Image credit: Faith Decker
Finance Your Education
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago's Student Financial Services (SFS) office is dedicated to making your education accessible. We provide comprehensive resources, guidance, and financial aid options to help you navigate your educational expenses and make informed decisions.
Financial Aid at SAIC
SAIC distributes $58 million in institutional, endowed, and restricted gift aid annually, demonstrating our commitment to helping students achieve their artistic and academic goals.
90%
of degree students are awarded some form of aid.
Find Your Financial Fit
Undergraduate Applicants
Get a clear breakdown of tuition, supply costs, and living expenses so you can plan your budget with confidence. Explore financial aid options including scholarships, federal and state grants, loans, and more.
Graduate Applicants
Understand your costs, navigate the application process, and discover funding opportunities curated specifically for graduate students.
International Applicants
We offer a variety of financial resources and scholarships specifically designed for international students, ensuring you have access to the support you need to thrive.
Current Students
Find essential resources and information to help you manage your student accounts, employment opportunities, refunds, and important policies.
Parents & Guardians
Attending SAIC is an investment in your students' future, and you are not alone in that investment. Find important financial aid information for parents and guardians in one spot.
Need Assistance? We're Here to Help.
Call or Email Us
If you have any questions or want personalized guidance, please contact Student Financial Services.
Make a Virtual or Phone Appointment
Prospective students, parents, and alumni can click on the links below to schedule a virtual appointment with an SAIC Student Financial Services advisor.
Types of Financial Aid & Scholarships
Scholarships
Awards from within and outside of SAIC that recognize academic achievements or artistic talent. Learn more about need-based and merit scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students.
Student Employment
Part-time job opportunities for students to earn money while studying. More than 1,200 students participate in our on-campus student employment program, which is open to both domestic and international students. Learn more about student employment opportunities at SAIC.
Grants
Need-based funds that do not require repayment, designed to assist with tuition and fees. Learn more about federal and state grants.
Loans
Funds borrowed to pay for education, which must be repaid with interest. See important information for undergraduate and graduate students.
Investing In Your Future
At SAIC, career readiness is built into everything we do. We don't just teach you to create—we partner with you to turn your vision into a sustainable, meaningful career.
Career Outcomes
97% of 2025 SAIC graduates were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.
Important Dates & Deadlines
In order to be eligible for need-based aid such as SAIC, state and federal grants, loans and work study, please file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov (even if you’re unsure if you’ll qualify). Remember to file your FAFSA as soon as possible as some types of assistance are limited. An official award letter and an email outlining your financial aid offer will be sent to you once your file has been reviewed and your eligibility has been determined
October 1 — New FAFSA opens for next award year. File your FAFSA as soon as possible so your financial aid is reflected in your award letter.
January 1 — SAIC priority deadline for completing the FAFSA for undergraduate Illinois residents.
January 15 — SAIC begins sending award letters for eligible new students who have completed a FAFSA.
February 1 — SAIC priority deadline for completing the FAFSA for all other students.
April 15 — SAIC begins sending award letters for eligible continuing students who have completed a FAFSA.
Find tutorials and helpful information on filling out the FAFSA.
Please include our school code, #001753, on the FAFSA so that your information is sent directly to SAIC.
Want to Learn More? Attend an Information Session
We hold several online information sessions for parents and students. Sign up for one today! Learn more.
Contact Us
Email Us
Office of Student Financial Services saic.sfs@saic.edu