Savannah College of Art and Design Tuition 2026: Costs, Fees, Supplies, Aid and Payment Guide
Savannah Art and Design tuition usually means Savannah College of Art and Design, better known as SCAD. The real cost is more than tuition because creative degrees often include art supplies, design software, technology, printing, portfolio materials, housing, meals and travel.
For 2026 planning, SCAD undergraduate tuition is best estimated in the low-to-mid $40,000 range per academic year before fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, technology, transportation, personal expenses and financial aid.
A realistic full SCAD budget can reach the mid-$60,000 to mid-$75,000 range before aid, depending on campus, housing, meal plan, major, materials, equipment, travel and scholarships.
Planning range for undergraduate tuition before fees, housing, meals and aid.
Estimated full cost before aid after housing, meals, supplies and expenses.
SCAD is private, so Georgia residency does not create a public-style discount.
Creative majors can require materials, software, equipment, printing and portfolio costs.
SCAD tuition guide quick navigation
Use this page based on your exact question: tuition, fees, quarter cost, room and board, online cost, art supplies, scholarships, payment or campus differences.
Savannah Art and Design tuition 2026: full SCAD cost breakdown
SCAD tuition is only one part of the student budget. A creative student should also plan for fees, housing, meals, books, studio supplies, software, printing, technology, transportation and personal expenses.
The figures below are practical 2026 planning ranges. Before final publication, verify exact 2026-27 charges on SCAD’s official tuition, fees and financial aid pages.
| Cost item | Planning amount | What it covers | Student/parent note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition | About $42,000–$45,000 per academic year | Full-time undergraduate tuition planning range for SCAD. | Main number for “Savannah Art and Design tuition” and “SCAD tuition” searches. |
| Tuition per quarter | Low-to-mid $14,000 range | Rough full-time quarter tuition planning estimate. | SCAD uses a quarter calendar, so term billing can differ from semester schools. |
| Required fees | Varies by student type and term | Enrollment, student, technology, course, campus or program-related fees where applicable. | Fees can change the bill, so do not compare tuition alone. |
| Housing | About $11,000–$15,000+ | Residence hall or student housing planning range. | Campus, room type and availability can change the cost. |
| Meal plan / food | About $5,500–$8,000+ | Meal plan, dining or food budget. | Meal plan choice affects the total bill. |
| Housing and meals | About $17,000–$23,000+ | Room and board planning range. | This is the key addition for “SCAD tuition with room and board.” |
| Books, art supplies and materials | About $2,000–$5,000+ | Books, sketchbooks, tools, printing, portfolio supplies, project materials and digital resources. | Animation, fashion, film, architecture, design and photography students may need more. |
| Technology and software | Varies | Laptop, tablet, camera, storage, software, hardware, subscriptions or accessories. | Program requirements can make this a major first-year cost. |
| Transportation and travel | About $1,500–$4,000+ | Travel to Savannah or Atlanta, local transportation, flights and family travel. | Out-of-state and international students may spend more. |
| Personal expenses | About $2,000–$4,000+ | Phone, clothing, laundry, personal supplies and daily student needs. | This may not be billed by SCAD, but students still need a budget. |
| Total estimated cost before aid | Mid-$60,000 to mid-$75,000 range | Tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, travel and personal expenses. | This is the better planning number before scholarships and financial aid. |
Popular Savannah Art and Design tuition searches answered clearly
These search variations matter because students often use “Savannah Art and Design,” “SCAD,” “SCAD Savannah,” and “SCAD online” for different cost questions.
Savannah Art and Design tuition
Savannah Art and Design tuition usually means SCAD undergraduate tuition. For 2026 planning, undergraduate tuition is best estimated around the low-to-mid $40,000 range per academic year.
The full cost is higher after fees, housing, meals, art supplies, technology and travel are added.
SCAD tuition fees
Tuition plus required fees can increase the direct academic cost beyond the base tuition range.
Course, technology, enrollment, campus or program fees should be checked on the student account before payment.
SCAD tuition per year
A yearly undergraduate tuition planning range is about $42,000 to $45,000.
A full cost of attendance can reach the mid-$60,000 to mid-$75,000 range before aid.
SCAD tuition per quarter
A rough full-time undergraduate tuition estimate is in the low-to-mid $14,000 range per quarter.
Actual quarterly bills can differ by credits, fees, housing, meal plan and aid.
SCAD tuition with room and board
Housing and meals can add about $17,000 to $23,000 or more per year.
Tuition plus room and board can place direct costs around the upper-$50,000 to upper-$60,000 range before supplies and other expenses.
SCAD in-state tuition
SCAD does not use a public-college in-state tuition model because it is private.
Georgia residents should focus on scholarships, grants, state aid where eligible and final net price.
SCAD out-of-state tuition
SCAD does not charge a separate out-of-state tuition rate in the same way a public university would.
Out-of-state students should budget more carefully for travel, housing, supplies and final aid.
SCAD online tuition
SCADnow online students should check online-specific tuition, fees, technology and course requirements.
Online students may save on housing but still need strong technology, software and materials budgets.
SCAD graduate tuition
Graduate tuition may differ from undergraduate tuition and may depend on credit load, program and campus.
Graduate students should verify the exact rate table for their degree.
SCAD tuition after aid
Tuition after aid can be lower through SCAD scholarships, grants, FAFSA-based aid, outside awards and payment planning.
The final number comes from the official aid offer and student account balance.
SCAD quarter system: why tuition timing feels different
SCAD uses a quarter-based academic calendar, so families who are used to semester billing should pay attention to term timing.
A student’s yearly tuition may be split across multiple quarters, and housing, meals, supplies and aid can post in different ways across the year.
| Question | Practical answer | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Is SCAD semester-based? | SCAD is generally planned around quarters, not a simple two-semester model. | Check the academic calendar and term bill dates. |
| How much is one quarter? | A rough tuition-only estimate can be in the low-to-mid $14,000 range for full-time undergraduates. | Verify credits, fees, housing, meals and aid for the term. |
| Do supplies post each quarter? | Many creative costs happen by course or project, not always as one fixed bill. | Budget for materials throughout the year. |
| Does aid post each quarter? | Aid may post by term and may depend on enrollment and document completion. | Check financial aid status before each payment deadline. |
| Can one quarter cost more? | Yes. Housing changes, course materials, travel and program requirements can make one term higher. | Review each term bill separately. |
Art supplies, software, equipment and portfolio costs at SCAD
SCAD students should budget more carefully for supplies than many traditional college students. A creative major may require project materials, printing, software, cameras, tablets, storage drives, sewing supplies, model materials or portfolio presentation costs.
The exact cost depends on major, course sequence, equipment already owned and whether the student buys new or used materials.
| Cost area | Who may need it | Planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing and studio supplies | Foundation, illustration, fine art, animation, design and studio courses. | Buy required items after reading the course supply list. |
| Software and subscriptions | Design, animation, photography, architecture, film, UX, game and digital media students. | Check whether SCAD provides access or whether personal licenses are needed. |
| Computer, tablet or hardware | Most digital creative programs. | Match device specs to the program, not only price. |
| Camera, lighting or audio gear | Photography, film, advertising, animation and content-focused students. | Ask whether equipment can be borrowed, rented or checked out before buying. |
| Printing and presentation | Graphic design, architecture, illustration, fashion, photography and portfolio courses. | Budget for final projects, boards, prints, mockups and portfolio reviews. |
| Fashion and materials | Fashion, fibers, accessory design, costume and related majors. | Fabric, tools, notions and project materials can vary by assignment. |
| Travel and field work | Courses with shoots, research, exhibitions, events or off-campus work. | Keep a small travel and project buffer each quarter. |
SCAD campus and student-type costs: Savannah, Atlanta, SCADnow online, Lacoste and graduate study
SCAD cost can vary by campus, housing choice, student type and program. A Savannah residential student may have a different budget than an Atlanta commuter, SCADnow online student, graduate student or student studying at Lacoste.
Use the exact SCAD tuition page for the student’s level, location and enrollment type.
| Student type | Why cost may differ | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| SCAD Savannah undergraduate | May include Savannah housing, meal plan, supplies and local living costs. | Use undergraduate tuition plus Savannah housing and meal costs. |
| SCAD Atlanta undergraduate | Housing, commute and lifestyle costs may differ from Savannah. | Check Atlanta-specific housing, commuting and campus costs. |
| SCADnow online student | May avoid campus housing but still needs technology, software and supplies. | Use online tuition and program requirements. |
| Graduate student | Graduate tuition, credits and program requirements may differ. | Check the exact graduate tuition table and degree plan. |
| Lacoste or study-abroad student | Travel, housing, program and international costs may add expenses. | Review program-specific cost details before committing. |
| International student | Visa, travel, health insurance, currency exchange and document costs may apply. | Budget beyond tuition and verify international student guidance. |
SCAD financial aid, scholarships and grants
SCAD tuition can be reduced through institutional scholarships, achievement awards, need-based support, FAFSA-based aid, outside scholarships, transfer credits, veteran benefits and payment planning.
Students should compare the published cost with the final aid offer and actual student account balance before deciding affordability.
| Aid topic | Meaning | What students should do |
|---|---|---|
| SCAD scholarships | Institutional awards may be based on academic achievement, artistic achievement, portfolio or other eligibility rules. | Review admission, scholarship, portfolio and deadline requirements. |
| FAFSA-based aid | Eligible U.S. students may receive federal grants, loans or work-study. | Complete the FAFSA early and respond to verification requests. |
| Outside scholarships | Awards from employers, foundations, nonprofits, arts organizations or community groups. | Apply early and report awards to SCAD if required. |
| Portfolio-related opportunities | Some awards may consider artistic work or creative achievement. | Prepare a polished portfolio and follow SCAD’s official requirements. |
| Transfer credits | Accepted credits may reduce the number of courses needed. | Ask for an official transfer evaluation before final cost planning. |
| Veteran or military benefits | Eligible students may use VA or military-related education benefits. | Coordinate benefit documents and certification timing early. |
| Special circumstances | Family income change, medical expenses or unusual hardship may affect affordability. | Contact financial aid with documentation before borrowing more. |
Common aid documents to prepare
Requirements vary by student type and award. Missing documents can delay aid and make the bill look higher than expected.
Eligible U.S. students can start with the official FAFSA for federal student aid.
Use SCAD Financial Aid and Scholarships for official aid, scholarship and cost guidance.
How to pay SCAD tuition: student bill, payment plan and billing checklist
SCAD tuition is paid through the official student account and student financial services process.
Before paying, students should check tuition, fees, housing, meal plan, supplies, aid credits, scholarships, quarter deadlines and payment options.
Common SCAD payment mistakes
SCAD billing can feel different from semester schools, so check each term separately.
Materials, software, printing and portfolio work can add significant out-of-pocket costs.
SCADnow online students should verify online-specific costs and technology needs.
The balance may change after scholarships, grants or loans appear.
SCAD billing deadlines, quarter timing and refund checks
SCAD students should watch quarter payment deadlines, financial aid posting, housing charges and course changes carefully.
A course change, housing change or missing aid document can affect the student account balance.
| Issue | Why it matters | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter bill | Tuition, fees and aid may be tied to quarter enrollment. | Review every quarter bill separately. |
| Housing or meal plan change | Can change the direct billed cost. | Confirm changes before the payment deadline. |
| Scholarship or aid delay | The bill may look higher than expected. | Check missing documents and award posting early. |
| Course materials | Supplies may not appear fully on the tuition bill. | Set aside money for materials and project costs. |
| Course drop or withdrawal | Can affect tuition, aid, refund and balance owed. | Ask before changing enrollment. |
| Payment plan deadline | Enrollment may close before families expect it. | Check payment options early each term. |
SCAD tuition contacts, official links, address and map
Tuition, financial aid, housing, supplies and student billing can overlap. Use official SCAD sources first before sending payment or making a college decision.
Best for official tuition rates, fees, student cost details, campus costs and payment planning.
Official site: scad.edu/admission/tuition-and-fees
Use for: tuition, fees, term cost and current official cost tables.
Best for scholarships, FAFSA, grants, outside awards, veteran benefits and financial aid requirements.
Official site: scad.edu/admission/financial-aid-and-scholarships
General Savannah address: 342 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31402
SCAD Savannah map
Use this map for SCAD’s Savannah location. If the student attends Atlanta, SCADnow online, Lacoste or another program, verify the correct office and support channel.
Student and parent checklist before paying SCAD tuition
FAQs about Savannah Art and Design tuition 2026
Is Savannah Art and Design the same as SCAD?
Most searches for Savannah Art and Design tuition refer to Savannah College of Art and Design, commonly called SCAD.
How much is SCAD tuition in 2026?
For 2026 planning, SCAD undergraduate tuition is best estimated in the low-to-mid $40,000 range per academic year before fees, housing, meals, supplies and aid.
How much is SCAD tuition per quarter?
A rough full-time undergraduate tuition planning estimate is in the low-to-mid $14,000 range per quarter before fees, housing, meals, supplies and financial aid.
What is SCAD tuition with room and board?
Housing and meals can add about $17,000 to $23,000 or more per year, putting tuition plus room and board around the upper-$50,000 to upper-$60,000 range before supplies and aid.
Does SCAD have in-state tuition?
No. SCAD is private, so it does not use a public-style Georgia resident tuition discount.
Does SCAD charge out-of-state tuition?
SCAD does not use the same in-state/out-of-state tuition split as a public university. Out-of-state students should budget for travel, housing, supplies and net price after aid.
Are art supplies included in SCAD tuition?
Usually no. Students should budget separately for materials, software, equipment, printing, portfolio work, books and technology.
Does SCAD offer scholarships?
Yes. SCAD may offer scholarships and aid based on eligibility, academic or artistic achievement, portfolio factors, financial need and deadlines.
Can financial aid reduce SCAD tuition?
Yes. Eligible students may use SCAD scholarships, grants, FAFSA-based aid, outside scholarships, veteran benefits and payment plans.
Where do students pay SCAD tuition?
Students should use SCAD’s official student account and student financial services process for tuition payments.