About University of the Arts
This specialized arts powerhouse trains creative professionals across theater, music, dance, visual arts, and media arts in the heart of Philadelphia's active cultural scene. With just 1,064 students, everyone knows your name and your artistic vision. The intimate 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors become mentors who push your creative boundaries. UArts admits 80% of applicants, but the real test comes in developing your craft alongside serious artists.
The financial reality hits hard at this private arts college. Students pay an average of $44,154 after aid, but graduates earn a median of just $38,252 ten years later. Most students borrow money, graduating with $27,000 in debt and monthly payments around $286. The math doesn't add up easily for artists entering notoriously low-paying creative fields. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the economic diversity among aspiring artists.
The student body tilts heavily female at 66%, and Philadelphia's creative community becomes your extended campus. About 67% graduate in four years, which is solid for an arts school where students often take gap years for internships or early career opportunities. The 91% employment rate suggests graduates find work, even if the paychecks start small.
The financial reality hits hard at this private arts college. Students pay an average of $44,154 after aid, but graduates earn a median of just $38,252 ten years later. Most students borrow money, graduating with $27,000 in debt and monthly payments around $286. The math doesn't add up easily for artists entering notoriously low-paying creative fields. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the economic diversity among aspiring artists.
The student body tilts heavily female at 66%, and Philadelphia's creative community becomes your extended campus. About 67% graduate in four years, which is solid for an arts school where students often take gap years for internships or early career opportunities. The 91% employment rate suggests graduates find work, even if the paychecks start small.
Academics & Faculty
The University of the Arts specializes entirely in creative disciplines, offering focused training in theater, music, dance, visual arts, and media arts. Students work closely with faculty in an intimate 7:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized mentorship and hands-on instruction. The school's 67.6% four-year graduation rate reflects the intensive, studio-based nature of arts education where students often extend their studies to perfect their craft. Philadelphia's active arts scene provides real-world opportunities through internships and performances at venues like the Kimmel Center and Philadelphia Orchestra. The specialized curriculum means no traditional academic requirements, allowing students to immerse themselves fully in their artistic discipline from day one.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 25.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 67.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.2%
- Retention Rate
- 80.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,252
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $50,677 |
| Museology/Museum Studies. | Master | $36,848 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $36,726 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $22,329 |
| Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry. | Bachelor | $21,964 |
| Dance. | Bachelor | $21,613 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $21,052 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $19,358 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $18,771 |
Campus Life
The University of the Arts sits in Center City Philadelphia, where students walk between historic buildings and modern performance spaces. With housing for only 516 students and total enrollment of 1,064, about half the student body lives on campus in converted downtown buildings. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your work intimately, critiquing your paintings in small studios or directing you in intimate black box theaters.
Philadelphia's arts scene becomes your extended classroom. Students frequent galleries on First Friday, catch shows at the Kimmel Center, and perform at venues throughout the city. Winter coats are essential for navigating between buildings during February rehearsals and March gallery openings. The campus spreads across several city blocks rather than a traditional quad, so you'll walk urban streets between classes. Women make up 65.51% of the student body, creating a community where creative collaboration often centers around female perspectives. Weekend life revolves around student showcases, visiting artist workshops, and exploring Philadelphia's neighborhoods, from South Street's vintage shops to Northern Liberties' music venues.
Philadelphia's arts scene becomes your extended classroom. Students frequent galleries on First Friday, catch shows at the Kimmel Center, and perform at venues throughout the city. Winter coats are essential for navigating between buildings during February rehearsals and March gallery openings. The campus spreads across several city blocks rather than a traditional quad, so you'll walk urban streets between classes. Women make up 65.51% of the student body, creating a community where creative collaboration often centers around female perspectives. Weekend life revolves around student showcases, visiting artist workshops, and exploring Philadelphia's neighborhoods, from South Street's vintage shops to Northern Liberties' music venues.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 516 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–41°F
- July Avg
- 71°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.1"
Student Demographics
The University of the Arts draws students nationally, with nearly two-thirds coming from outside Pennsylvania. Women make up about two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the gender composition typical of arts programs like theater and dance. The school serves a economically diverse population with one-third receiving Pell Grants for low-income students. Students of color represent nearly 40% of enrollment, creating a multicultural creative environment. This demographic mix reflects UArts' mission as an accessible arts conservatory that attracts dedicated artists from varied backgrounds seeking intensive training in Philadelphia's active cultural scene.
- Men
- 34.5%
- Women
- 65.5%
- White
- 51.8%
- Black
- 19.5%
- Hispanic
- 15.4%
- Asian
- 4.3%
- In-State Students
- 37.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.4%
Location
The University of the Arts sits in Center City Philadelphia, the nation's fifth-largest city with over 1.5 million residents. Philadelphia pulses with creative energy, from strong museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art to a thriving indie music scene. The school occupies multiple buildings along the Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia's cultural corridor lined with theaters, concert halls, and galleries. Students walk to internships at major cultural institutions and catch shows steps from campus. The city's affordable neighborhoods and robust public transit system make it accessible for art students on tight budgets. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare University of the Arts with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102-4901
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,252
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $34,273
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of the Arts?
University of the Arts accepts 80% of applicants, making it relatively accessible for aspiring artists. The school attracts students passionate about theater, music, dance, visual arts, and media arts who want intensive creative training in Philadelphia's active arts scene.
How much does University of the Arts cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of the Arts is $44,154 annually, despite a sticker price of $54,290 in tuition. About 25% of students receive institutional grants averaging $25,460, helping offset costs at this specialized arts college.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of the Arts?
University of the Arts maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,064 enrolled students. This intimate setting allows for personalized mentorship from working artists and industry professionals across all creative disciplines.
What do University of the Arts graduates earn after graduation?
University of the Arts graduates earn a median of $38,252 ten years after graduation, reflecting the financial realities of creative careers. The school boasts a 91% employment rate, with many alumni working as professional artists, performers, and media creators.
Where do University of the Arts students live on campus?
University of the Arts houses 516 students in residence halls within Philadelphia's bustling arts district. The campus setting puts students in the heart of a major city known for its theater scene, museums, and creative opportunities.
Is University of the Arts diverse in its student body?
University of the Arts enrolls 65% women and draws significant diversity with 19% Black students and 15% Hispanic students. About 37% of students come from Pennsylvania, while the rest arrive from across the country to pursue specialized arts training.
