Please type at least the first 4 letters of the school name.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See School of the Art Institute of Chicago reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free School of the Art Institute of Chicago reviews, or contribute your own School of the Art Institute of Chicago review if you're a current student there.

  • 10 out of 10 people found this review useful.

    Cassie from Papillion, NE

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    If there is anything I am learning about the art world at SAIC, its everything! Experimenting in different mediums and art types is daily routine. Film, sculpture, plaster, and sound are just a few things that I have dipped my hands into since being here. The best thing is that I can take all different types of classes and never have to define a major. For example, I can take shoe design and figure drawing. I create my own plan and degree based on what I am interested in and want to create. The main thing I am learning though, is exactly what kind of artist I am going to turn into and what my favorite materials/subject matters are. I am learning more about myself as an artist then anything else!
    Am enjoying being here

    Being around people with your same interests is key and you get that at SAIC. But you also get involved with people who have completely different interests than you as well. I am meeting so many different types of people everyday. There is never a dull moment on my floor because someone is always doing something! We cook together all the time and have feasts in our lounge. Not only are the classes exactly what I want, but the people are exactly who I need to be around.
    Bang for the buck

    This school costs a fortune and a half, but you can not get anything better for you money. I can not tell you how many times I have heard a transfer student say that they wished they hadn't wasted all their money on the art school they went before because they hated it or weren't learning anything. I have not heard one person complain about SAIC. Students and faculty enjoy SAIC and Chicago. It is offering everything you need to succeed in the art school once you are done with your education!
    Tips for prospective students

    Search for as much scholarships as possible to help out with art supplies, tuition, food, etc. You can not get enough free money to go to school and do exactly what you love! Also, find your inspiration, run with it, never be to crazy, and NEVER stop creating!
    Great for these types of students

    artists, film students, fashion designers, architects

  • 8 out of 8 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate.

    Kellye from St. Louis, MO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I came into SAIC knowing very little about the modern art world. I was afraid of being surrounded by snobs who knew everything. I couldn't have been more wrong. Sure, the people who inhabit this small but renowned school have a fairly extensive knowledge of art, but they are happy to share and educate as long as the student is willing to learn. My eyes were opened to the kind of things considered art in today's world. The knowledge I have gained in only my first year will inform all other projects that I choose to create.
    Am enjoying being here

    SAIC offers lots of opportunities that other colleges don't. Students get free admission to the Art Institute of Chicago, as well as the Museum of Modern Art! They also enjoy discounts on nearly every other museum admission as well! Living in downtown Chicago is another perk. Everything that a student could need is located minutes away. The dorms are spacious, giving students room to work AND live. The kitchens and bathrooms are spacious as well, with each room having its own private bath! After experiencing SAIC, any other college would definitely seem like a downgrade.
    Bang for the buck

    Let's not kid ourselves. SAIC is not cheap. But the quality of education, as well as all the perks included in the cost (the laptop with nearly every program an artist could ever need, the downtown living, the free public transportation pass, etc.) you really are getting a bang for your buck. Look up as many scholarships as you can, as well as appealing to the financial aid office. It's worth it!
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't come into this school thinking that because it's an art school, and because it goes by credit/no-credit that you can slack off or not really try. This school is TOUGH. Five hundred freshman enter, and by the end of the year there are usually about two hundred left. The workload is heavy, but if your heart is really in it, and you have ambition as well as drive, you're sure to succeed.
    Great for these types of students

    Artists
    Writers
    Fashion Designers
    Students who never excelled in math
    Students looking for new ways to express themselves

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Sydnee from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    SAIC gives you access to facilities and artists that give you the skills to be a great artist and to succeed in the art world.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love the classes and the facilities. Being in Chicago is also a plus. The city is amazing and so is the school. The only drawback is that if you are looking for a college community, than you'll have to work a little harder to find it, but its not impossible.
    Bang for the buck

    It is incredibly expensive. But it is one of the best art schools in the country and having that name on your degree will help open doors in the art world.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get into the clubs early if you want to feel apart of the community. Also, the housing is expensive and keeps you too secluded on one area of the city, look into apartments in the city it'll save you money and get you out of the downtown area.
    Great for these types of students

    Hard working, self motivated artists.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Natasha from Greendale, WI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I learned a lot about artists, but not so much about myself or technique. The first-year program forces you to create project after project, without really giving you enough advice or knowledge on how to do the next project. They just want you to create as much as possible and not necessarily gain anything from it. My painting class was probably the most useful because Richard Deutsch is a fantastic teacher. He helped me a lot with developing my technique and learning about myself and how to be better at what I do and develop myself as an artist.
    Am enjoying being here

    The school is really fantastic with great choices for classes. Teachers such as Richard Deutsch have really encouraged me and supported me when I am very critical of myself. However, there are many students and teachers who aren't very encouraging or supportive, which makes it difficult. Also, there are so many projects to do constantly and no spring break, etc so it is really difficult to get through a semester. Chicago is a great city, so the school is in a great location. The school has a really great interdisciplinary program, which is fantastic if you want to work in a variety of media.
    Bang for the buck

    The tuition cost at SAIC is absolutely ridiculous. For someone whose only parent makes less than $40,000, it is absolutely impossible to be able to afford the school. I have no family contribution, as proved by FAFSA, but I only received about $23,000 for financial aid when tuition and housing is about $50,000. The classes are great, but the school is way too overpriced.
    Tips for prospective students

    You better make a plan for financial cost and apply to all the scholarships you possibly can, or you will end up having to take out loans for about $26k a year and will be in debt for the rest of your life.
    Great for these types of students

    Rich, very wealthy students. The school is great for people who are very interdisciplinary

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Dana from Evansville, IN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    This school has pushed me to work my butt off. I attended 2 years in a regular big campus university before transferring to SAIC, and I have never been so challenged or exhausted by my classes. It's beautiful, and exactly what I need as a growing artist.
    Am enjoying being here

    I've never loved school more than here. Yeah I've had a bad teacher or two, which made me loathe going to that class. But it doesn't mean the school sucks or I regret taking that class. I love my school.
    Bang for the buck

    It's very expensive. If you don't have a scholarship of at least 10K you are probably paying way too much to come to this school. It's a fabulous school and you are getting an education you pay for if you want it. But a lot of kids are trust fund babies and will spend four years just messing around because they don't understand what a great resource this school is.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get scholarships. Don't live in student housing if you can avoid it, it's nice but overly expensive. Finical aid is a pain in the a*s, they will try to withhold your money for months. Have fun, ask questions, and learn.
    Great for these types of students

    Creators, artists, lovers of art, critical thinkers

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Brianna from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    SAIC is an interdisciplinary school. This fancy phrase just means they encourage students to explore a wide assortment of media in their work. You can pick and choose what skills or areas of study you want to experiment with. The unique perspectives of my fellow students and professors have had a huge impact on how I understand and relate to conceptual art.
    Am enjoying being here

    I honestly love it here. At first the artistic community was a little intimidating, but if you're a creative intuitive person you will have no trouble fitting in. Every class is a new opportunity for artistic expression. SAIC's campus is downtown Chicago, but our city playground is the West Loop, the Northside, Logan Square, and all of Chicago is available at our fingertips. Around every corner there are new adventures to explore. The school is definitely an interesting and unique college experience.
    Bang for the buck

    It is true that SAIC is a huge expense. I will be honest, in a lot of ways coming here is a gamble. But there is financial aid available, there are scholarships, (shout out to Cappex.com!) and it isn't hard to get a job. Especially when you can put on your resume you went to such an influential conceptual school. There really is no other accredited school like SAIC out there, and having successful working contemporary artists as your instructors is an advantage that would be hard to pass up, especially when they are all so willing to give you advice!
    Tips for prospective students

    The first year drop out rate is almost 80 percent. Before you come here, I would encourage you to really be certain art is the career path you wish to take. And if it is, be prepared to work for it. Also, don't become isolated. This is a competitive school, and I have seen students cut themselves off from classmates and friends to focus solely on their work. I strongly recommend finding a student group, or establishing some form of community when you get here. You will need people you can go to when the stress levels are driving you insane.
    Great for these types of students

    This school is for the artiest of art nerds. You really have to be a conceptual thinker. If you aren't ready to spend up to six hours a week PER studio class this is not the school for you. Make no mistake, SAIC is not an easy art school. We may have a pass/fail grading system, but project Critiques can make or break you as a student, and more importantly, as an artist.

  • 3 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Glen from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have attended SAIC for two years in my 30's after working for about 10 years. Originally I went to Berkeley for an 80% verbal- 20% quantitative/scientific education. My Berkeley education was heavily dependent upon my own ambition and initiative and my SAIC education was doubly so. The cliche it is what you make of it is something that all successful SAIC students learn to their marrow. You can easily coast through this school on a flood of bullshit if you so desire, and take only the least demanding classes. You can also work so hard and get so much from the teachers that you won't have to do anything but art all your waking hours.

    The teachers can't make you a good artist, but by and large they say very helpful things and are very good at tailoring their feedback to your skill and motivation level. They are generally just what they should be- very good at talking about art. By and large they are not great artists themselves, but rarely are they complete frauds. As someone who was trained in verbal analysis, I have often marveled at how adept many of my teachers are at talking intelligently. Yes, they will find something nice to say about crappy work just to socially lubricate a critique, but this is exactly what is called for, in my opinion. Perhaps they should remind everyone at the beginning of every class that it is very unlikely that any one of the students will ever be a professional artist. This is so blindingly obvious that it rarely gets acknowledged.

    Am enjoying being here

    The main flaw with the School is that it is located downtown in a high rent district, so it has no extra space. It has no student center or hang-out space other than a small cafeteria. Its studio space is taken up by classes from 9am to 9pm, so there is little opportunity to just work alongside fellow students during these hours without being enrolled in a class, unless you are accepted into the Advanced _ class in a particular discipline, in which case you get a small personal space among others like you.

    It is easy to be lonely at SAIC. I would recommend living in the dorms for at least a year to help you make friends, although this did me little good as a somewhat reclusive and older student. There are few social glue personalities at SAIC, and they are often obnoxious. If you are a social misfit when you enter SAIC, you will most likely be a social misfit when you come out. That said, most people seem to find enough friends to make the experience tolerable, at least after the (usually painful) freshman year.

    Bang for the buck

    Expensive, but adequate financial aid is available.
    Tips for prospective students

    Most people would probably be better served in their personal and intellectual development by going to a real school and working hard at a discipline more closely related to what is generally considered practical. You should face the fact that it is extremely unlikely that you will ever be a professional artist, and that you will be lucky to find a job that truly utilizes the visual skills you learn at SAIC. Many graduates have this hammered home to them only after they graduate and find out that the world won't cater to their narcissistic tendencies. You will likely have a considerable amount of debt and be challenged in finding a way to pay it off comfortably.

    With that in mind, you could still get a lot out of going here. Just don't expect to be pampered forever:)
    Great for these types of students

    Dedicated artists and spoiled children who don't want to go to real school.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Nicole

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    As I was coming to this school, I was quite worried about some of the harsh reviews I heard. However, I turned out loving everything about it, the setting and vibe it reflects is incredible.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you're a conceptual artist, this' the place where you need to be. As one gets out of high school, most of the work that its done is quite realistic, but this school lets you think, it lets you be the artist you wanna be.
    Academic Rigor

    Some classes are quite challenging, but isn't that was you're looking for?It's a pass/fail system and that allows you to experiment without being afraid of failing. Art doesn't need to be graded since we have different perspectives.
    Dorm Life

    Even though the people here are very friendly, the security guards keep a close eye on you. It helps you to stay on track. The 17th floor is a dedicated for every type of artist, as well as the 16th floor, I find them great places to be with friends and get some homework done.
    Food and Dining

    From what I know, next semester (fall 2012) there's going to be a meal plan. I don't know much about it since there wasn't one before
    What to do for fun

    For fun, i mostly go to the 17th floor, a floor that is well accommodated for every type of artist. There's a graffiti, a dry-medium, painting, and an study room.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Maria from Irmo, SC

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    saic provides a challenging and creative environment to sharpen your artistic skills. the staff is well equipped with experience and knowledge to give practical and helpful direction. the school is also located in one of the most exciting cities in the world, with a vibrant history and many opportunities to make your voice heard.
    Tips for prospective students

    saic doesn't make it's students choose a discipline to focus on, which has it's pros and cons. it's very easy to get unfocused. i would recommend sitting down with an adviser, who will help you pick classes that with sharpen the skills you have and spark new ones.
    Academic Rigor

    the academic environment is challenging, but also driven by self-motivation. you're only going to get what you put into it. expect to spend a lot of time in the studio and doing a lot of personal research.
    Dorm Life

    the dorms are clean and beautiful. i lived at 162 north state street, and met wonderful people on all floors. security is always present.
    Food and Dining

    aside from being in the loop, which has lots of delicious options, the columbus building has a full cafeteria.
    What to do for fun

    fun is subjective, but chicago has an exciting nightlife. if you're under 21, there are gallery openings all over town every friday night. if you're over 21, there is even more to do. kingston mines has blues every single night, with many exciting legends making an appearance.
    Bang for the buck

    there are cheap places to eat and drink, as well as expensive ones. if you're over 21, there's a bar called big joe's that has live turtle racing, and pitchers of beer for $8.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the art school is associated with the art institute of chicago, which every student has free admission to. and there are plenty of unusual locations in the museum.
    Great for these types of students

    saic makes the uncool kids popular.
    Clubs and Activities

    saic provides lots of opportunities to mingle with other students. nearly every country is represented and every social group. from the humanitarian group to salsa dancing, there's something for everyone.
    Greek Life

    none that i know of.
    Campus Safety

    there is security present at all times, and card entry required for every single building.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Kristine from Salida, CA

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    SAIC, if anything should be said, provides its students with a toolkit. It shows you how to build your practice, giving you practical lessons on doing so as well as technical knowledge.
    Did enjoy being here

    I'm from a strong liberal arts background, so at times the art school attitude (yes, be ready for some artsy pretension, folks) was a bit jarring for me.. But in general, SAIC offered me an environment and art community like no other, and my practice grew in leaps and bounds.
    Bang for the buck

    One of my best friends here once said that she thought SAIC was halfway worth it, and I'm inclined to agree with her--it comes with a very high price tag, but the skills you learn are absolutely indispensable for the serious career artist.
    Tips for prospective students

    Do NOT come here if art is a hobby, or if you are unsure if art (of any kind; you can always change majors!) is what you want to do; if you're going to pay this much for an art education, you need to breathe art. You have to need it. Otherwise, you will almost certainly become one of the many people who drop out in the first year (and I do mean many; I lived in the dorms, and the turnover rate got crazy right around midterm critiques).
    Great for these types of students

    People who are completely dedicated to their art, who want to have their boundaries pushed and are looking to expand themselves into new realms, whether by incorporating new media or exploring a different side of conceptualism, will flourish here. You will see your work improve in amazing, unprecedented ways if you really want it.

  • 5 out of 9 people found this review useful.

    Tangie from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    yes,this school is a great school. A pass repersentive from this school once came to my highschool in my senior year to my French class. The repersentive was nice, the information given sounded very helpful and interesting and looked like fun. I have snice graduated in 2008 and is now attending Kennedy king College. If only, I had the money to afford to go there I would surely attend.
    Will enjoy being here

    Yes, you will enjoy being in this school if, I had the tuition to go to this school myself personally. I would fill out an application. Myself like others enjoy playing video games. However, myself personally does not own any kind of video games or, video game systems. I also love drawing maga cartoons and want to be a animation drawer. If you love playing cartoons and drawing and art is also your passion then this is the school for you. This is the best school to be going to.
    Bang for the buck

    I do not know how much it costs to go to this school. But yes, it seems that you could be getting what you paid for.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are thinking about going to the Art Institute of Chicago make sure that you have a creative sprit and passion for art. Without this you will not thirve at this school.

  • 0 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Shaunacey from Aurora, IL

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Amalia from United Kingdom

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Academic Rigor

    Founded in 1866, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is one of the nation's most influential art and design schools. As a nationally and regionally accredited private art and design college, SAIC is annually ranked as one of America's leading institutes of graduate study in the visual arts. SAIC has welcomed students from every state in the United States and 48 nations, and is legendary for the extraordinary success of its alumni, including artists, designers, scholars, filmmakers, and writers, whose work is renowned for shaping our visual and cultural landscape.
    Dorm Life

    Founded in 1866, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is one of the nation's most influential art and design schools. As a nationally and regionally accredited private art and design college, SAIC is annually ranked as one of America's leading institutes of graduate study in the visual arts. SAIC has welcomed students from every state in the United States and 48 nations, and is legendary for the extraordinary success of its alumni, including artists, designers, scholars, filmmakers, and writers, whose work is renowned for shaping our visual and cultural landscape.
    Food and Dining

    Founded in 1866, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is one of the nation's most influential art and design schools. As a nationally and regionally accredited private art and design college, SAIC is annually ranked as one of America's leading institutes of graduate study in the visual arts. SAIC has welcomed students from every state in the United States and 48 nations, and is legendary for the extraordinary success of its alumni, including artists, designers, scholars, filmmakers, and writers, whose work is renowned for shaping our visual and cultural landscape.

  • Ignacio from Atlanta, GA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Look forward to attend, It's reputation is incredible.
    Tips for prospective students

    I don't have any, except work hard.
    Academic Rigor

    reputation
    Dorm Life

    I hope, have not been there yet.
    Food and Dining

    I hope, have not been there yet.
    What to do for fun

    Have not lived in Chicago.

  • Ian from Chicago

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    the art institute has a lot going for it as far as educating the artist. the faculty are all knowledgeable and working in the fields in which they teach. the administration is somewhat disorganized, however.
    Tips for prospective students

    when is comes to the art institute, the hardest part is not getting accepted, but staying pass freshman year. something like 45-50% of freshman drop out because they are not used to the level of freedom the teachers give them, which in turn causes them to not do their homework.
    Academic Rigor

    its a pass/fail grading system because one cannot grade art like a spelling test. there is no wrong or right answer. that being said, you get out of the experience what you put in.
    Dorm Life

    dorm life is fun freshman year. the dorms are in downtown chicago and all your friends are in one building. after one year most people move out and live in various neighborhoods around the city.
    Food and Dining

    there are kitchens in all the dorm rooms, but there is no meal plan as of now. there is a meal plan in the works for 2013.
    What to do for fun

    gallery openings are a must for young artists as a way to meet people and get exposed to the commercial scene.
    Bang for the buck

    chicago is one of the cheapest cities when it comes to food, drink and entertainment. so while the school is a pretty penny, you are not at loss.

  • Nicole from Arlington Heights, IL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i go to the schaumburg campus. i absolutely love the size of the campus. the teachers and students are great to be around.
    Academic Rigor

    the gen-ed classes are not too horrible, but the art classes can be intense. the projects require a lot of work, but the teachers give you creative freedom and a bit of structure to guide you through the processes.
    Dorm Life

    i do not live in a dorm
    Food and Dining

    the vending machines are cool, but the schaumburg campus shares a parking lot with panera, chevys, and unos pizza.
    Greek Life

    non existent
    Campus Safety

    the security guards are great. i feel safe on campus at all hours. once, my parents couldn't find me and the security guard spent time looking for my car in the parking lot to make sure i was safe.

Powered By Cappex.com