Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Admissions

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Admissions Overview:

PAFA has an acceptance rate of 92%--the vast majority of students are admitted each year, which is encouraging for any interested applicants. As the school is focused on studio art studies, interested students will need to submit a portfolio of their work, along with an application form and high school transcripts. The school is test-optional, so applicants are not required to submit scores from the SAT or ACT.

Admissions Data (2016):

• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Acceptance Rate: 92%
• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts has test-optional admissions
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: - / -
  • SAT Math: - / -
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • What's a good SAT score?
  • ACT Composite: - / -
  • ACT English: - / -
  • ACT Math: - / -
    • What's a good ACT score?

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Description:

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (also known as PAFA), is located in Philadelphia, and was founded in 1805. It's a rather small school with only around 260 students; academics are supported by a healthy 11 to 1 student / faculty ratio. Since PAFA is a specified Art School, it only offers five majors to choose from: drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and fine arts illustration. There are also a few graduate programs available in those same fields, with the option of a low-residency MFA. Outside of the classroom, students can join a number of campus groups, as well as campus-wide activities, including drawing marathons, trips to New York City, and various gallery and exhibition events. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is also home to an art museum that showcases art ranging from historical to modern works, with some by regional artists and alumni of the school. 

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 287 (191 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 35% Male / 65% Female
• 98% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $36,058
• Books: $1,511 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $16,480
• Other Expenses: $4,202
• Total Cost: $58,251

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 100%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 95%
  • Loans: 43%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $15,692
  • Loans: $6,875

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Painting, Sculpture, Drawing, Printmaking, Fine Arts

Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 65%
• Transfer Out Rate: 23%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 49%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 54%

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

PAFA and the Common Application

Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts uses the Common Application. These articles can help guide you:

• Common Application essay tips and samples
• Short answer tips and samples
• Supplemental essay tips and samples

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