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The University of the Arts closed in 6/2024 (U.S. Department of Education IPEDS). The data on this page is historical and kept for reference.

Private nonprofit, 4-year

The University of the Arts

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Acceptance rate

78.2%

2024

Peer median 61.3%

Tuition per year

$54,290

$73,318 with room and board

Peer median $40,478

“Peers” are all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

The University of the Arts (UArts) is a prestigious institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dedicated to the cultivation of creativity and artistic expression. Established in 1987 through the merger of several esteemed art schools, UArts offers a vibrant community for students pursuing degrees in various artistic disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, dance, music, and design. The university is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to collaborate across different fields, fostering innovation and unique artistic perspectives. This emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration is a hallmark of UArts, encouraging students to explore the boundaries of their creativity.

UArts boasts a diverse and dynamic campus culture that thrives on artistic expression and collaboration. It is home to a talented faculty composed of accomplished artists, performers, and scholars who bring a wealth of professional experience and dedication to teaching. This strong mentorship helps students refine their skills and develop their unique artistic voices. Additionally, the university features state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, theaters, galleries, and performance spaces, which provide students with the resources they need to create and showcase their work. The vibrant urban setting of Philadelphia enriches the student experience, offering numerous cultural attractions, galleries, and performance venues that complement the university's commitment to the arts. UArts graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in their respective fields, frequently finding employment in prestigious organizations and creative industries, thanks to the university’s strong industry connections and emphasis on real-world experience.

Analysis of Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention

Over the years, the rising tuition fees at the University of the Arts have become increasingly concerning. From 2014 to 2024, the cost for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has escalated from $36,582 to $54,290, marking an increase of approximately 48.3%. This surge in tuition can act as a significant barrier for prospective students, especially in an era where student debt is already at alarmingly high levels nationwide.

Moreover, the graduation rates are indicative of the challenges faced by students. The timely graduation rate for undergraduate students has dropped from about 58.6% in 2013 to approximately 50.1% in 2023. This decline raises questions about the support systems in place for students and whether they are being adequately prepared to complete their degrees within the traditional timeframe. The 150% graduation rate also reflects this trend, showing only a slight decrease from 64.8% to 57.4% over the same period, suggesting that while some students do eventually graduate, many are taking longer than expected.

The retention rate has shown some fluctuation. After peaking at 86.5% in 2022, it fell to approximately 79.6% in 2023. High retention rates typically correlate with student satisfaction and support, indicating that the university must assess the factors that could be contributing to this drop, particularly in the wake of rising tuition costs.

Additionally, examining the student-to-faculty ratio reveals a slight decrease from 8:1 to 7:1 between 2022 and 2023, which may imply a more personalized education experience. However, the overall decline in student enrollment from 1,909 in 2013 to just 1,170 in 2023 suggests that the university is facing significant challenges in attracting and retaining students.

In conclusion, the combination of rising tuition, declining graduation rates, and fluctuating retention rates presents a multifaceted challenge for the University of the Arts. Addressing these issues will be crucial for improving student outcomes and maintaining the institution's reputation in the competitive landscape of higher education.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
In Philadelphia
Nearest international airport
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), about 6 mi
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
City
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Address
320 South Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102-4901

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 61.3% · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2024

Men
77.4%
Women
76.7%

In 2020: men 78.5%, women 71.5%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at the University of the Arts

The admission statistics at the University of the Arts reveal several noteworthy trends over the years from 2009 to 2023. Initially, the acceptance rates for male and female applicants displayed a fluctuating pattern, with male acceptance rates dropping from approximately 47.3% in 2009 to 82.6% in 2023, and female rates declining from around 43.4% to 79.0%. This indicates a general improvement in the university's selectivity, especially for male candidates in recent years.
The enrollment figures also illustrate a gradual decline, particularly significant in 2021 when only 297 students were admitted, a stark contrast to the higher numbers seen in earlier years. This could reflect broader trends in higher education, where institutions are reassessing their capacities and strategic objectives in light of demographic shifts and evolving industry demands.
Moreover, the number of denied applicants has consistently remained high, peaking at 1,494 in 2009 and only slightly decreasing over time. This persistent denial rate juxtaposes the increasing selectivity of the university, suggesting that while the institution aims to maintain a diverse and talented student body, it is also striving for a quality over quantity approach in its admissions process.
Overall, the University of the Arts is navigating a complex landscape in higher education, balancing the pressures of maintaining high admission standards while ensuring a robust and diverse enrollment. As the institution continues to adapt to these challenges, it will be vital to monitor how these trends evolve in the coming years.

Cost

2024 cost per year

$73,318

Undergraduate tuition
$54,290
Room and board
$19,028
Graduate tuition
$54,290
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $58,844 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

Tuition rose 36% from 2016 to 2024; room and board rose 31%.

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding the University of the Arts:

  1. University of Pennsylvania - Ranked 6th in the 2024 US News rankings, this prestigious Ivy League institution is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. Princeton University - Holding the top rank at 1st in the 2024 US News rankings, Princeton is recognized for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and its beautiful campus.

  3. Swarthmore College - Ranked 4th, Swarthmore is a highly regarded liberal arts college known for its commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility.

  4. Haverford College - With a ranking of 21st, Haverford is noted for its rigorous academics and close-knit community.

  5. Bryn Mawr College - This women's college, ranked 30th, is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and emphasis on leadership and social change.

  6. Drexel University - Ranked 98th, Drexel is known for its cooperative education program that integrates professional experience with academic study.

These institutions offer diverse educational opportunities and enhance the vibrant academic landscape of the area surrounding the University of the Arts.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 1.3 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

Incidents, 2019–2021

Drug referrals
50
Liquor referrals
27
Burglary
12
Rape
8
Residence hall fires
6
Fondling
4

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analyzing Crime Trends at the University of the Arts

The crime data from the University of the Arts over the past decade reveals significant fluctuations in criminal activity on and around the campus. In 2013, the crime rate was relatively low, with 8.47 incidents per 1,000 students. However, this rate saw a concerning rise over the following years, peaking in 2016 at 23.45 per 1,000 students. This surge could be indicative of various factors, including increased enrollment, changes in campus security measures, or broader societal trends impacting crime.

Interestingly, following the peak in 2016, there was a notable decline in crime rates, with figures dropping to 3.14 per 1,000 students by 2021. This sharp decrease could suggest improvements in safety protocols or community engagement initiatives aimed at reducing crime. However, the crime rates fluctuated again in subsequent years, with a slight increase to 12.95 per 1,000 students in 2023.

The data highlights specific crimes such as drug-related arrests, alcohol-related incidents, and domestic violence, which are critical areas for campus safety programs. The university must continue to adapt its strategies in response to these trends, focusing on prevention and education to foster a safer environment for all students.

Overall, while the data shows some positive trends in crime reduction, the fluctuations in rates signal the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to address the underlying issues contributing to campus crime. For more information on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link.

Notable Alumni

All 61

Notable alumni of The University of the Arts include Jared Leto (Actor and musician, Academy Award winner), Joe Dante (Film director known for Gremlins) and Irving Penn (Photographer known for fashion work at Vogue).

See all 61 notable alumni of The University of the Arts →

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.