
118-128 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA


Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts holds regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a recognized accrediting body ensuring the institution meets quality standards in higher education. Additionally, the academy's specific art programs are accredited by specialized organizations relevant to fine arts education, further establishing its commitment to academic and professional excellence. This dual layer of accreditation assures prospective students that the institution maintains rigorous standards both institutionally and within its specialized disciplines, which can be important for transfer credits, federal financial aid eligibility, and professional recognition in the art world.
Prospective students seeking admission to Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts must have completed a secondary education or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. A high school academic record is essential, and having a recommended rank within the graduating class can enhance an application. Additionally, applicants are required to demonstrate certain competencies as part of the admission process.
Applicants whose first language is not English need to submit TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency. While some admission test scores and other examinations are recommended, they are not mandatory. Although the Academy does not have an open admission policy and does not accept dual credit or college credits, Advanced Placement (AP) credits are recognized.
The Academy receives a relatively small number of applications, with 192 applicants recorded, which is considered low compared to other institutions. It admits a high percentage of applicants, with an acceptance rate of approximately 88%, placing it in the top 25% for selectivity. Enrollment following admission remains low, with just 18 students enrolled among the accepted applicants, also ranking in the bottom 30% nationally.
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts requires prospective students to submit an application fee as part of the admission process. This fee is intended to cover the administrative costs associated with reviewing applications. Applicants should be prepared to pay this fee when submitting their materials to ensure their application is processed in a timely manner.
For students who may face financial challenges, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts offers fee waivers under certain circumstances. These waivers are designed to make the application process more accessible and alleviate the financial burden for eligible applicants. To qualify for a fee waiver, students typically need to demonstrate financial need or participate in programs that the Academy recognizes as valid grounds for waiving fees.
Interested applicants should consult the Academy's admissions office or official website to understand the criteria and application procedure for obtaining a fee waiver. This step is crucial to ensure that fee waivers are requested and granted appropriately before submitting the application.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts does not offer any Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs on its campus. Prospective students interested in ROTC opportunities must look to nearby institutions that provide these programs, as the academy's primary focus remains on fine arts education rather than military training. As a specialized institution dedicated to the visual arts, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts does not maintain ROTC affiliations or courses for commissioning officers.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts welcomes transfer students and allows credit transfers, facilitating the continuation of their academic progress. Prospective transfer students may apply for admission during the fall and spring terms. Additionally, the institution imposes a minimum age requirement of 10 years for applicants. While certain standardized credit examinations are not addressed, the academy's acceptance of transfer credits indicates some level of flexibility in evaluating previous coursework.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts offers study abroad opportunities designed to enhance artistic development through international exposure. These programs typically involve short-term residencies or semester-long exchanges that allow students to immerse themselves in different cultural and artistic environments. The focus is on experiential learning, often centered around direct engagement with local art communities, workshops, and independent projects abroad.
Students can expect to participate in curated experiences that combine studio practice with cultural research, promoting a broader understanding of global art movements. The programs aim to foster creative growth by encouraging students to incorporate diverse influences into their own work while building professional networks internationally.
While the Academy does not have an extensive range of lengthy study abroad options, its offerings emphasize quality and depth through carefully selected partnerships and faculty-led trips. These experiences are often integrated into the curriculum to complement the traditional studio-based education at the institution.
High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RequiredAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableStudy abroad
NoWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring