Overview of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is situated in Philadelphia, PA. The institution has a large selection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students to choose from. A robust student/faculty ratio backs students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via many clubs and organizations.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 273 (199 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 29% Male/71% Female
• 99% Full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $40,376
• Books: $1,511
• Room and Board: $12,010
• Other Expenses: $4,202
• Total Cost: $58,099

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 100%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 100%
  • Loans: 92%
• Mean Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $18,480
  • Loans: $7,516

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Painting, Sculpture, Drawing, Printmaking, Fine Arts

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 86%
• Transfer Out Rate: 10%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 64%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 82%

Overview of Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Admissions

PAFA has an acceptance rate of 90%–the vast majority of students are admitted each year, encouraging any interested applicants. The institution is test-optional, meaning that students can select whether or not to submit scores from the SAT or ACT. It has a robust admissions process that involves a multitude of academic measures. Applicants should complete an online application. A persuasive essay and glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the mean range. After applying, students will receive a message from an admissions counselor about the application process’s next steps. Interested students should check out the institution’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices.

Admissions Data                        

• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Acceptance Rate: 90%
• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts has test-optional admissions
• Test Scores — 25th/75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: -/-
  • SAT Math: -/-
  • SAT Writing: -/-
  • ACT Cumulative: -/-
  • ACT English: -/-
  • ACT Math: -/-

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, then it should be easy for you to gain admissions to the schools below. If Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

Rhode Island School of Design, Maryland Institute College of Art, Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

Ringling College of Art and Design, Alfred University, Temple University, University of the Arts, Savannah College of Art and Design

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, you’ll be a competitive candidate.

Pratt Institute, The New School, New York University, School of the Art Institute of Chicago 

Applying to Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Application Deadline: August 29

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://www.pafa.org/school/admissions/first-year

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://www.pafa.org/school/admissions/first-year/apply-pafa

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://www.pafa.org/school/admissions/graduate

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://www.pafa.org/school/admissions/graduate/apply-pafa