Undergraduate Next Steps

Student Financial Services: Cost, Payment and Deadlines

Thursday, June 5, 6:30 p.m. CT
RSVP

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)'s Student Financial Services office will be presenting information on how to calculate your expected costs, how to make payments, and important deadlines. We will also complete a sample budgeting worksheet called "Figure Your Costs" available at saic.edu/fyc.

Past Events

Financial Aid Next Steps

Thursday, May 8, 6:30 p.m. CT
Watch Recording

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)'s Student Financial Services office will be presenting next steps in the process that will ensure a smooth transition for you when you join us in the fall. There will be time for questions during and after the presentation. 

Admitted Students Virtual Info Session

Wednesday, April 16, 7 p.m. CT
Watch Recording

Join the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) online to learn more about our distinguishing features and resources, first year curriculum, life on campus, and careers and alumni. We will also be discussing next steps you will need to take before joining us in the fall. This session is designed both for students who have already made their decisions, and those who are still undecided. There will be time after the presentation to ask any questions you may have.

Understanding Your Financial Aid Award and Cost

Wednesday, March 26, 6:30 p.m. CT
Watch Recording

Representatives from SAIC's Student Financial Services department will discuss SAIC award packages, completing the budgeting worksheet, and outside scholarships. There will be time during and after the presentation to ask questions.

Curriculum and Academic Resources

Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Watch Recording

Faculty members from Contemporary Practices, Liberal Arts and Art History will be on hand to delve into what makes an SAIC education distinct – from our interdisciplinary curriculum to critique based assessment and integrated advising.  We’ll talk about what the first year looks like for students and give you a peak at our exciting departments and areas of study.

What Can I Do with an SAIC Degree? Careers and Alumni

Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Watch Recording

We mean it when we say that life after art school begins when you first join us on campus.  We’ll share the many resources that our Career and Professional Services offices (CAPX) offers, as well as discuss our internship program – the oldest and most successful one of its kind in the U.S.  We’ll also showcase our alums – to give you an idea of the possibilities open to you with an SAIC degree.

Living in Chicago

Thursday, February 20, 2025
Watch Recording

Learn about the amazing city of Chicago and why artists, designers and cultural producers consider it one of the most important and accessible U.S. cities from which to launch a creative career. We’ll introduce you to our campus, the city’s amazing venues and discuss campus safety.

How to Apply for Financial Aid Using the FAFSA

Thursday, January 23, 6:30 p.m. CT
Watch Recording

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)'s Student Financial Services team is hosting an online information session to assist you in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), applying for scholarships and identifying other sources of funding, and understanding your award. There will be time after the presentation to ask any questions you may have.

Spring 2025 Next Steps + Admitted Student Reception

Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Watch Recording

You and your family are invited to join SAIC faculty, staff, and students online to learn more about the incredible community you will be joining, and the next steps to make your transition to SAIC a smooth one. This is a great way to find out more about our student programming, residence halls, facilities and resources, living in Chicago, important dates and more. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have live.
 

In order to make online deposits, view financial aid, and review billing information, you will need to activate your ARTIC account. This account will also provide you with access to your SAIC email, Self Service, library databases, and much more.

Please note that you will need your SAIC ID number (included in your admission letter) in order to complete this process. Additionally, you must complete the activation process using a web browser on a computer rather than from your mobile phone or tablet.

Activate your account by visiting password.artic.edu. You will be asked for:

• Your seven-digit SAIC ID Number (included on your admission letter)
• Your birthday (two digit day, dash, and all caps three digit month) Example: 19-AUG

Your login is automatically assigned, but you will create your own password. Passwords must be at least 10 characters and contain an uppercase letter, lowercase letter, and a symbol.

Once you have activated your account, visit the student dashboard to access Self-Service and your email through Google Apps.

If you need help with your ARTIC account, contact Technical Support at 312.345.3535 or crithelpdesk@saic.edu.

In order to accept your admission and secure your place in our class, we require that admitted students pay a $450 non-refundable enrollment deposit. The deposit is not an extra fee, and will be applied toward your tuition charges.

Deposit deadline for students admitted after 5/1: 
May 15, 2025

To make your enrollment deposit: 

1. Log on to your SAIC Application Portal at go.saic.edu/apply/status.
2. Once you have been admitted to SAIC and you have read your acceptance letter, an Enrollment Deposit and optional Housing Deposit panel will be displayed within your SAIC Application Portal. Click on the “Make It Official!” button to start the process of paying your Enrollment Deposit.
3. If asked, please choose the country where your payment will be coming from in the list provided.
4. Select your preferred payment method, which includes bank transfer and credit card options.
5. Complete the Payer’s Information forms and please make sure to approve the Terms and Conditions.
6. You will be prompted to enter your bank account or credit card information based on the preferred payment method that you chose.

Though online payment is the preferred method for paying your enrollment deposit, you may also send a check or money order to: 

SAIC Undergraduate Admissions 
36 S. Wabash, suite 1201 
Chicago, IL 60603 
Please include your seven-digit SAIC ID number in the memo line. 

How to Apply

In order to be eligible for need-based aid such as SAIC, state and federal grants, loans and work study you need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. You can access helpful information on completing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/help-center including Aidan, the financial aid virtual assistant. File your FAFSA early as some types of assistance are limited, and may have early deadlines. Find more information at saic.edu/cost-financial-aid.

• We encourage you to file the FAFSA even if you aren't sure you will qualify for financial aid.
• To apply for financial aid for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters, complete the 2025–26 FAFSA at fafsa.gov, which will use 2023 tax information.
• International students do not file the FAFSA.

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. You can also view your financial aid offer in Self-Service.

Merit Scholarship

You are reviewed for SAIC's merit-based scholarship (based on a holistic review of your application and not on need) once you have been admitted to SAIC. No additional paperwork or applications are necessary. More merit scholarship info. 

Outside Scholarships

We recommend searching sources like fastweb.com or speaking with your high school or college counselor about other local scholarship opportunities. Also consider scholarships offered by any professional, community, or religious organizations of which you are a member. See additional outside scholarship sources and information. 

Figure Your Costs Budgeting Worksheet

Complete this worksheet available in your Financial Aid Award Guide or online using our Figure Your Costs Budgeting Worksheet to determine if you have enough financial resources to cover your entire annual cost of attendance. You may need to apply for additional credit-based loans such as the Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan or Private loans. These loans are only available to credit-worthy borrowers.

Loan Entrance Counseling Sessions and Applications

Entrance counseling sessions for Federal Direct Stafford loans, and loan applications for Federal Direct Stafford, Federal Direct Parent PLUS, and Private loans should be completed no later than July 1. Please note: the Federal PLUS loan and Private loan programs are credit-based and may not be available to some applicants.

Important Dates for Students Starting in the Fall Semester

Important Dates for Students Starting in the Spring Semester

Need Help?

Our Student Financial Services Advisors are here at every step in the process to help you finance your education at SAIC. Don't hesitate to contact us at 312.629.6600, email us at saic.sfs@saic.edu, or access our online Q&A at saicsfs.freshdesk.com/support/home. Virtual and telephone appointments can also be scheduled online at saic.edu/cost-financial-aid. 

Helpful Tips

• 3–5 days after you file your online FAFSA, you will be emailed a confirmation. Review your processed FAFSA carefully to ensure that you have supplied the correct data and follow any further instructions.
• There may be questions you need to answer based on information you provided on the FAFSA. We will contact you by postal mail and email if we need clarification or additional documentation. Please respond as soon as you receive this request to avoid any delay in processing your financial aid. Items are also listed in Self-Service under the "Tasks" tile.
• If you feel the FAFSA has not accurately represented your financial situation, or there has been a change in family finances—loss of employment, separation, divorce or death, for example—you should contact the Student Financial Services office to discuss your circumstances with an advisor.

On-Campus Housing

Living on campus in one of our residence halls allows you to immerse yourself in a community of fellow artists, live just minutes away from your classes in the heart of downtown Chicago, and enjoy conveniences you won't find in most student apartments. Visit saic.edu/housing for more information.

Residence Hall Features:

• Large, well-lit common studios in two buildings for use by all residents
• Live-in professional staff
• In-room wireless internet
• Computer labs
• 24-hour security staff
• In-room kitchenettes
• In-building laundry
• Private bathrooms

Housing Application Process

Housing invitations, including next steps, are sent via mail and to your SAIC email address beginning in early November for spring students, in February for fall early action students, and after March 1 for non-early action students.

Once you receive your invitation:

• Pay the $550 housing prepayment. There are two ways to pay: 
  • Send a check or money order to School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Residence Life Office, 36 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 1209, Chicago, IL 60603. Make it payable to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. 
  • Or you can pay online via electronic check or credit card: Pay your $550 housing deposit online via your applicant portal at go.saic.edu/apply/status. You may also send a check or money order to Residence Life.
• Log in at saic-housing.artic.edu. 
  You must have set up your ARTIC account to access (see Step 1).
• Enter your preference for building, room, bed type, and lifestyle choices.
• Once your contract has been received, a housing confirmation email will be sent to your SAIC email address only.
• Since the Housing Contract is electronic only, Residence Life will not accept any contracts submitted via mail or e-mail.
• Room assignments and roommate contact information will be available in early August.

Meal Plan

If you plan to live in one of our residence halls you will be required to have a meal plan. You will be able to use your declining dining dollar balance at one of SAIC's three dining locations.

Our dining facilities offer delicious and nutritious selections, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Utilizing organic, fair trade and local ingredients, as well as promoting sustainability, are important aspects of food service at SAIC.

In addition, our residence hall rooms are equipped with either kitchenettes—including two-burner stoves, a microwave and full-sized refrigerator, or full kitchens—for you to prepare meals and snacks. 

Off-Campus Housing

SAIC is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, easily accessible from many of the city's historic and diverse neighborhoods. The Residence Life office staff can serve as a resource to you as you seek off-campus housing. Many resources for off-campus living can be found in the off-campus housing section of the housing website, including neighborhood information, tips for apartment searching, a list of common abbreviations, and a booklet with many helpful resources.

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago has partnered with Places4Students.com, a company that specializes in providing off-campus housing solutions for post-secondary students. Because the free listing database is provided exclusively for SAIC students, faculty, and staff, you will be asked to go through a simple registration process, and your password will be sent to your SAIC email account within seconds.

Other services offered by Residence Life include:

• Assistance in finding an SAIC roommate
• Map of Chicago neighborhoods popular with SAIC students
• Tips on managing an apartment search in Chicago
• Resources on leasing and tenant responsibilities

Questions?

Contact Residence Life at 312.629.6870 or reslife@saic.edu.

Schedule a registration appointment for Fall: Beginning April 1, 2025, you can make your registration appointment online. The deadline for freshmen to schedule a registration appointment for fall classes is June 15.

Schedule a registration appointment for Spring: Beginning in November, you can make your registration appointment online. Registration will begin on December 2.

If you have any questions feel free to contact the Admissions office between 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT at 800.232.7242 or 312.629.6100. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Options for Course Registration 

Phone registration: If you schedule a phone appointment, an admission counselor will call you at a phone number you designate to help select your courses. Appointments will last between 30–45 minutes.

Virtual registration: Virtual registration through Zoom or Google Hangouts can also be arranged. When scheduling your appointment or corresponding with your counselor, please let them know your preferences. Appointments will last between 30–45 minutes. 

Before You Register 

AP, CLEP or IB Credit and Scores: During your registration appointment, please make sure you inform your counselor that you have AP, CLEP or IB scores which you will be submitting officially to the Admissions office. SAIC awards 3 credits for scores of 3–5 on any AP subject test. For IB, SAIC will award 6 credit hours for scores of 4-7 at the higher level (HL) only. SAIC awards a combined maximum of 12 credit hours.

Academic Access Program: SAIC’s Academic Access Program is a first-year college program that enables students to advance their critical thinking, analytical reading, and college writing skills prior to beginning our rigorous Liberal Arts and Art History requirements. Information regarding Academic Access Program placement and requirements will be provided to students prior to registering for classes. For more information, visit saic.edu/liberal-arts/first-year-programs/academic-access-program.

English Courses for International Students (EIS): International students with a TOEFL score below 96, IELTS score below 7.0, Duolingo score below 120, or PTE Academic score below 65 must register for EIS courses. International students who are required to take EIS courses may take an optional EIS confirmation test during orientation. This test confirms your placement into EIS classes.

Transferring Credit: College-level equivalent courses for which a student has received a grade equivalent to "C" or better are eligible for transfer. These include early college courses taken at SAIC or other institutions.

Transfer students seeking advanced studio placement within the departments of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects; and Visual Communication Design MUST respectively provide technical and conceptual examples of their work in order to waive prerequisite studio coursework specific to these departments. Please inform your counselor if you are currently enrolled in any courses or plan to enroll in courses this summer at your local college or university. 

Submit Your Final Transcripts

Send us your final, official transcript(s) by January 15 for spring and August 15 for fall. All admission decisions are subject to evaluation of final high school transcripts and must be received by these dates.

Send transcript(s) to admiss@saic.edu, 
OR 
Your counselor may upload your final transcripts through the Common Application.

Student Financial Services is dedicated to helping you through the process of financing your education at SAIC and has provided multiple ways to manage your payments, including payment plans, which will stretch your tuition payments over the course of the semester. Visit the payment plans page for detailed information.

Important Dates for Fall 2025

*Please note that students who have not made payment arrangements or paid in full by August 15 will be dropped from classes on August 16, 2025.

Important Dates for Spring 2025

Payment Information

• Electronic bills (eBills) are provided monthly in Transact if you have a balance due or if you have had account activity since the last monthly bill. They can be viewed online by students and Payers if they have been set up in Transact by the student.
• Payment in full or payment arrangements of any balance not covered by financial aid is required by August 15 for the fall semester, December 15 for the winter term, January 15 for the spring semester, and May 15 for the summer term in order to avoid late fees, restriction of access on campus, and prevention from future registration and release of academic transcripts/diplomas.

Payment Options:

Cash, Check, or Money Order (made payable in US Currency)

• Mail: SAIC's Bursar's Office, 37 S. Wabash, suite 245, Chicago, IL 60603
• In-person: SAIC's Bursar's Office, Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Wire Transfer, Credit Card, ACH (Automated Check Handling)

• Made online through Transact (formerly CASHNet) in Self-Service—All major credit cards are accepted.
• To allow parents/guardians to make payments, see eBill Statements and 1098-T tax forms, you will need to set them up as a Payer in Transact (formerly CASHNet).
• A service fee is charged for credit card payments, but not for ACH payments.

To pay by wire transfer, obtain a conversion rate quote in Transact and take it to your banking institution to have the funds sent. Please allow 7-10 days for the fund to arrive at SAIC after completing the wire transfer transaction at your banking institution.

Tuition and Fee Payment Plan and Auto-Pay

• Four payment semester plan available through Transact (formerly CASHNet) in Self-Service for fall and spring semesters
• Three payment semester plans available for summer semester
• Payment plan enrollment fee is $50 per semester
• Enroll online through Transact (formerly CASHNet) by logging into Self-Service > Financial Account

Questions?

Student Financial Services
36 S. Wabash Ave., suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312.629.6600
Fax: 312.629.6601 
Email: saic.sfs@saic.edu
Website: saic.edu/cost-financial-aid 
Q&A: saicsfs.freshdesk.com/support/home
Virtual and telephone appointments: saic.edu/cost-financial-aid 
 

Accept or Waive Health Insurance

Health insurance coverage is required for all full-time domestic undergraduate students and for all international students. If you wish to accept SAIC's coverage you need not do anything further and the charge will be applied to your account. Visit saic.edu/wellness-center/health-services for more information. 

You may waive health insurance by doing the following:

1. Complete a waiver form by the end of the first day of classes (available at saic.myahpcare.com); AND
2. Provide proof that your coverage meets SAIC's minimum standards; AND
3. Allow SAIC's designee, Academic HealthPlans, to verify your coverage.

Please note: If you are a full-time domestic student and then drop to part-time before the end of the add/drop period, the health insurance charge will automatically be removed from your account and health insurance coverage will not be provided. Health insurance coverage can be reinstated if you request health insurance online through saic.myahpcare.com.​

Required Immunization Records

Illinois State law requires proof of general immunizations for all college students enrolled for six or more credits per semester. Proof of immunization is due by January 1 for students admitted for Spring and July 1 for students admitted for Fall. Students who are non-compliant will not be permitted to register for the next term. Please see saic.edu/health for immunization requirement details and record submission instructions.

Questions about Immunizations?

Contact the SAIC Health Services Office at 312.499.4288 or healthservices@saic.edu. 

Questions about Health Insurance? 

Email saic_studentinsurance@saic.edu. 
 

Orientation programming is a perfect way to introduce you to all the amazing things here on campus and beyond. Orientation details can be found at the New Student Orientation website.

Laptop Requirement

All incoming undergraduate students, with the exception of second-degree students, are required to own a laptop prior to the first day of classes. Detailed information can be located at saic.edu/laptop.

*Due to possible supply chain issues and delays with shipping, SAIC highly suggests that if you are buying a new laptop before arriving at SAIC, that you purchase it as soon as you can and do not wait until right before the school term begins.

Questions? For questions regarding software and hardware, contact 312.345.3535 or laptop@saic.edu.

SAIC ARTICard (ID Card)

The ARTICard is SAIC's mandatory identification card which provides access to facilities, equipment, and library books, as well as providing debit card capabilities on campus and at select off-campus sites. It can be used to make copies, print projects, do laundry, purchase books and supplies, and buy food. There is no membership fee, service charge or minimum balance. The balance carries over from semester to semester, year to year until the account is closed.

ARTICards are available for pick up by appointment from the ARTICard office. In order to avoid long wait times, students are encouraged to send in their photos electronically at least one week before their appointment. Visit saic.edu/articard for more details.

Deposits to your ARTICard can be made by cash or check at the ARTICard Office, via mail by check or money order (ARTICard Office, 37 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603), or online with a credit card or electronic check (see instructions for depositing online at saic.edu/articard). Make checks payable to SAIC.

Questions? Contact ARTICard/U-Pass office at 312.629.9362 or articard@saic.edu.

Ventra U-Pass

The U-Pass entitlement, loaded onto a Ventra U-Pass card, allows full-time students unlimited use of CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus and rail transportation each fall, spring, summer, and winter term. The Ventra U-Pass card can be used as a full fare card whenever the U-Pass entitlement is not active. The cost of the U-Pass entitlement is $155* per fall and spring semester, a savings of over $200 when compared with regular CTA fares. A $35* U-Pass fee will be charged to full-time students during the winter session, and a $115 U-Pass fee will be charged to full-time students during the summer session.

This mandatory fee is automatically charged to all full-time students’ tuition and fee accounts each semester. A one-time $5 fee, which covers the cost of the card, will also be charged to each full-time student’s account for the initial issuance of the Ventra U-Pass card. The Ventra U-Pass is distributed during the first week of school and should be kept for subsequent semesters. Incoming transfer students who hold a Ventra U-Pass card from their previous school can contact the ARTICard office to have their card information transferred to SAIC.

Questions? Contact the ARTICard/U-Pass office at 312.629.9362 or articard@saic.edu.
* Price is subject to change.

Textbooks

The DePaul University/Barnes & Noble College Bookstore, located at the corner of Jackson Blvd. and State St. (1 East Jackson Boulevard), is SAIC’s designated primary provider for textbooks and course packet services. The store provides a space in the textbook area of the lower level for all SAIC class book titles and course packets (all SAIC books and course packets are found under the department “SAIC” and are then organized alphabetically by SAIC department). The store accepts ARTICard for purchases, and also buys and sells used textbooks.

You can access SAIC class book lists at depaul-loop.bncollege.com. From the top tab, choose “Course Materials and Textbooks,” “Find Course Materials,” and then select “DePaul University Loop Campus & SAIC” as your campus. The upcoming term for SAIC will be displayed—enter the requested course information to find materials for your course.
 

The following online courses have components that must be completed by all new students, as we want everyone coming to SAIC to contribute to our community of safety, support, and inclusion. We take care of each other here.

HAVEN: Designed to increase student safety by helping prevent sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking.

AlcoholEDU: Designed to increase students’ knowledge about alcohol so they can make better-informed decisions.

DiversityEdu: Designed to help students understand diversity, stereotypes, and microaggressions and to create an inclusive campus culture.

Students will receive an email with instructions for completing these three important online programs that are required of all new incoming students. You can also find out more about these classes by visiting saic.edu/orientation.

These required programs are designed with the safety and well-being of all students in mind, with the goal of creating a safe, secure, and enriching environment in which students can learn. These are our values. This is who we want to be, and we need you to be a part of that effort, so keep a lookout for the correspondence about these!

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago expects academic performance and standards of behavior to remain consistent with the record presented upon admission. Your admission is contingent upon maintaining the same level of academic achievement as demonstrated in your application, graduation from secondary school or completion of credits at a post-secondary institution.

Students are subject to revocation of their admission if coursework completed before the intended term of enrollment at SAIC does not meet our academic standards that are required for admission. This includes any significant declines in academic performance, such as failing senior/final year of high school or final semester of college. It is the student's responsibility to advise SAIC of, and explain, any serious decline in grades or course changes that were not presented in their application. In addition, if the School of the Art Institute has reason to suspect an applicant's high school diploma, transcript, assessment test scores or other information is fraudulent or not valid, The Office of Admissions reserves the right to revoke admission in cases where fraudulence is found.

It is also important that high standards of behavior and conduct are maintained. Misconduct that occurs or comes to light after admission, such as disciplinary action in high school or college that leads to suspension, expulsion, criminal charges, or convictions, or other serious behavioral incidents may be cause for rescinding the admission decision.