University of the Arts Philadelphia, PA 19102-1803 (215) 717-6030 Office of Admission (800) 616-ARTS www.uarts.edu ENROLLMENT   1900     Graduate: 150     COSTS:  Tuition:   $24,630   Room and Board:   $9,272   Fees, books, misc.:  $850  Student -faculty ratio: 12 to 1     Go To Profile Index Page  Go To Top Of Page

University of the Arts   320 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19102-9762 Overview The University of the Arts (UArts) is a creative melting pot – the nation’s only fully accredited university devoted exclusively to education and professional training in the fields of design, visual, media, and performing arts, and in emerging creative arts. Founded in 1876, UArts is a private, nonprofit institution offering both traditional and innovative programs in art and design, dance, theater, filmmaking, jazz, crafts, writing, multimedia, and much more. Its location on the Avenue of the Arts in Philadelphia provides students with a vital urban experience at the crossroads of culture and business. Current enrollment totals 1,900 undergraduate and 150 graduate students, representing 40 states and 30 countries. The student/faculty ratio is 12 to 1. The Community A powerful magnet for artists because of its hip, eclectic style and low cost of living, Philadelphia is one of the last urban places in America where modestly priced apartments and studio space are readily available, where you can still buy your groceries (and Philly cheese steaks!) fresh at the world-famous 9th Street Italian Market and Reading Terminal Market. The city features many world-class museums within a short walk of each other. And it's also ideally situated at the center of the action: By train, New York City is 90 minutes to the north and Washington, D.C. is 2 hours to the south. But Philadelphia is more than that, too. It’s a city of opposites. As a major center of world commerce, the downtown streets buzz with action while its skyline has a contemporary edge. But as one of the oldest settlements in the New World, Philadelphia also features wood-and-brick-framed structures and classical architecture that lend it a distinctly historical flavor. It's home of the palatial Philadelphia Art Museum, the Academy of Fine Arts, and the Academy of Music; but it also features Penn’s Landing, fabled Love Park, crazy South Street, the coolest jazz clubs in any city, and stunning new sports arenas. It offers the hustle of a city, but the "neighborly" feel of a town, with many parks, trees, bike lanes and hiking trails, all snuggled between two scenic rivers. It's a city ripped from the history books -- the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution as well as the gravesite of Benjamin Franklin -- but it's also a regular destination for Hollywood film crews. All this adds up to creative inspiration, 24 x 7. Located on the thriving Avenue of the Arts, UArts is at the epicenter of one of the most stimulating quarters this side of the Left Bank of Paris. For the visual arts student, Philadelphia offers unsurpassed opportunities to encounter firsthand great works of the past and present, both in its many world-class museums and its 75 busy galleries. UArts also sponsors an active program of exhibitions through the Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery that bring the work of internationally recognized designers, artists, filmmakers, photographers, and craftspeople to our major campus galleries throughout the year. The University is one of the most vibrant scenes for professional performing artists in the country. Right down the street are the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra, the city’s leading jazz club, Zanzibar Blue, The Academy of Music, the Wilma Theater, and the new Regional Performing Arts Center, the Kimmel Center. Besides furnishing inspiration, these cultural institutions also provide students with internships, professional connections, and even jobs. For the media and communication student, the city of Philadelphia is a source of inspiration, raw material, and professional opportunities in the arts, in media, and in business. Communication majors shoot video on city streets and report from its neighborhoods. Film and television writers take advantage of a strong internship program with organizations here, in nearby New York, and beyond. Multimedia students often gain experience and make connections with local interactive media developers and the region’s many other businesses that demand their talents. Programs of Study and Degree Requirements GENERAL UNIVERSITY Programs of Study UArts offers 25 undergraduate and 11 graduate programs in the colleges of Art & Design, Performing Arts, and Media and Communication. The curriculum balances intensely focused professional study with a rich and rigorous experience in the Liberal Arts, which accounts for roughly one third of coursework in all undergraduate majors UArts confers BS, BFA, and BM degrees, as well as Master's degrees. Bachelor degree programs are awarded in Crafts (ceramics, fibers, woodworking, metals and jewelry), Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Industrial Design, Photography, Film, Animation, Music (instrumental or voice), Music Composition, Dance, Dance Education, Theater and Musical Theater, Communications, Writing for Film & Television, and Multimedia. Dance, Music, and Illustration are the most popular majors. PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM UArts offers diverse opportunities for younger students to encounter the arts and explore their talents before the college stage. Creative achievement spans a vast spectrum, and nurturing this achievement is the mission of this institution. Through programs such as the Saturday School for High School Students, Summer Institute for High School Students, and Saturday Lab School for K-8th Grade, young people have the opportunity to taste the creative arts in the heart of Philadelphia. The Faculty UArts faculty is an accomplished and active body of artists, performers, and scholars. Of the 101 faculty members, 48% have earned Ph.D.s. Facilities & Resources COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN Facilities consist of woodworking and metal shops, including a foundry; printmaking shops and digital pre-press and output labs; fine arts, crafts, design, and film/animation studios; and state-of-the-art digital imaging labs. UArts has four gas and several electric kilns for work in ceramics, and a forge for sculpture. A large weaving shop offers dozens of looms and a dyeing room. A converted nineteenth century carriage house is now a sky-lit figure-modeling studio. The Borowsky Center for Publication Arts provides a resource to explore creative potential in the offset lithographic printing medium. Nearly every program has its own gallery where exhibitions of work by faculty, students, and alumni are mounted. COLLEGE OF PERFORMING ARTS Venues include a studio theater; a recital hall; the Arts Bank, a state-of-the-art theater and rehearsal hall; the UArts Dance Theater; and our magnificent main stage, the 1600-seat Merriam Theater. COLLEGE OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION Facilities include state-of-the-art digital laboratories and studios in web, video, audio, and multimedia design. HOUSING About 700 students can be accommodated in college housing, which includes coed on-campus apartments. On-campus housing is for the freshman year only and is available on a first-come, guarantee first-served basis. Priority is given to out-of-town students. 79% of students commute. RESOURCES UArts boasts three libraries with extensive specialized collections; 22 computer laboratories; numerous galleries showing works from students, faculty, alumni, and visiting artists. ACTIVITIES There are 20 groups on campus, including band, choir, chorale, chorus, dance, drama, ethnic, film, gay, international, jazz band, musical theater, opera, photography, professional, religious, and student government. Popular campus events include exhibitions and performances. Admission Each college at UArts has special admission criteria related to its course of study. Admission to the University is based on both academic performance and artistic development. The admission committee examines every applicant's academic record for evidence of rigorous, scholarly preparation. In addition, each college at the University has separate requirements for evaluating a candidate's artistic progress. Entrance to the College of Art and Design is based on a visual portfolio presentation. The College of Performing Arts requires students to pass an audition in their specific discipline. The College of Media and Communication asks candidates to present a media or writing portfolio. Because the portfolio and audition requirements are specific to each program, interested applicants should contact the Admission Office for a full explanation of the University's expectations. FINANCIAL AID Financial Aid for Undergraduate Students Grants All grants are awarded on the basis of financial need. Pell Grants This U.S. Department of Education-administered program provides assistance to undergraduates in amounts that have ranged from $400 to $3,750 per year. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) A Federal program administered by the University, these grants are awarded to undergraduates demonstrating the greatest need. Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency Grant (PHEAA) To qualify, undergraduate students must be a Pennsylvania residents for one full year prior to first applying for financial aid. To maintain eligibility, students must be enrolled in and complete a full-time (12 or more credits per semester) degree program. In recent years, grants have been as large as $3,300 annually. Grants are also available to part-time students enrolled for at least six credits. Other State Grant Programs Ask your high school guidance office or your state department of higher education if your state offers grants, and whether those grants can be applied to Pennsylvania. The University of the Arts Grants For undergraduate students, these grants are funded by the University and awarded based on need. Scholarships The University of the Arts Presidential Scholarship The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to a limited number of entering undergraduates based on academic achievement and artistic potential. In 2001, Presidential Scholarships ranged from $3,000 to $8,000 per year. All undergraduate applicants are considered for the Presidential Scholarship. The awards are renewable. Other University Scholarships The University awards more than 50 named, endowed scholarships annually to students, based on criteria such as need, talent, demonstrated ability, grade point average, and major. Private Scholarships Numerous local community and professional organizations offer scholarships to local graduating high school students. Check with your high school guidance office to see if you qualify for any of them. fastWEB is a free web–based search engine with a database of over 400,000 scholarships. Work-Study Programs This Federal program, which provides part-time (up to 20 hours per week) jobs at the University, is open to students who have applied for financial assistance on a funds available basis. Students who do not qualify for federal work-study may be employed under the University's non-federal work-study program. Paychecks are issued every two weeks. Loans You must complete a FAFSA application as well as the loan application in order to qualify. Applications for the following loan programs are available from banks, credit unions, and savings and loan associations. Federal Stafford Loans With these low-interest loans based on financial need, full-time students can borrow up to $2,625 the first year, up to $3,500 the second year, and up to $5,500 for each of the last two years depending upon the number of credits earned. Repayment begins six months after leaving school. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans Full-time independent students may borrow up to $4,000 a year for the first two years, and up to $5,000 for each of the last two years. Offered at a low interest rate, these loans are repaid quarterly while the student is enrolled in school. Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Through these loans, parents may borrow up to the cost of education minus other financial assistance. Repayment begins 60 days after the check is disbursed. Financial Aid for Part-Time Undergraduate Students Part-time undergraduate students may apply for a Federal Pell grant, PHEAA grant, or a Federal Stafford loan by submitting the FAFSA application form. You must register for at least six credits per semester. Assistance is adjusted according to the number of credits taken. Payment Plan For those who prefer to pay tuition and fees on a monthly basis, the University offers the commercially sponsored Tuition Management System Plan, which enables payment in ten installments without interest charges. Academic Support Services Academic Support Services are available to all students as a supplement to their classroom instruction. The services help students develop skills in reading, writing, and other academic and studio areas, including successful classroom strategies and improved study habits. Although students may be referred to the services by their Studio or Liberal Arts instructors, voluntary use of these services is encouraged. Academic Achievement Program (AAP)/ACT 101 The Academic Achievement Program (AAP)/ACT 101 is part of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The purpose of the program is to provide developmental maintenance and transition services to students who need preparation in arts and academics. Students are selected to participate in the program because they are Pennsylvania residents with financial and/or academic needs. Each year a small number of conditional students are admitted to the University under the Academic Achievement Program/Act 101. These students are mandated to attend the Summer Bridge Intensive, tutoring and counseling during the semester and attend a Mid-Semester review to ensure their success the first two years. To further assist these students, the University also awards an AAP Grant to them so they will be less burdened by financial demands and can focus on their education. Learning Specialist The University is committed to supporting students with learning disabilities to ensure that they have an equal opportunity to participate in University programs. The Learning Specialist provides individual support to students with documented learning disabilities and serves as a liaison between students and faculty when needed. Specifically, the Learning Specialist assists students in the areas of writing, study skills, organization, word processing, and advising. To be eligible for support services, a student must submit a copy of a recent psycho-educational evaluation that documents a learning disability and the need for specific accommodation(s). The evaluation should be performed by a licensed psychologist or learning disability specialist. For additional information, please contact: Neila Douglas, U Arts' Learning Skills Specialist (215) 717-6615 ndouglas@uarts.edu For assistance with another type of disability, contact the Dean of Students at 800-616-2787 (ext.6613). How to Apply UArts selects, from among the men and women applying, those best qualified to benefit from its educational opportunities. Excellent candidates include those with strong academic records who express themselves through image making, performance, and creative writing, and who wish to increase their awareness of themselves and their world. Admission requirements are designed to help you make an informed choice regarding goals and aspirations for your future. Admissions Deadlines for Undergraduates UArts has a rolling admission procedure and therefore, has no official application deadline. However, students are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible. Priority deadline for scholarship consideration requires that the application is submitted by March 15 and completed by April 1. Requirements for All Undergraduate Applications Application Checklist Fully Completed Application Form Statement of Purpose (back page of the application form) Application Fee Secondary School Transcript SAT or ACT scores TOEFL scores (applicants whose primary language is not English) SAT II ELPT scores (in lieu of TOEFL scores for non-native speakers of English who have been educated in the U.S.) PAA scores (for Puerto Rican or Latin American students in lieu of SAT or ACT scores) Teacher Recommendation If applicable: Performing Arts Resume Music Repertoire Portfolio/Audition College Transcripts (transfer students) A listing of any courses you are currently enrolled in that may not appear on your transcript (transfer students) A catalog from the college(s) you attended describing course work recorded and credit assignment for studio work (transfer students) Clearly include your name and social security number on each item and submit to: Admission Committee The University of the Arts 320 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19102-9762 UArts is authorized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to grant degrees in the visual, performing, and related arts and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; telephone: 215-662-5606). The Philadelphia College of Art and Design is also accredited by the National Association of the Schools of Art and Design and the Industrial Designers' Society of America. The School of Music is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Statement of Purpose All applicants are required to complete a statement of purpose (see back of application form). The Application Fee schedule is as follows: US citizen/permanent resident: $50 International: $75 Re-application fee: $10 (Students who have previously applied to UArts within the past calendar year.) Secondary School Transcripts Transcripts of your secondary school academic record should be forwarded by your high school guidance office directly to the Office of Admission at The University of the Arts. A minimum GPA of 2.0 or better is recommended. Standardized Test Scores College Board Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT or SAT 1) scores or American College Test (ACT) scores are required of all undergraduate applicants who have not completed a college level English Composition course with a grade of "C" or better. Applicants who have been out of school for 5 or more years are not required to take the SAT or ACT. Students from Puerto Rico or Latin America may substitute the PAA (Prueba de Aptitud Academia) for the SAT or ACT. Applicants whose primary language is other than English are required to submit the results of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Non-native speakers of English who have been educated in the US can submit the SAT II ELPT (English Language Proficiency Test) in lieu of the TOEFL. Test scores should be sent directly to the Office of Admission at The University of the Arts by the testing service. There is no minimum SAT or ACT score. Teacher Recommendation You are required to submit one teacher recommendation. Please ask your teacher to comment on your demonstrated abilities in the arts, your maturity, ambition, determination and seriousness of purpose. The letter of recommendation should be sent directly to: Admission Committee The University of the Arts 320 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19102-9762 Although not a requirement, you are welcome to submit additional recommendations from other teachers, guidance counselors, or employers. Performing Arts Resume All applicants to performing arts majors must submit a resume of their performance experience and training including length of study, dates, and teachers or studios. Music Repertoire All applicants to the School of Music must submit a list of the selections they intend to perform for their audition. Transfer Students If you are a transfer student you must also submit transcripts from all colleges you have attended, as well as a listing of any and all courses in which you are currently enrolled that may not yet appear on the transcripts. To aid in the assessment of your academic background, send a catalog from the college(s) you attended describing the course work When your application form is received by the Admission Office, you will be sent a packet of information from your Admission Counselor. If you haven't received this packet within 10 days after submitting your application, please contact the Admission Office at: 215-717-6030 or toll-free at 1-800-616-ARTS. Final Note: For an admission application form or for Financial Aid information contact the Office of Admission at 1-800-616-ARTS or email us at: admissions@uarts.edu or apply on line at www.uarts.edu/applynow Visit Information Prospective students are encouraged to visit UArts prior to application and/or to making the final decision to attend this institution. In addition to Open Houses scheduled each Fall and Spring, the Office of Admission conducts tours Monday through Friday at 11 am and 1 pm. To schedule a personal tour, please call 800-616-ARTS. For More Information Contact: UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS Philadelphia, PA 19102-1803 (215) 717-6030 Office of Admission (800) 616-ARTS www.uarts.edu Go To Profile Index Page  Go To Top Of Page