SAIC annually awards a substantial number of undergraduate, merit-based scholarships to new students. All students who have successfully completed the admission process by the priority deadline are automatically considered for merit scholarships. Recipients are selected through a holistic review of each student's academic history, portfolio, and statement of intent.
Students considered for a merit scholarship may receive one of the scholarships listed below.
Types of Merit Scholarships
- Presidential
- Distinguished
- Honors
- Recognition
- Incentive
- Enrichment
No additional application is required; merit scholarships are awarded at the time of admission based on a holistic view of your portfolio and application materials. Learn more about how to assemble a scholarship-winning portfolio.
See the Terms & Conditions and other Important Details, Below.
Admitted Phi Theta Kappa applicants will qualify to receive a $2,000 PTK Scholarship, per academic year, through the admission process once PTK status is verified. This is in addition to any other merit scholarships awarded through SAIC Admissions. A separate application is not necessary for this award.
If your parent or legal guardian works at a college within the Tuition Exchange consortium, and plan to attend SAIC as an undergraduate student, you may be eligible to apply for a Tuition Exchange Scholarship. SAIC only offers Tuition Exchange to undergraduate students. Contact the liaison officer at your parent's place of employment to determine your eligibility and to submit an application to SAIC through the consortium.
You must submit a complete application including your portfolio through the regular SAIC admissions process by February 1 in the academic year prior to your intended entrance date, while simultaneously requesting a Tuition Exchange Scholarship at SAIC through your parent's place of employment. Scholarship selections are announced by March 1 of each year and are based upon artistic merit and academic achievement.
SAIC receives 30 to 50 requests for Tuition Exchange scholarships each year and is able to award 5 or 6.
The annual scholarship amount is determined by the consortium on a yearly basis. For the 2021–22 academic year, the set amount is $39,000 and for the 2022–23 academic year, the set amount is $40,000. Students who are awarded these scholarships are responsible for tuition and costs beyond the amount of the Tuition Exchange Scholarship and any other types of aid.
Note: The combination of all scholarships or grants may not exceed tuition charges.
Domestic or permanent non-resident students are required to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for federal, state and SAIC aid, including merit scholarships at fafsa.gov. This may assist in financing the additional costs not covered by the Tuition Exchange Scholarship. The SAIC priority deadlines for completing the FAFSA each year is Dec 1st for undergraduate Illinois residents and January 1st for all other students. Additionally, a separate institutional financial aid applications must be submitted for classes taken in the winter and summer terms.
The scholarship is renewable, annually, for up to four years (eight semesters), upon completion of two-thirds of all credits attempted cumulatively, and a submission of recertification by your liaison officer to SAIC each year. For a list of member institutions and further details, consult tuitionexchange.org.