Private art school in Chicago since 1866, educating influential artists and designers across 1,000+ interdisciplinary courses.
SAIC offers over 1,000 courses across disciplines including painting, sculpture, photography, filmmaking, fashion design, architecture, animation, new media, and art history. The school pioneered self-directed study in 1969, allowing students to define their own curricular paths with faculty guidance. Notable programs include the Art & Technology department (established 1982), bio art, and an interdisciplinary Low-Residency MFA. The six-year graduation rate is 67% (2025).
The urban campus spans seven buildings in Chicago's Loop, including the MacLean Center, Michigan building, Sharp, Sullivan Center, and Columbus. Three dormitory facilities house students: The Buckingham, Jones Hall, and 162 N State Street. The school operates multiple galleries (SAIC Galleries, Sullivan Galleries, SITE Galleries, Siragusa Gallery) and student-run media including ExTV, F Newsmagazine, and Free Radio SAIC. Students benefit from direct access to the Art Institute of Chicago's 300,000+ artworks as an extension of the classroom.
SAIC admits undergraduate, transfer, and graduate students. The school enrolls 3,640 students as of fall 2024, with 25% international students from 80 countries and 76% female enrollment. Admissions pathways include freshman, transfer, and graduate programs. The school emphasizes portfolio review and creative potential in its selection process.
SAIC alumni lead in art, design, and beyond—from Disney animators to fashion designers to public artists. The school's Visiting Artists Program (founded 1868) brings 1,000+ international artists, designers, and scholars to campus. SAIC operates Homan Square in North Lawndale (since 2016) and maintains the Video Data Bank, a collection of 6,000+ video art works. Career services include internship placement, job search coaching, and professional networking events.