well-regarded animation and visual effects program. SCAD boasts state-of-the-art facilities, industry connections, and a larger faculty specializing in these areas. UNCSA's filmmaking program does include animation and visual effects, but it's not as specialized as SCAD's offerings.

• How do the campus environments differ between SCAD and UNCSA?

  SCAD has a unique urban campus spread throughout Savannah, Georgia, integrating its facilities into the city's historic landscape. This provides students with access to a vibrant cultural scene and real-world experiences. UNCSA has a more traditional, self-contained campus in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, fostering a close-knit community focused on artistic collaboration and performance.

• What is the cost of attendance like at SCAD versus UNCSA?

  SCAD, as a private institution, generally has a higher tuition cost compared to UNCSA, which is a public university. However, financial aid and scholarships are available at both institutions. It's important to research specific program costs and potential financial aid packages to determine the most affordable option for your individual circumstances.

• Which school is more focused on preparing students for a specific career path?

  Both schools prioritize career preparation, but they approach it differently. SCAD emphasizes professional development and industry connections across a wide range of creative fields, offering internships, portfolio reviews, and career services tailored to various art and design professions. UNCSA focuses on intensive training and performance opportunities to prepare students for careers as professional performers, filmmakers, and designers in the performing arts.

• How do the admissions processes compare between SCAD and UNCSA?

  Both schools require a strong portfolio or audition as part of the admissions process. SCAD typically places more emphasis on the portfolio showcasing artistic skills and potential. UNCSA's admissions process often involves a rigorous audition or portfolio review specific to the chosen performing arts discipline, demonstrating technical proficiency and artistic talent.

• What types of degrees are offered at SCAD and UNCSA?

  SCAD offers a wide array of Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in various art and design disciplines. UNCSA primarily offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees, with a focus on performing arts such as music, dance, drama, and filmmaking, as well as design & production.

• Which school is better for someone interested in a broader range of art and design disciplines?

  SCAD is the better choice if you're interested in exploring a wider range of art and design disciplines. They offer programs in areas like fashion, architecture, interior design, graphic design, and more, in addition to performing arts-related fields. UNCSA's focus is primarily on the performing arts and filmmaking.

• Does location play a significant role in choosing between SCAD and UNCSA?

  Yes, location is a significant factor. Savannah, Georgia, offers a historic and culturally rich environment with a thriving arts scene. Winston-Salem, North Carolina, provides a more traditional college town atmosphere with a strong focus on the arts community within the university. Consider which environment best suits your personal preferences and learning style.

• What are the class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios like at SCAD and UNCSA?

  Both schools generally maintain smaller class sizes to foster a more personalized learning environment. UNCSA, being a conservatory, often has even smaller class sizes, particularly in performance-based courses, allowing for more individualized attention from instructors. SCAD also prioritizes small class sizes, but may have slightly larger classes in some introductory courses.