NEXT STEPS Fall 2025
Activate your ARTIC account
In order to make online deposits, view financial aid, and review billing information, you will need to activate your ARTIC account. This account will also provide you with access to your SAIC email, Self-Service, library databases, Canvas, WiFi and much more. Please note that you will
need your SAIC ID number (included in your admission letter) in order to complete this process. Additionally, you must complete the activation process using a web browser on a computer rather than from your mobile phone or tablet.
To activate your account visit
password.artic.edu
Please click the Activate Account button. Enter the captcha seen and then click verify. On the next page, you will be asked for:
• Your 7-digit SAIC ID number (included on your admission letter)
• Last name
• Your birthdate (two digit day, dash, and all caps three digit month) Example: 18-SEP
After entering this information please follow the instructions for account activation. Your login is automatically assigned, but you will create your own password. Passwords must be alphanumeric and should follow the requirements listed. Please complete all the steps shown on the password.artic.edu site while setting up your ARTIC account.
Once you have activated your account, visit saic.edu/students to access Self-Service and your gmail account. If you have already activated your ARTIC account and need to reset your password, you may also do this by visiting password.artic.edu.
2
Make your enrollment deposit
In order to accept your admission and secure your place in our fall 2025 class, we require that admitted students pay a non-refundable $450 enrollment deposit. The deposit is not an extra fee, and will be applied toward your tuition charges.
You may submit your deposit as soon as you are committed to SAIC, and no later than May 1.
To make your deposit online by ACH (electronic check), wire transfer, or credit card (convenience fee will be charged for credit card):
1| Log on to your SAIC Application Portal at go.saic.edu/apply/status
2| Once you have been admitted to SAIC and you have read your acceptance letter, an Enrollment Deposit and optional Housing Deposit panel will be displayed within your SAIC Application Portal. Click on the “Make It Official!” button to start the process of paying your Enrollment Deposit.
3| If asked, please choose the country where your payment will be coming from in the list provided.
4| Select your preferred payment method, which includes bank transfer and credit card options.
5| Complete the Payer’s Information forms and please make sure to approve the Terms and Conditions.
6| You will be prompted to enter your bank account or credit card information based on the preferred payment method that you chose.
Though online payment is the preferred method for paying your deposit, you may also send a check or money order to: SAIC Undergraduate Admissions, 36 S. Wabash, suite 1201, Chicago, IL 60603. Please include your 7-digit SAIC ID number in the memo line.
A complete list of payment options and instructions can be found at
Apply for financial aid 3
MERIT SCHOLARSHIP:
In order to be eligible for need-based aid such as SAIC, state and federal grants, loans and work study you need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. We encourage you to file your FAFSA early as some types of assistance are limited, and may have early deadlines.
» We encourage you to file the FAFSA even if you aren’t sure you will qualify for financial aid.
» You should complete the 2025–26 FAFSA as soon as possible, which will use your 2023 tax information.
» International students do not file the FAFSA.
In mid-January, SAIC begins awarding financial aid for eligible students who have completed the FAFSA. An official award letter outlining your financial aid will be sent to you once your file has been reviewed and your eligibility has been determined.
You are reviewed for SAIC’s merit-based scholarship (based on a holistic review of your application and not on need) once you have been admitted to SAIC. No additional paperwork or applications are necessar y.
OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS:
We recommend searching sources like fastweb.com or speaking with your high school or college counselor about other local scholarship opportunities. Also consider scholarships offered by any professional, community, or religious organizations of which you are a member. SAIC provides helpful information about outside scholarships and scholarship search engines at the website above including a list of outside scholarships researched by SAIC staff members. Outside scholarships are also listed regularly on the Student Financial Services Facebook and X pages at facebook.com/SAICsfs and x.com/SAIC_SFS.
FIGURE YOUR COSTS BUDGETING WORKSHEET:
Complete this worksheet available in your Financial Aid Award Guide or online at saic.edu/fyc by May 1 to determine if you have enough financial resources to cover your entire annual cost of attendance. You may need to apply for additional credit-based loans such as the Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan or private loans. These loans are only available to credit-worthy borrowers.
LOAN ENTRANCE COUNSELING SESSIONS AND APPLICATIONS:
Online entrance counseling for Federal Direct Stafford loans, and loan applications for Federal Direct Stafford, Federal Direct Parent PLUS, and private loans should be completed by July 1. Please note: the Federal Direct PLUS loan and private loan programs are approved based on good credit and may not be available to some applicants.
Important steps in financing your education:
» If you wish to be considered for financial aid for fall 2025, file the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov
» A financial aid award offer will be sent to admitted students who have a FAFSA on file, on a rolling basis beginning in mid-January.
» Review your finances by completing the 2025–26 Figure Your Costs budgeting worksheet at saic.edu/fyc by May 1.
» Accept or decline your Federal Direct Stafford Loan(s) — Be sure to complete loan steps to accept offered loans as instructed at saic.edu/loansteps by July 1st so that funds are received prior to the start of the fall semester. If you do not want to borrow the federal loans offered to you on your award offer notification, please send an email from your SAIC email to saic.sfs@saic. edu so that we may cancel them on your award letter by July 1st or earlier. Student Financial Services will continue to contact students by email and text if they do not accept or decline.
» Fall 2025 payment in full or payment arrangements are due by August 15.
» Enroll in a semester payment plan by August 1st if you would like to pay any balance not covered by financial aid in 4 monthly installments beginning August 15.
Need help?
Our Student Financial Services Advisors are here at every step in the process to help you finance your education at SAIC. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 312.629.6600, email us at saic.sfs@saic.edu, or access our online Q+A at saic.edu/SFSQandA. Virtual or telephone appointments can be scheduled online at saic.edu/sfs.
HELPFUL FINANCIAL AID TIPS:
If you wish to be considered for financial aid for fall 2025, file the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov
3–5 days after you file your online FAFSA you will be emailed a confirmation from the Department of Education informing you that your FSS or FAFSA Submission Summary (the results of your FAFSA) are available. Review your FSS carefully to ensure that you have supplied the correct data and follow any further instructions.
There may be questions you need to answer based on information you provided on the FAFSA. We will contact you by mail if we need clarification or additional documentation. Please respond as soon as you receive this request to avoid any delay in processing your financial aid. Submit your documents electronically at saic.edu/sfsdocsubmit. You may also view items or actions needed in Self-Service in the “Tasks” section.
If you feel the FAFSA has not accurately represented your financial situation, or there has been a change in family finances — loss of employment, separation, divorce or death, for example — you should contact the Student Financial Services office at 312.629.6600 or saic.sfs@saic.edu to discuss your circumstances with an SFS Advisor. Details at saic.edu/sfsappeals
Secure housing 4
saic.edu/housing
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING:
Living on campus allows you to immerse yourself in a community of fellow artists, live just minutes away from your classes in the heart of downtown Chicago, and enjoy conveniences you won’t find in most student apartments.
Residence Hall Features:
» Large, well-lit common studios
» Computer labs
» In-building/in-unit laundry
» Live-in professional staff
» 24-hour security staff
» Private bathrooms
» In-room wireless internet
» In-room kitchenettes/kitchens
Submit your housing application and pre-payment by May 1 to secure your spot in oncampus housing!
Meal Plan
saic.edu/where-eat/meal-plans
If you plan to live in one of our residence halls you will be required to have a meal plan. You will be able to use your declining dining dollar balance at one of SAIC’s three dining locations.
Our dining facilities offer delicious and nutritious selections, including vegetarian, vegan, and glutenfree options. Utilizing organic, fair trade and local ingredients, as well as promoting sustainability, are important aspects of food service at SAIC.
In addition, our residence hall rooms are equipped with either kitchenettes — including two-burner stoves, a microwave and full-sized refrigerator or full kitchens — for you to prepare meals and snacks.
OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
SAIC is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, easily accessible from many of the city’s historic and diverse neighborhoods. The Residence Life office staff can serve as a resource to you as you seek off-campus housing. Many resources for off-campus living can be found in the “off-campus housing” tab of the housing website. There is neighborhood information, tips for apartment searching, a list of common abbreviations, and a booklet with many helpful resources.
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago has partnered with Places4Students.com, a company that specializes in providing off-campus housing solutions for post-secondary students. Because the free listing database is provided exclusively for SAIC students, faculty, and staff, you will be asked to go through a simple registration process, and your password will be sent to your SAIC email account within seconds.
Access Places4Students, plus other information, at
saic.edu/offcampushousing
Housing application process
Contact Residence Life at 312.629.6870 or reslife@saic.edu
Other services offered by Residence Life include:
» Assistance in finding an SAIC roommate
» Map of Chicago neighborhoods popular with SAIC students
» Tips on managing an apartment search in Chicago
» Resources on leasing and tenant responsibilities
Housing invitations, including next steps, are sent via mail and to your SAIC email address beginning in early February for early action students and after March 1 for non-early action students.
Once you receive your invitation:
1| Log in at saic-housing.artic.edu.
2| Enter your preference for building, room, bed type and lifestyle choices.
3| Sign your Fall 2025 housing contract electronically.
4| Pay your $550 housing deposit online via your applicant portal. You may also send a check or money order to Residence Life, 36 S. Wabash Ave. suite 1209, Chicago, IL 60603. Please include your student ID in the memo line of the check or money order.
5| Once your contract and payment have been received, a housing confirmation email will be sent to YOUR SAIC EMAIL ADDRESS ONLY.
6| Move in sign up will happen in July; Room assignments and roommate contact information will be available in early August. Questions?
Register for classes 5
In order to register for classes, you must submit your $450 enrollment deposit.
To make your deposit see Step 2 .
:
APRIL 1
Schedule your registration appointment
REGISTERING FOR CLASSES:
Schedule a registration appointment
Beginning April 1, visit saic.edu/regappt or contact the Admissions office between 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (CT) at 800.232.7242 or 312.629.6100, to schedule a registration appointment. Registration will begin May 1, and appointments are available on a first-come, firstserved basis with earlier dates reserved for Early Action applicants.
Phone registration
If you schedule a phone appointment, an admission counselor will call you at a phone number you designate to help select your courses. Appointments will last between 30–45 minutes.
Virtual Registration
Virtual registration through Zoom or Google Hangouts can also be arranged. When scheduling your appointment or corresponding with your counselor, please let them know your preferences. Appointments will last between 30–45 minutes.
5 MAY 1 JUNE 15
Pre-register for classes at Artbash, our in-person admitted student event (virtual options also available April 6)
Registration opens Registration appointment deadline (must schedule an appointment by this date)
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING BEFORE YOUR REGISTRATION APPOINTMENT:
AP, CLEP or IB Credit and Scores:
During your registration appointment, please make sure that you inform your counselor that you have AP, CLEP or IB scores that you will be submitting officially to the Admissions office. SAIC awards 3 credits for scores of 3–5 on ANY AP subject test. For IB, SAIC will award 6 credit hours for scores of 4–7 at the higher level (HL) only. SAIC awards a combined maximum of 12 credit hours to first-time freshmen.
Academic Access Program (AAP)
SAIC’s Academic Access Program is an academic enrichment program for freshmen and transfer students designed to strengthen academic skills prior to beginning our rigorous Liberal Arts degree requirements. Information regarding Academic Access Program requirements and placement will be provided to students prior to registering for classes.
English for International Students (EIS) Courses
International students with a TOEFL score below 96, an IELTS band score below 7.0, PTE Academic score below 65, or Duolingo score below 120 must register for EIS courses. International students who are required to take EIS courses may be able to test for placement during orientation.
Transferring Credit
College-level equivalent courses for which a student has received a grade equivalent to “C” or better are eligible for transfer. These include early college courses taken at SAIC or other institutions
Transfer students seeking advanced studio placement within the departments of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects; and Visual Communication Design MUST respectively provide technical and conceptual examples of their work in order to waive prerequisite studio coursework specific to these departments. Please inform your counselor if you are currently enrolled in any courses or plan to enroll in courses this summer at your local college or university. Transfer students may be awarded up to 60 credit hours.
SUBMIT YOUR FINAL TRANSCRIPTS BY August 15
Send us your final, official transcript(s) by August 15. All admission decisions are subject to evaluation of final high school or college transcripts.
Send transcript(s) to:
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Undergraduate Admissions 36 South Wabash, suite 1201 Chicago, IL 60603
OR
Your counselor may upload your final transcripts through the Common Application up until July 15.
OR Your counselor may email them to admiss@saic.edu
6 Payment information
saic.edu/ugpayment
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Student Financial Services is dedicated to helping you through the process of financing your education at SAIC and has provided multiple ways to manage your payments, including payment plans, which will stretch your tuition payments over the course of the semester.
» Electronic bills (eBills) are provided monthly in Transact if you have a balance due or if you have had account activity since the last monthly bill. They can be viewed online by students and Payers if they have been set up in Transact by the student
» Payment in full or payment arrangements of any balance not covered by financial aid is required by August 15 for the fall semester, December 15 for the winter term, January 15 for the spring semester, and May 15 for the summer term in order to avoid late fees and restriction of access on campus.
Questions?
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Check or Money Order (Made Payable in U.S. Currency):
» Mail: SAIC’s Bursar’s Office, 37 S. Wabash, room 245, Chicago, IL 60603
» In-person: SAIC’s Bursar’s Office, Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Wire Transfer, Credit Card, ACH (Automated Check Handling)
» Made online through Transact in Self-Service — All major credit cards are accepted.
» To allow parents/guardians to make payments, set up payment plans, and see eBills, you will need to set up a Payer account for them in Transact.
» A service fee is charged for credit card payments, but not for Wire Transfer or ACH payments.
Tuition and Fee Payment Plan and Auto-Pay
» Four payment semester plan available through Transact in Self-Service for fall and spring semesters
» Three payment semester plan available for summer semesters
» Payment plan enrollment fee — $50 per semester
» Re-enroll in the payment plan and Auto-Pay each semester online through Self-Service
Student Financial Services, 36 S. Wabash Ave., suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60603, 312.629.6600 (phone) 312.629.6601 (fax), saic.sfs@saic.edu (email), saic.edu/sfs (web), saic.edu/SFSQandA (Q+A). Virtual or telephone appointments may be made online at saic.edu/sfs.
:
7 Health insurance and immunization
ACCEPT OR WAIVE HEALTH INSURANCE:
Health insurance coverage is required for all full-time domestic students and is charged automatically to your student account. If you wish to accept SAIC’s coverage you need not do anything further.
You may waive health insurance by doing the following:
1| Complete an online waiver form by the end of the first day of classes at saic.myahpcare. com/waiver; AND
2| Provide proof that your coverage meets SAIC’s minimum standards by uploading a copy of both sides of your insurance card; AND
3| Allow SAIC’s designee to verify your coverage.
Please note: If you are a full-time domestic student and then drop to part-time before the end of the add/drop period, the health insurance charge will automatically be removed from your account and health insurance coverage will not be provided. Health insurance coverage can be reinstated if you request health insurance online at saic. myahpcare.com/enrollment.
IMMUNIZATION RECORDS:
Illinois State law requires proof of general immunization for all college students enrolled for six or more credits per semester.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all students.
All records are due by July 1. Please see saic.edu/health for immunization requirements and record submission instructions.
8 Participate in Orientation and Welcome Week
saic.edu/orientation
New Student Orientation virtual course launches: August 5
Welcome Week: Late August, dates TBA
Orientation and Welcome Week Programming is a perfect way to introduce you to all the amazing things at SAIC and beyond. The following is just a small sampling of the types of things you will be doing:
Meeting with current SAIC students
Attending a Campus Resource Fair
Participating in activities with your Orientation Leader
Meeting with your faculty
In order to have all the information you need to transition into the SAIC community you are required to complete the virtual New Student Orientation course and attend Welcome Week. You will be assigned an orientation leader — a current SAIC student — and will spend your first few days with a small group of your fellow new students, giving you the opportunity to immediately make friends and learn about your peers while you learn about SAIC.
Since students are required to attend this event, RSVPs are not required. An orientation fee will be added to your student account.
Parent and Family Welcome Programming:
We encourage your parents and families to join us for orientation, and we have created special programming for them including:
• Programs designed to highlight the history and future of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and provide a true sense of the community you will be joining.
• The chance to view the Modern Wing galleries in a private event for families.
• A Campus Resource Fair where students, parents and guests can meet staff members from a variety of offices and get all of their last minute questions answered.
• The opportunity to connect with other parents and students and much, much more!
Parents and families are not charged a fee for orientation, though RSVPs are required. Sign up at saic.edu/orientation
Questions?
Contact Campus Life at 312.629.6880 or orientation@saic.edu.
AUG 5 AUG 5
New Student
Orientation Virtual Course Launch: August 5
Parent and Family Orientation Virtual Course Launch: August 5
and
LATE AUG
LATE AUG
9 Laptop, ARTICard, U-Pass & Textbooks
Laptop Requirement: saic.edu/laptop
All incoming undergraduate students, with the exception of second-degree students, are required to own a laptop prior to the first day of classes. Detailed information can be found at saic.edu/laptop
Questions?
For questions regarding software and hardware, contact 312.345.3738, option 1 or laptop@saic.edu.
SAIC ARTICard (ID Card): saic.edu/articard
The ARTICard is SAIC’s mandatory identification card which provides access to facilities, equipment, and library books, as well as providing debit card capabilities on campus and at select off-campus sites. It can be used to make copies, print projects, do laundry, purchase books and supplies, and buy food. There is no membership fee, service charge or minimum balance. The balance carries over from semester to semester, year to year until the account is closed.
ARTICards are available for pick up by appointment from the ARTICard office. In order to avoid long wait times, students are encouraged to send in their photos electronically at least one week before their appointment. Visit saic.edu/articard for more details.
Deposits to your ARTICard can be made by cash at one of the Value Transfer Station machines located on campus, or online with a credit card or electronic check (see instructions for depositing online at saic.edu/articard).
Questions?
Contact ARTICard/ U-Pass office at 312.629.9362 or articard@saic.edu.
Ventra™ U-Pass
The U-Pass entitlement, loaded onto a Ventra U-Pass card, allows eligible students unlimited use of CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) bus and rail transportation each fall, spring, winter, and summer term. Eligible students are those who are registered for six or more credit hours for each fall, spring, and summer term, and three credit hours for the winter term. The Ventra U-Pass card can be used as a full fare card whenever the U-Pass entitlement is not active. The cost of the U-Pass entitlement is $155* per fall and spring semester, a savings of over $150 when compared with regular CTA fares. The winter U-Pass fee is $35* and the summer U-Pass fee is $115*.
The fee is charged to the tuition and fee accounts of all eligible students who choose to opt in each semester. A one-time $5 fee, which covers the cost of the card, will also be charged to each student’s account for the initial issuance of the Ventra U-Pass card. The Ventra U-Pass is distributed during the first week of school and should be kept for subsequent semesters. Incoming transfer students who hold a Ventra U-Pass card from their previous school can contact the ARTICard office to have their card information transferred to SAIC.
Questions?
Contact the ARTICard/U-Pass office at 312.629.9362 or articard@saic.edu.
* Price is subject to change.
Textbooks
The DePaul University/Barnes & Noble College Bookstore, located at the corner of Jackson Blvd. and State St. (1 East Jackson Boulevard), is SAIC’s designated primary provider for textbooks and course packet services. The store provides a space in the textbook area of the lower level for all SAIC class book titles and course packets (all SAIC books and course packets are found under the department “SAIC” and are then organized alphabetically by SAIC department). The store accepts ARTICard for purchases, and also buys and sells used textbooks.
You can access SAIC class book lists at depaul-loop.bncollege.com. From the top tab, choose “Course Materials and Textbooks,” “Find Course Materials,” and then select “DePaul University Loop Campus & SAIC” as your campus. The upcoming term for SAIC will be displayed- enter the requested course information to find materials for your course.
Please note: Many courses may not have books or supplies listed until the beginning of the semester.