School of Visual Arts, located in the heart of New York City, has been a leader in the education of artists, designers and creative professionals for over seven decades. With a faculty of more than 1,100 distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprised of nearly 4,000 degree-seeking students at its Manhattan campus and 43,000+ alumni in 100+ countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world.
Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees are offered in 3D Animation and Visual Effects; Advertising; Animation; Comics; Design, Film; Fine Arts; Illustration; Interior Design: Built Environments; Photography and Video; and Visual & Critical Studies.
Master of Arts degrees are offered in Art Education; Curatorial Practice; and Design Research, Writing and Criticism.
Master of Fine Arts degrees are offered in Art Practice; Computer Arts; Design; Design for Social Innovation; Fine Arts; Illustration as Visual Essay; Interaction Design; Photography, Video and Related Media; Products of Design; and Visual Narrative.
Master of Professional Studies degrees are offered in Art Therapy; Branding; Digital Photography; Fashion Photography; and Film Directing.
A Master of Arts in Teaching degree is offered in Art Education.
SVA also offers workshops, continuing education classes, studio residencies, international student programs, summer programs abroad, and a pre-college program for high school students.
For more information on the College and its offerings, visit sva.edu.
SVA was established by co-founders Silas H. Rhodes and Burne Hogarth in 1947, as the Cartoonists and Illustrators School.
The school began with three teachers and 35 students, most of whom were World War II veterans who had a substantial part of their tuition underwritten by the G.I. Bill.
The college was renamed the School of Visual Arts in 1956. The first degrees were offered in 1972, and by 1983, the college had introduced its first graduate offering, a master of Fine Arts in painting, drawing and sculpture.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Magdalena Segura
Visiting Services Coordinator
Visiting Services Coordinator
Address
209 East 23 Street
New York, NY 10010
New York, NY 10010
Phone
212-592-2100
Email
admissions@sva.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Visual Arts Gallery
Westside Gallery
Visual Arts Museum
Visual Arts Student Association
Student Lounge
Westside Gallery
Visual Arts Museum
Visual Arts Student Association
Student Lounge
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Empire State Building
Statue of Liberty
Central Park
Museum of Modern Art
Empire State Building
Statue of Liberty
Central Park
Museum of Modern Art
Campus Tours
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: No
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: Varies
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: Varies
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
N/A
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Advance Notice
2 weeks
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Varies
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
SVA offers a shuttle service that makes regular stops between different campus locations
Driving Instructions to Campus
FROM THE NORTH
From the Triboro Bridge, follow signs for FDR Drive. Exit FDR Drive at 23rd Street, and continue to 209 East 23rd Street, between Second and Third Avenues.
From the George Washington Bridge, follow signs to the Harlem River Drive, and then to the FDR Drive. Exit FDR Drive at 23rd Street, and continue to 209 East 23rd Street, between Second and Third Avenues.
FROM THE EAST
Take the Long Island Expressway (I-495) to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel. Exit tunnel to left and travel downtown on Second Avenue to 23rd Street.
FROM POINTS SOUTH OR WEST
From the Lincoln Tunnel, travel downtown on West Street to 23rd Street. Head East on 23rd Street to 209 East 23rd Street, between Second and Third Avenues.
From the Holland Tunnel, travel uptown on West Street to 23rd Street. Head East on 23rd Street to 209 East 23rd Street, between Second and Third Avenues.
From the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, travel uptown on West Street to 23rd Street. Head East on 23rd Street to 209 East 23rd Street, between Second and Third Avenues.
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
SVA reviews applicants for admission on a rolling basis and for as long as space is available in our programs. Priority is given to applications submitted by the below postmark deadlines:
Fall Admission:
December 1 Early Action Deadline (non-binding early admission for first-time freshmen)
February 1 First-time Freshmen Deadline for Scholarship Consideration
March 1 Transfer Applicant Deadline for Scholarship Consideration
Spring Admission:
October 1 Deadline for International Applicants
November 1 Deadline for Freshmen and Transfer Scholarship Consideration
Please visit for details regarding our admissions requirements including the following:
- High School/College Transcripts
- Demonstration of English Proficiency (if English is not your primary language)
Overview
Applicants: 2,821
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Average HS GPA: 3.11
SAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
450 - 580
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
460 - 590
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
20 - 25
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Action — December 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Application Essay
Non-Academic
Interview
Talent / Ability
Level of applicant's interest
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
BFA 3D Animation and Visual Effects
BFA Advertising
BFA Animation
BFA Comics
BFA Design
BFA Film
BFA Fine Arts
BFA Illustration
BFA Interior Design: Built Environments
BFA Photography and Video
BFA Visual & Critical Studies
MA/MAT Art Education
MA Curatorial Practice
MA Design Research, Writing and Criticism
MFA Art Practice
MFA Computer Arts
MFA Design
MFA Design for Social Innovation
MFA Fine Arts
MFA Illustration as Visual Essay
MFA Interaction Design
MFA Photography, Video and Related Media
MFA Products of Design
MFA Visual Narrative
MPS Art Therapy
MPS Branding
MPS Digital Photography
MPS Fashion Photography
MPS Film Directing
Majors and Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees are offered in 3D Animation and Visual Effects; Advertising; Animation; Comics; Design, Film; Fine Arts; Illustration; Interior Design: Built Environments; Photography and Video; and Visual & Critical Studies.
Master of Arts degrees are offered in Art Education; Curatorial Practice; and Design Research, Writing and Criticism.
Master of Fine Arts degrees are offered in Art Practice; Computer Arts; Design; Design for Social Innovation; Fine Arts; Illustration as Visual Essay; Interaction Design; Photography, Video and Related Media; Products of Design; and Visual Narrative.
Master of Professional Studies degrees are offered in Art Therapy; Branding; Digital Photography; Fashion Photography; and Film Directing.
A Master of Arts in Teaching degree is offered in Art Education.
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
8.5:1
Total Faculty
865
with Terminal Degree
182
541
Men
324
Women
77
Minority
Most frequent class size
10 - 19
Most frequent lab / sub section size
2 - 9
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
Graduate in 5 years
Graduate in 6 years
Majors
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.
Commercial and Advertising Art.
Commercial Photography.
Design and Applied Arts, Other.
Drawing.
Film/Cinema/Video Studies.
Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Graphic Design.
Illustration.
Interior Design.
Painting.
Photography.
Printmaking.
Sculpture.
Degrees
Bachelor's
Master's
Master's
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Internships
Opportunities at School
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Bill Plympton
Animator, Academy Award nominee
Harris Savides
Cinematographer: Gerry, Finding Forrester
Joe Quesada
Editor-in-Chief, Marvel Comics
Carlos Saldana
Director of Animation, Blue Sky Studios
Paul Davis
Principal, Paul Davis Studio
Sol Lewitt
minimalist installation artist
Lorna Simpson
Fine arts photographer
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
Graduate in 5 years
Graduate in 6 years
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Internships
Opportunities at School
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Expenses for 2024-2025
Application fee: $50
Tuition: $51,400 per year for undergraduate programs; tuition is the same for New York State, out-of-state residents and international students. For Graduate program tuition, please visit https://sva.edu/students/financial-resources/tuition-and-fees
Departmental fees: $650 to $1,625 per semester depending on undergraduate major
Estimated Supplies: $1,050 to $3,150
Housing Charges: range from $18,000 to $22,400 per year
Financial Aid
Applicants for our BFA programs are considered for the Silas H. Rhodes Scholarship. Our merit-based scholarship is awarded on the strength of the applicant's portfolio and academic performance. There is no separate application form for this award. To be considered for this scholarship, an applicant must possess a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit all application materials including their portfolio by the corresponding deadline. The scholarship consideration deadline for fall entry is February 1 for first-time freshmen applicants and March 1 for transfer applicants. The scholarship consideration deadline for students applying for spring entry is November 1.
It is encouraged for applicants to submit their work digitally through SlideRoom. If an applicant submits a digital portfolio with their application, they do not need to submit a second portfolio for scholarship consideration.
Both US citizens and international applicants are eligible for this award. The Silas H. Rhodes Scholarship is roughly equivalent to half-tuition and is renewable each year if the student remains in good academic standing.
For additional details, please see the scholarship information on our website.
All applicants interested in need-based financial aid must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be completed online at studentaid.gov. Please enter the code 007468 for SVA in step 6. The FAFSA should be filed between January 1 and February 1 for fall applicants. Need-based financial aid is not available to international applicants.
Dates
Application Deadlines
Mar 1
Notification Date
Feb 15
Required Forms
FAFSA
State Aid
State Aid
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$8,758
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$7,759
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,844
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$26,800
Required Fees
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$3,150
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
Transportation for Commuters
$1,800
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Alternate loans
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Other
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Federal Perkins Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Total Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,255
Total Graduate Enrollment: 557
Foreign Countries Represented: 57
The Student Engagement and Leadership Office provides a diverse range of programming designed to enrich the SVA student's experience. Students are offered the opportunity to tap into a multitude of social, cultural, educational and recreational activities. Students are encouraged to take advantage of all New York City has to offer.
The Visual Arts Student Association (VASA), the student government, represents the students' point of view at SVA. Participating in VASA gives students the opportunity to develop leadership skills by coordinating events and activities. VASA funds and supports a number of clubs and activities that are organized by students.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
3,539
Foreign Countries Represented
55
Demographics
56% female
44% male
57% are out of state
93% are full time
7% are part time
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
SVA's urban-style campus comprises 16 buildings with state-of-the-art studio facilities, workshops, residence halls, and gallery spaces. As the creative capital of the world, New York City is home to more artists than any other U.S. city, with a creative workforce of 300,000. It is also home to over 14,000 creative businesses and non-profits. Students come here to be immersed in real-world experience. Surrounded by a thriving and artistic urban environment during their years at SVA, students are able to transition to the working world with ease, finding unique opportunities for internships and mentorships.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
SVA maintains state-of-the-art facilities and the latest technology to support its students' creative endeavors. Our campus features a green screen studio, Digital & 3D Printing studio, Fibers Lab, Bio Art Lab, Metalshop, Ceramics Studio, and more. These spaces are regularly updated with the newest equipment and software to ensure that students have access to the best tools for their artistic and technical development.
Off-Campus Opportunities
SVA Destinations:
An important part of the creative process is gaining new insights while experiencing new surroundings. SVA offers Destination programs both domestically and internationally, and students can earn credits while they travel. Programs are open to students, working artists and other professionals.
Outgoing Exchange Program:
Full-time undergraduate SVA students may participate in the International Exchange Program at institutions that have exchange agreements with SVA, depending upon their major, academic standing and departmental approval.
Internship-for-Credit Program:
Qualified juniors, seniors and graduate students can earn credit while gaining hands-on experience working with creative professionals.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
31%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
First-Year Students living on campus
69%
Campus Environment
Large Urban
Housing Options
Dorms Coed
Dorms Female
Special Needs Admissions
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
23
Number of Honor Societies
Number of Social Sororities
0
Number of Religious Organizations
3
Sports
Athletic Division
None
Student Services
Health
LGBT Support Groups: Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender support group run through the college's office of Student Health and Counseling Services.
Sustainability
60*
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education:
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
Yes
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Students can purchase software and hardware products from campus computer store (CAVA) at educational prices.
Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings
Institution has a mental health/wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and well-being services available to all students
Not Reported
Mental Health Website
Not Reported
Education & Training
Types of training available for students and faculty/staff
Program
Availability
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Engaging the Whole Campus
Institution has a Chief Behavioral Health Officer (and/or Chief Wellness Officer)
Not Reported
Peer-to-Peer
Institution has peer-to-peer offerings relating to mental health
Not Reported
Residential Life
Institution incorporates mental health and wellness into the residential experience
Not Reported
Student Orientation
Students who are provided an opportunity to participate in mental-health-orientation activities
First-year students
Not Reported
Incoming transfer students
Not Reported
Returning students
Not Reported
Entering graduate students
Not Reported
Mental Health in the Curriculum
The institution offers for-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
The institution offers non-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
Off-Campus Offerings
Institution offers referrals to off-campus counseling services
Not Reported
Health and Counseling Center Accreditation
Institution's counseling center is accredited
Not Reported
Accrediting body
Not Reported
Taking and Returning from Medical Leave
Institution has an official support program in place for students returning from mental health leave of absence
Not Reported
Counseling Demand
Number of months a year counseling center is open and fully staffed
Not Reported
