See a tuition comparison to other private art institutions
Yearly Tuition Comparison
$45,466 California College of the Arts
$45,646 California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
$36,450 Kansas City Art Institute
$45,400 Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
$32,130 Oregon College of Art and Craft (OCAC)
$48,154 Pratt Institute
$47,110 Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
$43,040 Ringling College of Art and Design
$35,690 Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD)
$45,750 School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
$20,460 Southwest School of Art (SSA)
*Based on Published in-district tuition and fees 2016-17
Studio Materials
Studio fees are included in the tuition amount. Materials are the responsibility of the student and are not included as part of tuition, fees, or scholarships.
Understanding Financial Aid
The key to understanding financial aid is to be familiar with the different types of financial aid;
- Grants - financial aid that does not need to be repaid. Grants are often awarded based on financial need
- Scholarships - usually awarded based on merit and do not have to be repaid
- Employment programs - such as work-study allow students to gain job experience and earn money while in school
- Loans - must be repaid, possibly with interest (not available directly from SSA)
- Federal/state aid (currently not available to SSA students)
Southwest School of Art currently offers opportunities for students to apply for scholarships and work-study/employment programs.
For more information on financial aid and college readiness, visit College for all Texans.
Financial Support
Scholarships – Through the generosity of our many donors, SSA has historically been able to award scholarship support to a large percentage of our BFA students and we encourage all applicants to apply. The Admission Review Committee reviews all scholarship applications and awards scholarships based on merit and need. Scholarship applications may be submitted online, along with the admissions application. Scholarship applicants are required to submit a short essay detailing the reasons that they should be considered for a scholarship award, along with a copy of their (or their family's) most recent tax returns or a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
How to Apply for Financial Assistance
Each scholarship applicant should submit a short essay outlining the reasons that he/she should be considered. Included with the essay should be a copy of the applicant's most recent tax returns or a FAFSA (or that of their family).
Recommendations for scholarships are made by the Admission Review Committee and are based on need and merit. Students should prepare their application materials with care, paying special attention to accuracy, grammar, as well as the formatting and labeling of digital images.
Scholarships From Other Sources
Students in our BFA degree program may use scholarship funds received from outside sources to help defray their SSA tuition costs. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to research a variety of scholarship opportunities and to apply as they deem appropriate. There are many websites with free information on scholarships but to avoid a scam, students seeking these awards from outside groups or organizations should remember never to pay for scholarship information. Southwest School of Art is not part of the selection process for any outside scholarship awards and cannot guarantee that prospective students will receive financial assistance from any outside source. A list of San Antonio Area Foundation scholarships can be found HERE.
Payment Plan
Because we understand that for some students, meeting the financial obligations of their education may require payment flexibility, SSA offers a tuition payment plan. Details and payment information can be found HERE.
Federal Financial Assistance
Southwest School of Art is not currently able to offer Federal financial assistance. We encourage students who require financial assistance to apply for scholarship assistance, as described above.