QUICK ANSWER
Both schools teach illustration in New York, but they build an illustrator in different orders. SVA starts with drawing and painting in the first year and moves through a menu of digital and traditional techniques to a senior thesis judged by industry figures. Parsons starts with its shared first year, then runs illustration cores that move from 2D to time-based (4D) to 3D work before the thesis.
Choose SVA if you want a picture-making discipline from day one. Choose Parsons if you want illustration taught as a wider practice that includes motion and objects.
UPDATE · SVA FINANCES
SVA has reported a structural deficit of about $22 million and course cancellations in 2026. No closure has been announced. Ask the Illustration department which courses are confirmed.
PICTURE MAKERS · 1
How the Four Years Compare
| SVA · BFA Illustration | Parsons · BFA Illustration | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Drawing I–II, Painting I–II, Sculpture or Narrative Printmaking, visual computing, art history, writing | Shared Parsons first year: Integrative Studio and Seminar, Drawing/Imaging, Space/Materiality, Time, Sustainable Systems |
| Year 2 | Principles or Painting/Illustration sequence; one digital and one non-digital technique course | Core Studio and Seminar 2D (fall) and 4D (spring); Language & Letterform |
| Year 3 | Pictorial Projects, Professional Practice, Elements of Storytelling | Core Studio and Seminar 3D; Topics Studio; Advanced Research Seminar |
| Year 4 | Senior Thesis I–II; Professional Practice; Senior Lecture Symposium; 10 finished works; industry judges select the thesis show | Thesis 1–2 (6 credits each); Professional Practices |
| Credits | 120: 72 studio, 15 art history, 30 humanities and sciences, 3 elective | 120, 15 per semester |
From SVA’s BFA Illustration and Parsons’ BFA Illustration curriculum pages, checked October 2026.
SVA also offers juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.25 or higher an internship for credit: 150 hours a semester with a weekly online course. Parsons includes Studio/Business electives in every year, which students can use for professional or cross-disciplinary courses.
PICTURE MAKERS · 2
Cost and Funding
| SVA | Parsons | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, 2026–27 | $55,270 | $62,348 |
| Royal Blue admits | 140 | 63 |
| Admits with an award | 41 (29%) | 38 (60%) |
| Average award | $58,944 (n=41) | $53,116 (n=38) |
Tuition from SVA and The New School (2026–27). Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026), all majors combined; awards are not admission rates.
FOR KOREAN ILLUSTRATORS
SVA’s portfolio needs 15–20 images with at least 3 from observation; Parsons asks for 8–12 pieces and two essays, with no requirement for pure observational work. A student applying to both should build sequential or narrative projects that work in either context. See also Parsons vs SVA for design and Parsons vs SVA for photography.
PICTURE MAKERS · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SVA Illustration start with drawing and painting?
Yes. The first year includes Drawing I–II and Painting I–II alongside a printmaking or sculpture course and visual computing.
What is the Parsons Illustration core sequence?
After the shared first year: 2D and 4D cores in the second year, a 3D core in the third, then Thesis 1 and 2.
How is SVA’s senior show chosen?
Seniors complete 10 finished works, and a panel of industry judges selects works for the Senior Thesis Show.
Can SVA Illustration students intern for credit?
Yes, juniors and seniors with a GPA of 3.25 or higher can earn 3 credits for 150 hours a semester.
Which is cheaper?
SVA’s 2026–27 tuition is $55,270 a year and Parsons’ is $62,348, before fees, housing and scholarships.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students, including 140 at SVA and 63 at Parsons. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
Curricula from SVA’s BFA Illustration and Parsons’ BFA Illustration pages; tuition from SVA and The New School (2026–27). Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026). Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Parsons vs SVA for Design · Parsons vs SVA for Photography · SVA vs Pratt for Fine Art · Parsons Portfolio Guide · Royal Blue Results