School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs Newschool of Architecture and Design
When it comes to art and design education, two prominent institutions stand out: the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and the NewSchool of Architecture and Design (NewSchool). While both offer exceptional programs, they differ in several key aspects. SAIC boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its highly selective admissions process, while NewSchool offers a more accessible route for aspiring artists and designers. In terms of popular majors, SAIC excels in Fine Arts, Illustration, and Photography, while NewSchool specializes in Architecture, Interior Design, and Graphic Design. The student body demographics also vary, with SAIC attracting a more diverse population and NewSchool having a higher percentage of international students. As for graduation rates, SAIC maintains a slightly higher rate, suggesting a strong commitment to student success. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences and more. Explore the table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic goals and aspirations
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![]() Newschool of Architecture and Design |
![]() School of the Art Institute of Chicago |
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Overview |
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Location | San Diego, California | Chicago, Illinois |
Campus setting | City: Large | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (For Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Quarter | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 46.0% | 83.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 60.8% | 81.0% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$75
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Undergraduate:
$65
Graduate:
$45
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SAT range | N/A | N/A |
ACT range | N/A | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | ||
Students submitting ACT score | ||
Total number of applicants | 189 | 5,835 |
Total number of admissions given out | 115 | 4,725 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 15 | 669 |
Yield rate | 13.0% | 14.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Not required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $56,958 | $67,380 |
Average net price | $48,752 | $50,214 |
Tuition | $28,827 | $52,200 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$13,500
Meal plan:
$2,480
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
83.0%
Average amount $6,934 |
93.0%
Average amount $20,194 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
50.0%
Average amount $2,823 |
45.0%
Average amount $5,504 |
Students taking out private loans |
0.0%
Average amount $0 |
8.0%
Average amount $32,788 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
301
Men 58.8% Women 41.2% |
2,795
Men 24.8% Women 75.2% |
Graduate students |
77
Men 67.5% Women 32.5% |
764
Men 25.8% Women 74.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | N/A | N/A |
International students | N/A | 30.4% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | N/A | 990 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | N/A | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 8:1 | 10:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 53.7% | 65.0% |
Dropout rate | 46.3% | 7.5% |
Transferred out | N/A | 25.6% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Architecture (First Professional Degrees)
Architecture (Bachelor's Degrees)
Construction Management (Master's Degrees)
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Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degrees)
Architecture (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
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