On behalf of the entire International Student Affairs staff, welcome to the SAIC community. Our goal is to be an active part of your SAIC experience and to support you throughout your time in Chicago. Please take the time to read our information carefully, and feel free to email us with any questions as you make your plans to travel to the U.S.
MEET OUR TEAM:
Jessica Wolfe Director of International Affairs
saic.edu/international
Alicia Ortiz Associate Director Study Abroad and International Student Affairs
intaff@saic.edu
International Student Advisor
Miller International Student Advisor & SEVIS Analyst
MANDATORY INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CANVAS CLASS
* Schedules are subject to change
SUMMER EIS STUDENTS July, 2025
FALL UNDERGRAD (First Year and Transfer) August, 2025
All international students attending SAIC on F-1/J-1 visas are required to complete a mandatory canvas class and attend an in-person event during Welcome Week as part of your federally required check-in with our office. During this event we will complete your required check-in and provide you an opportunity to hear about services at SAIC and to learn how to maintain your F-1/J-1 visa status. If you are not able to attend the scheduled check-in event, please email our office for information about a make-up session.
OUR TEAM WILL:
ADVISE you regarding your student visa status
UPDATE you on cultural programming and social activities
CONNECT you with the many services SAIC provides for students
SUPPORT you in making plans when the time comes to complete your studies
Learn more by visiting SAIC International
Sachiko Larrimore
Melody
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 at least 6 characters. 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.
STEP 2
Student visa and financial matters worksheet
AFTER BEING ADMITTED
You should start preparing to apply for an F-1 student visa. In order for SAIC to issue a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 form) for you to apply for an F-1 student visa, you are required by the Department of State (DOS) to submit evidence of adequate and sufficient funding to meet the estimated tuition and living expenses as outlined in the Undergraduate Student Budget table. You will receive an invitation to create your profile in Terra Dotta in the spring after you submit your enrollment deposit.
FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW
1| Refer to the 2024-25 Undergraduate Student Budget table on the last page of Step 2 to identify your program and the corresponding total annual expense estimate. Add any required funding for additional programs/requests (e.g. dependents).
Enter your total expense estimate $
2| Complete and upload the Statement of Financial Support Request and I-20 requests via Terra Dotta (global.saic.edu). If you have more than one sponsor, use a separate request for each one.
Self Sponsored Name of any sponsor/s
3| Upload a bank statement that shows an account balance issued within the past six months. Please write your full name on any bank statements belonging to a sponsor.
THE BANK ACCOUNT MUST:
• Be in the name of you and/or your sponsor
• Show the type of currency clearly
• Be issued in English or have an accompanying translation
Declarations of assets/property, tax filings, or statements of estimated earnings from employers cannot be accepted. SAIC is not responsible if the amount of funding shown to be available by students or sponsor/s on the Statement of Financial Support Request becomes unavailable after the date on the document.
4| Upload a photocopy of your passport biographical page showing your name/personal information.
5| Complete your International Affairs Declaration of Intent in Terra Dotta.
6| Submit your complete I-20 application packet to International Affairs via Terra Dotta (global.saic.edu). You will be given access to this portal once you have submitted your enrollment deposit. Do NOT email any of the requested documents to International Affairs.
Student visa and financial matters worksheet (continued) 2
FOR STUDENTS TRANSFERRING AN I-20 FROM ANOTHER U.S. INSTITUTION
If you have attended school in the U.S. and currently hold a valid I-20, you need to follow these additional steps to transfer your I-20 to SAIC.
1| When you complete your Declaration of Intent in Terra Dotta, please select “I am currently attending/have recently attended a U.S. institution and will transfer my SEVIS Record.”
2| Click the Transfer In button in Terra Dotta to open the Transfer Release Form. Confirm with your current international student advisor the SEVIS Transfer Release Date and their email and enter the information.
3| If you are traveling outside the U.S. before beginning your studies at SAIC, please:
» Enter your travel information in the Transfer Release Form in Terra Dotta.
» Check the expiration date of your F-1 visa; students with an expired visa will need to apply for a renewal while outside the U.S.
» DO NOT use the I-20 from your previous school to re-enter the U.S.; you MUST use your SAIC I-20 when re-entering.
STUDENTS WITH IMMIGRATION STATUS OTHER THAN F-1
If you entered the U.S. on a visa type other than F-1, or if you are a U.S. permanent resident, please submit a copy of the current visa page from your passport with your I-94 (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94), or a copy of your Alien Registration Card (front and back) as verification of your current status to International Affairs.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT BUDGET
UNDERGRAD
2024-25 FALL/SPRING 30 CR/ANNUAL TUITION $ 55,440
HOUSING AND FOOD EXPENSES * $ 18,600 PERSONAL EXPENSES
$ 2,840 TRANSPORTATION $ 1,710
Tuition
16,918
SUMMER EIS
Students beginning their undergrad degrees with the optional Summer English for International Students program must show additional funding to account for the tuition and living expenses associated with this program. For more info see saic.edu/eis.
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING COSTS
2024–25 on-campus housing in SAIC Residence Hall (double occupancy room rate at U.S. $14,750, plus meals/food budget of $3,850) is estimated in total at U.S. $18,600.
DEPENDENTS
* Residence Halls Double Room Rate
**Note that these costs reflect expenses for the 2024–25 academic year; tuition and expense estimates are subject to yearly increases.
Tuition per credit hour in Fall/Spring 2024–25: undergrad $1,848.
Students who will be accompanied by a spouse and/ or a child/children must complete the dependent supplement at the time they submit their Statement of Financial Support in Terra Dotta and provide photocopies of each dependent’s passport. Evidence of additional funding in the amount of U.S. $6,300 (spouse only), $5,300 (1 child only), $11,600 (spouse + 1 child), or $16,900 (spouse + 2 children) is required.
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM SUMMER INSTITUTE
ECPSI student costs (tuition, housing, meals) for Summer 2025 are budgeted at U.S. $9,912 for the fourweek session, U.S. $4,956 for the two-week session, and U.S. $2,478 for the one-week session. Scholarships may be awarded based on merit. See the ECP website for details about the program at saic.edu/ecpsi
Secure housing 3
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
HOUSING APPLICATION PROCESS
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. 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.
The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required; however, we strongly encourage every member of our community to stay up to date on their vaccinations. If changing conditions in Chicago or on campus necessitate it, the vaccine requirement will be reinstated.
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 gluten-free 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
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
Make your enrollment deposit 4
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 by May 1. 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.
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 saic.edu/payment
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 firstcome, first-served 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.
STEP 4
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
5 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
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
» Four payment semester plan available for fall and spring semesters
» Three payment semester plan available for summer semesters
» Payment plan enrollment fee — $50 per semester
» Enroll online through Self-Service
Student Financial Services, 36 S. Wabash Ave., suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60603, saic.sfs@saic.edu, saic.edu/sfs (web), saic.edu/SFSQandA (Q+A).
6 Health insurance and immunization
saic.edu/health
ACCEPT OR WAIVE HEALTH INSURANCE:
Health insurance coverage is required for all international students and is charged automatically to your student account.
If you wish to accept SAIC’s coverage you need not do anything further.
If you have comparable health insurance and would like to request a waiver of SAIC’s health insurance, you may do so 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.
Questions? SAIC_Studentinsurance@saic.edu
IMMUNIZATION RECORDS:
Illinois State law requires proof of general immunization for all college students enrolled for six or more credits per semester.
The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required; however, we strongly encourage every member of our community to stay up to date on their vaccinations. If changing conditions in Chicago or on campus necessitate it, the vaccine requirement will be reinstated.
Please see saic.edu/health for immunization requirements and record submission instructions. All records are due by July 1.
Questions?
Contact the SAIC Health Services Office at 312.499.4288 or healthservices@saic.edu.
7 Participate in Orientation and Welcome Week
saic.edu/orientation
Welcome
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:
Mandatory F-1 Status: 101 Workshop
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
Parent and Family Welcome Progamming:
Parents and families will also have an opportunity to engage in virtual Orientation and Welcome Week programming, 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.
Welcome Week:
» 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. Sign up at saic.edu/orientation
Questions? Contact Campus Life at orientation@saic.edu.
8 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.
