SCAD is committed to delivering a world-class education to students at a reasonable cost, providing preeminent instruction and learning resources at a tuition rate below average among peer institutions across the U.S., including other arts universities. No two universities are alike, and the quality and value of a SCAD diploma are demonstrated every year by the high employment rate of recent graduates (99% for graduates of the SCAD Classes of 2017, 2018, and 2019—see here for the latest SCAD Employment Study). The university’s office of career and alumni success exists to help launch careers for students before graduation.

Financial aid is available to help students cover tuition and related SCAD tuition and education costs. This aid includes scholarships, grants, federal and private loans, and work-study. Students have access to advisers at SCAD to help you create a plan. To simplify this process, the university has created a step-by-step guide to assist. Please note that deadlines vary, depending on the type of aid for which you’re applying. Please begin planning early to gather appropriate and required documentation.

1) Learn about education costs

SCAD partners with Inceptia (a division of the National Student Loan Program) to provide students, at no charge, with resources and tools to help fund tuition costs and prepare for a creative profession on sound financial footing, with online courses and customized action plans addressing FAFSA, loan guidance, tuition costs, credit, debt repayment, and more.

2) Submit the FAFSA

Once you are familiar with the concepts and key terms around tuition costs and financial aid, the next step is to complete and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Be sure to include, as one of your school choices, SCAD. The SCAD Federal School Code is 015022. Consider beginning the FAFSA process early—the form may be completed as early as October 1. All those students who require tuition and other financial assistance for room and board must complete the FAFSA at least sixty (60) days prior to enrollment.

3) Determine eligibility for grants

Within a week of filing your FAFSA, you and your choice institutions will receive your SAR (Student Aid Report), which helps determine your financial aid eligibility. The SAR may make the student eligible for grants from the federal government. Grants do not need to be repaid (provided the student completes the academic term specified) and are most often determined by financial information provided on the FAFSA. If you will be receiving a grant, SCAD will include this information on your financial aid letter. One of the more common federal grants is the Pell Grant, funded by the U.S. Congress.

4) Seek SCAD scholarships

Approximately 80% of new SCAD applicants receive SCAD scholarship awards to help cover the cost of tuition and related expenses. Scholarships do not have to be repaid and are awarded based largely on merit, given to applicants who demonstrate exceptional achievement and potential for success at the university. Many factors are considered by SCAD when awarding scholarships, including GPA, standardized test scores, creative portfolio or work samples (which can take many forms—speak to an admission representative!), extracurricular interests, community service and engagement, athletic achievement, letters of recommendation, work samples, and more, as well as an interview with a SCAD representative.

5) Seek external scholarships

Hundreds of millions of dollars in private scholarships are available for new and current SCAD students, provided through foundations, corporate philanthropy, city and state governments, families, and other charitable organizations. Students and their families are encouraged to begin researching scholarships two to three years before enrollment at SCAD—to determine eligibility, application requirements, timelines, and more. Private scholarships often require essays, portfolios, resumes, interviews, and other steps before being awarded.

6) Engage in work-study

The federal work-study (FWS) program provides jobs to SCAD students to help them pay tuition and related education costs. Work-study positions are part-time roles on campus and require a completed FAFSA. Work-study amounts may be included in your award letter. SCAD work-study students are an important part of the life of SCAD and work in a variety of roles at university fitness facilities (SCADfit and Club SCAD), SCAD restaurants (including Art’s at SCAD Savannah and Sketch at SCAD Atlanta), the Jen Library of SCAD Savannah, the ACA Library of SCAD Atlanta, and more.

After the FAFSA is completed and SCAD has received all information necessary, the university sends an official award of financial assistance by email, which lists all grants, loans, and scholarships the student has been awarded.