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Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Philadelphia, PA · City · 23 students
4
Year
Private Non-profit
City
Small (<3k)
Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
About

As the nation’s first art museum and school founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) in Philadelphia is world-renowned for its rigorous, studio-based training in the visual arts. The institution is particularly celebrated for its premier programs in painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking, which emphasize classical, skill-based techniques integrated with contemporary critical practice. The student experience is highly intimate and focused, offering a collaborative Center City community where upper-level students benefit from coveted private studio spaces. What truly sets PAFA apart is its unique "museum-school" model, allowing students to learn directly from a world-class collection of American art and exhibit their own work in the iconic, historic Frank Furness-designed landmark building.


Wikipedia:The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is a museum and private art school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1805, it is the longest continuously operating art museum and art school in the United States.

Location
Philadelphia, PA, 19102-1510 · City campus
Nearest airport from college
PHL · Philadelphia
7 mi away
Cost
Cost of attendance
$66,106
Avg net price
$42,454
Tuition
$44,600
Books & supplies
$1,768/yr
Average net price by family income
$0–30k
$39,928
$30–48k
$42,301
$48–75k
$42,893
$75–110k
$44,893
$110k+
$46,702
Admissions
Test policy
Not required

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Essay Requirements

This school does not appear to use the Common Application. Check the school's admissions website directly for essay requirements and application instructions.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
4-yr on-time completion
45%
1st-yr retention
0%
Transfer-out rate
33%
8-year outcomes
Graduated
52%
Transferred
27%
Still enrolled
4%
Dropped out / unknown
17%
Median earnings (6yr)
$24,229
Median earnings (10yr)
$29,881
Median debt
$22,309
Monthly loan payment
$237
Debt range (25th–75th)
$9,250$27,000
Debt (90th percentile)
$35,500
Student Body
Men 30%Women 70%
2
:
1
Student : Faculty ratio
Students   Faculty
Pell grant recipients
35%
Median family income
$46,413
Independent students
19%
Avg age at entry
22.0
Part-time students
13%
Race & ethnicity
White
57%
Hispanic
13%
Black
4%
Asian
4%
Two or more
13%
Non-resident
9%
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings for graduates across all programs
6 years after entry
$24,229
10 years after entry
$29,881
Fine and Studio Arts22
Design and Applied Arts6
Graphic Communications1
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Endowment
$45M
Classification
Special Focus (Law)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions
Full-time faculty
88%
Avg faculty salary
$4,469/mo
Instructional spend/student
$21,577
Federal loan rate
65%

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