The Savannah College of Art and Design is the largest art and design university in the United States, with its historic main campus in Savannah, Georgia. SCAD offers more than 40 degree programs across art, design, and media, with particularly strong film, animation, and interactive design programs that leverage extensive industry partnerships.
Mascot: Bee
Notable Alumni
India.Arie (Grammy-winning singer)•Tomas Kalnoky (Streetlight Manifesto frontman)•Dean Trippe (comic book artist)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Athletics
Campus Experience
SCAD buildings are woven throughout historic Savannah, so the whole city feels like campus — you'll grab coffee in a converted warehouse and work in a restored theater. There's no Greek life and the party scene is mellow, but Savannah's charm, Tybee Beach 30 minutes away, and the sheer diversity of 100+ student organizations make for a richer social experience than most art schools offer.
Spread across Savannah's historic district, SCAD occupies beautifully restored antebellum and Victorian buildings draped in Spanish moss along cobblestone streets. The campus is inseparable from one of America's most photogenic cities.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
SCAD security provides 24/7 coverage, SafeRide transportation, electronically secured dorms, and emergency response across its distributed campus.
Savannah's Historic District is generally safe during the day but crime spikes after dark around bar areas. Students with electronics can be targets; exercise caution at night.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Daily, Monday through Sunday
Duration: ~2 hours (individualized meeting with admission staff + building tours)
Savannah tours include visits to high-design academic buildings spread across the Historic District, plus one-on-one meetings with admission staff. SCAD also offers tours at their Atlanta campus. Contact Savannah admissions at 800.869.7223 or admission@scad.edu.
Book a TourSCAD's 67+ buildings are woven throughout Savannah's Historic District — you can walk the 22 squares and see SCAD-restored buildings at your own pace. SCADstory is a free immersive 4D experience covering SCAD's history across 25 disciplines.
Tour ResourcesOctober through November for mild weather and the SCAD Savannah Film Festival (late October). March through April is also excellent with azaleas in bloom across the squares. Avoid July-August when Savannah heat and humidity are brutal (95°F+). SCAD Days (open house events) offer the most immersive experience.
Street-metered parking throughout the Historic District; several public parking garages near campus buildings. SCAD operates a free bus system connecting campus buildings across Savannah. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is 15 minutes from campus; taxi/rideshare ~$25. Chatham Area Transit (CAT) buses also serve the area.
Location
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