School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs Savannah College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between SAIC and SCAD?

  SAIC (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) emphasizes a fine art, conceptual, and interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to push boundaries and develop their unique artistic voice. SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), on the other hand, focuses on preparing students for professional careers in art and design industries, offering more structured programs and a wider range of specialized majors like animation, fashion, and game design. SAIC is known for its museum affiliation and strong fine arts focus, while SCAD is known for its career-oriented programs and industry connections.

• Which school is better for fine arts?

  While both schools offer strong fine arts programs, SAIC is generally considered to be more focused on fine arts. Its curriculum is heavily rooted in conceptual development and experimentation, making it a great choice for students who want to explore a wide range of artistic mediums and develop a highly individual practice. SCAD also has fine arts programs, but they are often more geared towards commercial applications.

• Which school is better for design-related fields like graphic design, fashion, or animation?

  SCAD is generally considered stronger in design-related fields. It offers a wider array of specialized design programs, such as graphic design, fashion design, animation, user experience (UX) design, and industrial design, with a strong emphasis on industry-standard practices and technologies. SAIC offers design programs, but they are often more interdisciplinary and experimental in nature.

• How do the locations of SAIC and SCAD differ, and how might that affect my experience?

  SAIC is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, a major metropolitan city with a vibrant art scene, numerous museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. This provides students with constant inspiration and access to a wide range of artistic resources. SCAD has multiple locations, including Savannah, Georgia; Atlanta, Georgia; and Lacoste, France. Savannah offers a charming, historic setting with a strong sense of community, while Atlanta provides a more urban environment with access to a larger job market. The location you choose at SCAD will significantly impact your experience.

• What is the learning environment like at SAIC versus SCAD?

  SAIC fosters a more independent and self-directed learning environment. Students are encouraged to take initiative and develop their own projects with guidance from faculty. SCAD offers a more structured and career-focused learning environment, with a curriculum designed to prepare students for specific roles in the art and design industries. SCAD often incorporates more group projects and collaborative assignments.

• How do the career services and industry connections compare between SAIC and SCAD?

  SCAD is known for its strong career services and industry connections. The university actively works to connect students with internships, job opportunities, and industry professionals through career fairs, workshops, and networking events. SAIC also offers career services, but its focus is often more on supporting students in developing their artistic practice and pursuing gallery representation or independent projects. SCAD's career services are generally considered more robust and geared towards immediate employment after graduation.

• What are the tuition costs and financial aid opportunities like at SAIC and SCAD?

  Both SAIC and SCAD are private institutions, and their tuition costs are comparable. However, it's essential to research the specific tuition rates for each program and consider the cost of living in Chicago versus Savannah or Atlanta. Both schools offer financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It's recommended to explore the financial aid options available at each school and compare the overall cost of attendance.

• How does the faculty differ between SAIC and SCAD?

  Both SAIC and SCAD have faculty comprised of practicing artists and designers. SAIC's faculty often includes renowned fine artists, curators, and critics who are actively involved in the art world. SCAD's faculty often includes industry professionals with extensive experience in their respective fields. The focus of the faculty reflects the overall emphasis of each institution: SAIC on fine art and conceptual development, and SCAD on professional preparation and industry practices.

• Which school is better for networking?

  Both schools offer networking opportunities, but they cater to different career paths. SCAD's networking is more geared towards industry connections and securing jobs in design fields. SAIC's networking is more focused on the fine art world, connecting students with galleries, curators, and other artists. Your choice depends on your career aspirations.

• What kind of student thrives at SAIC versus SCAD?

  A student who thrives at SAIC is typically independent, self-motivated, and passionate about exploring their artistic vision without strict constraints. They are comfortable with ambiguity and enjoy pushing boundaries. A student who thrives at SCAD is typically career-focused, collaborative, and eager to learn industry-standard practices. They appreciate a structured curriculum and are motivated by the prospect of securing a job in their chosen field after graduation.