The University of the Arts Admissions

SAT Scores, Acceptance Rate, Financial Aid & More

The University of the Arts in Philadelphia
The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Beyond My Ken / Wikimedia Commons
by Allen Grove
Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.
Updated May 23, 2019

The University of the Arts Description:

The University of the Arts has an enviable location in the heart of Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts. Many of the city's museums, art galleries, and performance venues are just a quick walk from campus. The university offers majors in both visual and performing arts, and a roughly equal number of students are enrolled in each. Students can choose from 27 undergraduate and 22 graduate degree programs. Academics are supported by an 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio. The diverse student body comes from 44 states and 33 foreign countries. Campus life is active, and students can choose from a range of student clubs and organizations. The arts scene is also lively, and campus facilities include 12 gallery spaces and 7 professional performance venues. The university has a rich history. The visual arts programs trace their roots back to 1876 when the Philadelphia Museum of Art created an art school. The performing arts programs at the university owe their origin to the efforts of three graduates of Germany's Leipzig Conservatory who opened a music academy in Philadelphia in 1870.

In 1985, these two schools -- the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts and the Philadelphia College of Art — merged to become the comprehensive arts institution that the school is today.

Admissions Data (2016):

Enrollment (2016):

  • Total Enrollment: 1,917 (1,721 undergraduates)
  • Gender Breakdown: 40% Male / 60% Female
  • 98% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

  • Tuition and Fees: $41,464
  • Books: $3,998 (why so much?)
  • Room and Board: $15,120
  • Other Expenses: $2,448
  • Total Cost: $63,030

The University of the Arts Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 100%
  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
    • Grants: 100%
    • Loans: 91%
  • Average Amount of Aid
    • Grants: $21,995
    • Loans: $10,206

Academic Programs:

  • Most Popular Majors: Dance, Film & Video, Graphic Design, Illustration, Music Performance, Photography

Graduation and Retention Rates:

  • First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 83%
  • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 55%
  • 6-Year Graduation Rate: 61%

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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The University of the Arts Mission Statement:

complete mission statement can be found at http://www.uarts.edu/about/core-values-mission

"The University of the Arts is committed to inspiring, educating and preparing innovative artists and creative leaders for the arts of the 21st century.

The University of the Arts is devoted exclusively to education and training in the arts. Within this community of artists, the process of learning engages, refines and articulates all of our creative capabilities. Our institution was among the first to contribute to the formation of an American tradition in arts education. We continue to develop interpreters and innovators who influence our dynamic culture."