Savannah College vs Otis College

When it comes to art and design education, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and Otis College of Art and Design (Otis) stand out as two of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. While both schools offer a wide range of programs and opportunities for aspiring artists and designers, there are some key differences between them. SCAD has a larger student body and a higher acceptance rate, while Otis has a more diverse student body and a higher graduation rate. Additionally, SCAD offers more majors and minors, while Otis has a stronger focus on fine arts. To help you make an informed decision about which school is the best fit for you, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that highlights the key differences between SCAD and Otis.
Otis College of Art and Design logo

Otis College of Art and Design

Savannah College of Art and Design logo

Savannah College of Art and Design

Overview

Location Los Angeles, California Savannah, Georgia
Campus setting City: Large City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 78.0% 81.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 79.8% 80.8%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $100

Graduate: $100
SAT range 1130 - 1360 N/A
ACT range 20 - 29 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 13.0%
Students submitting ACT score 3.0%
Total number of applicants 2,284 14,914
Total number of admissions given out 1,823 12,047
Admitted students who chose to enroll 263 2,685
Yield rate 14.4% 22.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not 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 $70,802 $57,206
Average net price $45,402 $45,163
Tuition $47,700 $38,340
Room & board $15,744
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)

100.0%
Average amount $21,593
97.0%
Average amount $12,662
Students receiving federal student loan 48.0%
Average amount $5,811
44.0%
Average amount $5,046
Students taking out private loans 5.0%
Average amount $26,799
11.0%
Average amount $28,403

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 1,197
Men 30.5% Women 69.5%
12,772
Men 30.8% Women 69.2%
Graduate students 55
Men 18.2% Women 81.8%
2,864
Men 29.4% Women 70.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students N/A 79.7%
International students 30.2% 24.4%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 403 5,813
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Georgia Florida Texas New Jersey New York

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Architecture
  • English Language and Literature
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Architecture
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
  • Communications Technology
Students to faculty ratio 9:1 20:1
Institutional accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 68.6% 71.5%
Dropout rate 31.4% 13.2%
Transferred out N/A 14.5%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,497
  • Year 2: $42,123
  • Year 3: $48,158
Visual and Performing Arts, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $36,531
  • Year 2: $38,289
  • Year 3: $39,370
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $17,166
  • Year 2: $18,315
  • Year 3: N/A
Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $22,667
  • Year 3: N/A
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 Otis?

    SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) is a larger, more comprehensive art and design university with a wider range of programs and a global presence. Otis College of Art and Design, located in Los Angeles, is smaller and more focused, emphasizing fine arts and design with strong ties to the local creative industry. SCAD offers a more structured and potentially faster-paced academic environment, while Otis provides a more intimate and personalized learning experience.

  • Which college is better for animation?

    Both SCAD and Otis have strong animation programs. SCAD's animation program is larger and offers more specialized tracks, including visual effects, motion media design, and interactive design and game development. Otis's animation program is more focused on character animation and storytelling, with a strong emphasis on traditional animation techniques alongside digital tools. The 'better' choice depends on your specific interests within animation.

  • How do the locations of SCAD and Otis impact the student experience?

    SCAD has multiple locations, including Savannah, Atlanta, and Lacoste (France), offering diverse cultural experiences. Savannah provides a historic and artistic atmosphere, while Atlanta offers a more urban and commercially focused environment. Otis is located in Los Angeles, a major hub for the entertainment and design industries, providing students with numerous internship and networking opportunities. The location of Otis offers direct access to industry professionals and events, while SCAD's multiple locations provide a broader range of cultural and professional perspectives.

  • What is the difference in tuition costs between SCAD and Otis?

    Tuition costs at both SCAD and Otis are significant, but they are generally comparable. It's essential to check the most current tuition rates on each school's website, as they can change annually. Remember to factor in additional expenses like housing, supplies, and living costs, which can vary depending on the location (Savannah, Atlanta, or Los Angeles).

  • Which college has better internship opportunities?

    Both SCAD and Otis offer internship opportunities, but their strengths lie in different areas. Otis benefits from its location in Los Angeles, providing access to internships in the entertainment, fashion, and design industries. SCAD leverages its extensive alumni network and industry connections to offer internships across various fields and locations, including opportunities at major companies and studios. The 'better' choice depends on your specific field of interest and desired location.

  • How do the campus cultures differ between SCAD and Otis?

    SCAD, being a larger institution, has a more diverse and bustling campus culture with a wide range of student organizations and activities. Otis, with its smaller size, fosters a more close-knit and collaborative community. SCAD's culture is often described as more structured and career-focused, while Otis emphasizes individual artistic development and experimentation. Consider which environment best suits your learning style and personality.

  • What are the strengths of SCAD's academic programs?

    SCAD excels in offering a wide array of specialized art and design programs, including architecture, fashion, interior design, game development, and visual effects. Its curriculum is designed to prepare students for professional careers, with a strong emphasis on industry-standard software and techniques. SCAD's size allows for more specialized courses and resources within each program.

  • What are the strengths of Otis's academic programs?

    Otis is known for its strong foundation program and its emphasis on fine arts, graphic design, and product design. Its curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and artistic skills. Otis's smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention from faculty and a more collaborative learning environment.

  • Which college is better for networking?

    Both colleges offer networking opportunities, but in different ways. Otis's location in Los Angeles provides direct access to industry professionals and events, making it easier to build connections within the entertainment and design sectors. SCAD's large alumni network and career services department offer extensive networking opportunities across various industries and locations. The 'better' choice depends on your desired industry and location.

  • How do the faculty and resources compare between SCAD and Otis?

    Both SCAD and Otis employ experienced faculty members who are active professionals in their respective fields. SCAD, being a larger institution, generally has more extensive resources, including state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and software. Otis, while having fewer resources overall, provides a more intimate and personalized learning environment with greater access to faculty members. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize access to a wider range of resources or a more personalized learning experience.

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