Savannah College vs Fashion Institute of Technology

When it comes to pursuing a higher education in art and design, two prominent institutions that often come to mind are Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). While both offer exceptional programs in their respective fields, they differ in several key aspects. SCAD boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating a more selective admissions process, while FIT offers a more diverse student body in terms of ethnicity and gender. SCAD's popular majors include animation, graphic design, and illustration, while FIT excels in fashion design, fashion merchandising, and jewelry design. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences and more, including graduation rates, tuition fees, and notable alumni. Explore the table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and career goals.

	Fashion Institute of Technology	Savannah College of Art and Design
Overview
Location	New York, New York	Savannah, Georgia
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	86.0%	81.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	51.7%	80.8%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $100	Undergraduate: $100 Graduate: $100
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	4,706	14,914
Total number of admissions given out	2,432	12,047
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,262	2,685
Yield rate	51.9%	22.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $38,163 Out of state: $48,743	$57,206
Average net price	$8,637	$45,163
Tuition	In state: $5,290 Out of state: $15,870	$38,340
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $21,200 Meal plan: $5,800	Room/dormitory: $10,752 Meal plan: $4,596
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	53.0% Average amount $8,521	97.0% Average amount $12,662
Students receiving federal student loan	29.0% Average amount $5,268	44.0% Average amount $5,046
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $14,663	11.0% Average amount $28,403

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	7,908 Men 16.7% Women 83.3%	12,772 Men 30.8% Women 69.2%
Graduate students	242 Men 14.9% Women 85.1%	2,864 Men 29.4% Women 70.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	41.0%	79.7%
International students	10.9%	24.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	2,200	5,813
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York New Jersey California Florida Pennsylvania	Georgia Florida Texas New Jersey New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Visual & Performing Arts Business Communication and Journalism Family and Consumer Sciences Communications Technology	Visual & Performing Arts Family and Consumer Sciences Architecture Multidisciplinary Studies Communications Technology
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	82.1%	71.5%
Dropout rate	8.5%	13.2%
Transferred out	8.9%	14.5%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,667 Year 2: $45,889 Year 3: $53,713 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,868 Year 2: $42,458 Year 3: $52,154 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,104 Year 2: $41,689 Year 3: $51,045 Apparel and Textiles (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,008 Year 2: $43,638 Year 3: $49,445 Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,289 Year 2: $41,076 Year 3: $47,750 Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $25,549 Year 2: $29,374 Year 3: $43,094 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $19,884 Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: $40,670 Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $34,526 Year 3: $38,223 Design and Applied Arts (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $18,128 Year 2: $17,461 Year 3: $35,215 Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $21,754 Year 2: $22,329 Year 3: $33,231	Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,213 Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: $89,877 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,772 Year 2: $56,544 Year 3: $60,070 Architectural Sciences and Technology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,166 Year 2: $53,894 Year 3: $58,292 Apparel and Textiles (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $30,532 Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: $50,094 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,934 Year 2: $44,817 Year 3: $50,056 Historic Preservation and Conservation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $46,327 Year 2: $44,468 Year 3: $48,513 Architectural Sciences and Technology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $43,117 Year 2: $39,369 Year 3: $48,074 Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $43,941 Year 2: $44,858 Year 3: $46,479 Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $28,603 Year 2: $38,721 Year 3: $44,614 Apparel and Textiles (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,839 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $44,342

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between SCAD and FIT?

SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) offers a broader range of art and design programs across multiple locations and online, emphasizing a comprehensive art education. FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology), part of the SUNY system, primarily focuses on fashion and related industries, providing a more specialized and career-oriented education within those fields. SCAD is a private institution, while FIT is a public college, which affects tuition costs and campus culture.
Which college is better for fashion design?

Both SCAD and FIT have strong fashion design programs. FIT is renowned specifically for its fashion-focused curriculum and industry connections in New York City, making it a top choice for many aspiring fashion designers. SCAD also offers a reputable fashion program with a broader artistic approach and opportunities to collaborate with students in other design disciplines. The 'better' choice depends on your specific interests and career goals within the fashion industry.
How do the locations of SCAD and FIT differ, and how does that impact the student experience?

SCAD has multiple locations, including Savannah and Atlanta in Georgia, Lacoste in France, and a robust online program. This provides students with diverse cultural and learning environments. FIT is located in the heart of New York City, offering unparalleled access to fashion industry resources, internships, and networking opportunities. The NYC location provides a fast-paced, industry-centric experience, while SCAD's locations offer a more varied and potentially less intense environment.
What is the cost difference between attending SCAD and FIT?

SCAD, as a private institution, generally has a higher tuition cost compared to FIT, which is a public college within the SUNY system. However, FIT's out-of-state tuition can be comparable to some private institutions. It's essential to consider the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, and living expenses, when comparing the affordability of each college. Also, research scholarship and financial aid opportunities at both institutions.
What types of programs does SCAD offer that FIT doesn't, and vice versa?

SCAD offers a wider array of programs beyond fashion, including animation, architecture, interior design, film and television, and game development. FIT primarily focuses on fashion-related fields such as fashion design, fashion merchandising, textile development, and visual presentation and exhibition design. While FIT has some programs outside of fashion, its core strength and reputation lie within the fashion industry.
How do the career services and industry connections compare between SCAD and FIT?

Both SCAD and FIT have strong career services departments and industry connections. FIT benefits from its location in New York City, a global fashion capital, providing students with direct access to internships, networking events, and job opportunities within the fashion industry. SCAD also has a robust career services program and strong industry partnerships across various creative fields, offering students opportunities for internships and employment in diverse locations.
What is the campus culture like at SCAD versus FIT?

SCAD's campus culture is generally described as vibrant and diverse, with a strong emphasis on creativity and collaboration across different art and design disciplines. FIT's campus culture is more focused and career-oriented, reflecting its specialization in fashion and related industries. The atmosphere at FIT is often described as highly competitive and driven, given the intensity of the fashion world. SCAD's multiple locations also contribute to a more varied campus culture overall.
Which college is better for students interested in a broader art and design education?

SCAD is the better choice for students seeking a broader art and design education. Its diverse range of programs and emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration allow students to explore various creative fields and develop a well-rounded skill set. While FIT excels in fashion-related disciplines, SCAD provides a more comprehensive art and design curriculum.
How do the alumni networks of SCAD and FIT compare?

Both SCAD and FIT have extensive alumni networks. FIT's alumni network is particularly strong within the fashion industry, with graduates holding prominent positions in design houses, retail companies, and media outlets. SCAD's alumni network spans a wider range of creative industries, including animation, film, architecture, and design, providing graduates with connections across various fields.
What are the admission requirements like for SCAD and FIT?

Both SCAD and FIT require a strong portfolio showcasing your artistic abilities and potential. SCAD generally places a greater emphasis on the overall portfolio and artistic vision, while FIT may have more specific requirements related to fashion design or the chosen major. Both institutions also consider academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays as part of the admission process. It's crucial to carefully review the specific admission requirements for each program at both colleges.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Fashion Institute of Technology

FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising-Los Angeles