QUICK ANSWER
SAIC and Pratt differ less in prestige than in how they organise study and how they fund. SAIC’s BFA in Studio lets students work across media without declaring a major; Pratt admits students into a department. In our record SAIC funded 56 of 81 admits (69%) with an average of $46,775, while Pratt funded 40 of 102 (39%) with an average of $67,638.
So SAIC funds more students, and Pratt gives larger awards to fewer. Families should compare expected net cost, not just the chance of an award.
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Admission and Structure
| SAIC | Pratt | |
|---|---|---|
| Study model | BFA in Studio, no declared major | Department-based majors |
| Portfolio | 10–15 recent works | 10–20 works, including 3–5 observational drawings from the last 18 months |
| Merit timing | Priority merit November 15; final merit January 15 (fall first-year) | International students automatically considered for merit |
| English | TOEFL iBT 82 (previous scale) | See Pratt international requirements |
| AP credit | AP 3–5 including studio; total prior credit up to 15 | AP 4–5 / IB HL 5+, up to 9 credits |
From SAIC and Pratt admissions, scholarship and registrar pages, checked October 2026. Pratt 2026–27 tuition: $64,703.
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Funding in Our Record
| Admits | With an award | Average award | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAIC | 81 | 56 (69%) | $46,775 (56 awards) |
| Pratt | 102 | 40 (39%) | $67,638 (40 awards) |
Royal Blue results record, 2009–2026, confirmed directly with each student.
FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
A student unsure of a major gains time at SAIC; a student set on Communication Design or Industrial Design finds a direct path at Pratt. Submit SAIC by November 15 for merit priority. See Pratt for Korean students and RISD vs SAIC.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does SAIC require a major?
No. SAIC’s BFA in Studio lets students work across media without declaring a major.
Which school funded Royal Blue students more often?
SAIC: 69% of admits, against Pratt’s 39%.
Which gives larger awards?
In our record Pratt’s average award ($67,638) is higher than SAIC’s ($46,775).
When should I apply to SAIC for merit?
By the November 15 priority date for fall entry.
How many works does each school want?
SAIC 10–15 recent works; Pratt 10–20, including 3–5 recent observational drawings.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
Our director has taught Korean students for U.S. art schools for 19 years, from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our results page lists 1,099 acceptances, 2009–2026, each confirmed directly with the student, including 102 at Pratt and 81 at SAIC. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From SAIC and Pratt admissions, scholarship, tuition and registrar pages. 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: Pratt for Korean Students · RISD vs SAIC · SAIC Transfer (Korean) · Pratt Guide (Korean) · Royal Blue Results