Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: 91.3% Acceptance Rate

91.3%Acceptance

$44,600Tuition

99Students

68%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$29,881Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

America's oldest art museum and school continues shaping artists after more than two centuries of operation. Founded in 1805, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts maintains its reputation as the nation's top fine arts institution with just 99 students creating an intimate learning environment in Philadelphia. The school launched careers for impressionist Mary Cassatt and realist Thomas Eakins. Students work in the same building where generations of American masters developed their craft. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship from practicing artists.

The financial reality requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $45,022 annually for an education that leads to median earnings of $29,881 ten years after graduation. Graduates typically leave with $22,309 in debt and monthly loan payments of $237. The modest starting salaries reflect the challenging economics of fine arts careers. Only 32% of students receive financial aid, making PAFA accessible primarily to families who can afford the full cost.

Women comprise 68% of the student body, reflecting broader trends in fine arts education. The 67% six-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to complete their artistic development. Philadelphia's active arts scene provides galleries, museums, and networking opportunities that extend learning beyond campus walls.

Academics & Faculty

PAFA is america's first art school and museum, founded in 1805 to train professional fine artists. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship in studio practice across painting, printmaking, sculpture, and drawing. With just 99 enrolled students, classes operate more like artist apprenticeships than traditional lectures. The school's 67.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of developing a professional art practice. Students learn alongside faculty who are practicing artists themselves, many exhibiting in PAFA's museum galleries. The curriculum emphasizes classical techniques while encouraging contemporary expression, preparing graduates for careers as exhibiting artists rather than commercial designers.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Full-Time Faculty: 52.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 58.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 67.6%
Retention Rate: 83.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $29,881

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Fine and Studio Arts.	Master	$22,764
Fine and Studio Arts.	Bachelor	$19,749

View all 7 programs →

Campus Life

PAFA sits in the heart of Center City Philadelphia with just 99 total students, creating an intimate artistic community where everyone knows each other. The student body is 68% women, reflecting the school's long history of welcoming female artists since the 1800s. With only 27 on-campus housing spots available, most students live in nearby apartments or shared studios throughout the city.

Philadelphia winters require a good coat and boots for trudging between studios and galleries. Students spend weekends exploring the city's active arts scene, from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to indie galleries in Fishtown. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio means professors often become mentors who invite students to openings and artist talks. Studio culture dominates daily life, with many students working late into the night on paintings, sculptures, or installations. The school's historic building houses both classrooms and one of America's oldest art museums, so students literally walk through centuries of American art between classes. Coffee shops and food trucks along Broad Street fuel long studio sessions.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 27 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1805

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	0	1
Arson	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	1
Robbery	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–41°F
July Avg: 71°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.7"
Annual Snowfall: 16.1"

Student Demographics

This tiny art school draws serious fine arts students from across the country, with 58% coming from out of state. Women make up two-thirds of the 99 students, reflecting the school's focus on studio arts and art history. The diverse student body includes significant Black representation at 15%. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the school attracts talented artists regardless of economic background. Students choose PAFA for its legacy as America's first art institution and its intensive studio-based approach to classical and contemporary fine arts training.

Men: 32.3%
Women: 67.7%
White: 57.6%
Black: 15.2%
Hispanic: 5.1%
Asian: 5.1%
In-State Students: 42.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.5%

Location

PAFA sits in center city Philadelphia, the nation's fifth-largest city with 1.6 million residents. The campus occupies historic buildings near Rittenhouse Square and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Students live and work in one of America's great cultural centers, home to strong museums, theaters, and music venues. The city's extensive public transit system connects students to galleries, studios, and internship opportunities throughout the metropolitan area. Philadelphia's thriving arts scene includes over 3,000 murals and hundreds of galleries. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio means personalized attention in this urban creative environment. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare PAFA with similar schools in the region.

Address: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102-1510

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $29,881
Median Earnings (5 years): $23,933
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $21,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 55.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $237/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,309

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts?

PAFA admits 91% of applicants, making it highly accessible for aspiring artists. As America's first art museum and school founded in 1805, the institution focuses on nurturing artistic talent rather than exclusivity.

How much does Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $45,022 annually, with total attendance costs reaching $65,030. Only 32% of students receive financial aid, and graduates typically leave with $22,309 in debt.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts?

PAFA maintains a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio with just 99 total students. This intimate setting allows for intensive mentorship in studio practices and follows the school's tradition of personalized fine arts instruction.

How much do Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts graduates earn?

Alumni earn a median of $29,881 ten years after graduation, with 75% finding employment. The school has produced well-known artists like Mary Cassatt and Thomas Eakins, though fine arts careers often prioritize creative fulfillment over high salaries.

Where do Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts students live?

The school houses only 27 students on campus, serving a student body that is 68% women. Most students live off-campus in Philadelphia's active arts district, with 42% coming from Pennsylvania.

Does Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts have a museum component?

PAFA operates both as an accredited art school and an active museum with contemporary exhibitions. The institution maintains a 67% six-year graduation rate while students learn alongside works from its historic collection spanning over two centuries.