About
Is Savannah College of Art and Design the School for You?
Located in the heart of downtown Savannah, Georgia, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) was founded in 1978. This school offers more majors and specialties than any other art and design college in the country. Weigh the pros and cons to find out if SCAD is the school for you.
<h4 id="section---Pros"> Pros</h4>
<ul><li>Graduation rate is 11 percentage points higher than national average
</li><li>Accepts dual and AP credits
</li><li>Offers employment and placement services as well as academic and career counseling
</li><li>Diverse student body
</li><li>Located in downtown Savannah, 12 miles from the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
</li><li>All courses taught by professors
</li></ul><h4 id="section---Cons"> Cons</h4>
<ul><li>Total annual cost of attendance is $9,494 higher than the national average
</li><li>Annual cost of room and board is $2,167 higher than the national average
</li><li>Average student debt at graduation is $11,116 higher than national average
</li></ul><h3 id="section---RankingsSchoolAnalysis"> Rankings & School Analysis</h3>
<p>As a SCAD student, you can choose from more than 40 majors and more than 60 minors through nine schools: the Schools of Building Arts, Communication Arts, Design, Digital Media, Entertainment Arts, Fashion, Fine Arts, Foundation Studies, and Liberal Arts. An undergraduate certificate in digital publishing is also available. <i>U.S. News & World Report</i> ranked SCAD #18 among schools with photography graduate programs in 2012 and #38 among schools with online bachelor's programs in 2013. SCAD's 4-year graduation rate in 2009 was 51%, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES); this rate is 11 percentage points higher than the national average.
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<p>According to the NCES, the student-faculty ratio is 17:1, which is slightly higher than the national average of 16:1, but most classes are small; 80.5% of classes had fewer than 20 students as of 2011, according to <i>USNWR</i>. The small class sizes and downtown campus life come at a price, however; the NCES reports that the average cost of attendance (including tuition and fees, living expenses, books, and supplies) was $47,465 in 2011-2012, which is significantly higher than average for this type of school. Most freshmen with financial need receive financial aid (85% in 2011, according to the College Board), but only 7% of all students had their full financial need met in 2011. Furthermore, the College Board reports that the average debt at graduation was $37,776 in 2011, which is $11,116 higher than the national average.
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<h2 id="section---GettingInFinancialAidAtSavannahCollegeOfArtAndDesign"> Getting In & Financial Aid at Savannah College of Art and Design</h2>
<p>You can apply to SCAD online, and the application fee is $35. You'll need a high school diploma or the equivalent, and you have to submit SAT or ACT scores. Depending on your desired program, you may be required to submit a portfolio or writing sample; complete an interview or audition; submit a resume of achievements and awards; write a statement of purpose; and/or send in letters of recommendation.
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<p>The average financial aid package for first-year students was $28,283 in 2011, according to the College Board, which includes grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships. You can apply for financial aid by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition, several scholarship options are available for eligible new and returning students based on financial need, academic performance, and/or achievement.
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<table border="1"><tr><th> Application and Tuition Info </th><th /></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Regular Application Deadline (2013-2014)</i> </td><td> August 1****</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Financial Aid Priority Application Deadline (2012)</i> </td><td> February 15****</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Application Fee (2012)</i> </td><td> $35**</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Acceptance Rate (2011)</i> </td><td> 49%**</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>All Tuition & Living Expenses (2011-2012)</i> </td><td> $47,465**</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Average Financial Aid Package (2011)</i> </td><td> $28,283 for freshmen****</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Percent of Students with Need Met (2011)</i> </td><td> 7%****</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Average Student Debt at Graduation (2011)</i> </td><td> $37,776****</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Student Loan Default Rate (2009)</i> </td><td> 7.4%**</td></tr>
</table><h2 id="section---LifeAtSavannahCollegeOfArtAndDesign"> Life at Savannah College of Art and Design</h2>
<p>SCAD is located in the historic district of downtown Savannah and has adapted historic downtown buildings for the college's use. On-campus residents live in 1 of 11 residence halls, and SCAD offers several on-campus dining options. Student organizations and activities are numerous and include equestrian, swimming, and tennis teams. In addition, the region sponsors the Savannah Film Festival, and students can enjoy nearby parks and beaches in the area.
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<p>SCAD's student body is diverse; the NCES reports the ethnic/racial makeup of the student body in 2011 as 43% white, 30% unknown, 10% non-resident students from outside the country, 8% Black/African American, 5% Hispanic/Latino, 3% Asian, and 1% American Indian or Alaska Native.
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<table border="1"><tr><th> Student Life Info </th><th /></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Campus Setting</i> </td><td> Midsize city**</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Student Population (2011)</i> </td><td> 8,728 undergraduates, 2,098 graduate students**</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Male-to-Female Student Ratio (2011)</i> </td><td> 37% to 63%**</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>% of Full-Time Students (2011)</i> </td><td> 86%**</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>% of In-State Students (2011)</i> </td><td> 19%**</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>% of International Students (2011)</i> </td><td> 9%**</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Retention Rate (2010-2011)</i> </td><td> 82% (full-time students)**</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Campus Housing Available</i> </td><td> Yes**</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>% of Students Living on Campus</i> </td><td> 41% of undergraduate students****</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Number of Libraries</i> </td><td> 1*</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Extracurricular Activities</i> </td><td> More than 100 student organizations*</td></tr>
<tr><td> <i>Noteworthy</i> </td><td> Faculty include Emmy and Academy Award winners*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Article Sources: *Savannah College of Art and Design, **National Center for Education Statistics, ***U.S. News & World Report, ****College Board.</i>
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<h3 id="section---SchoolContactInformation"> School Contact Information</h3>
<ul><li><i>Address:</i> SCAD Admission Department, P.O. Box 2072, Savannah, GA 31402-2072
</li><li><i>Phone:</i> (800) 869-7223</li></ul>
