Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
PAFA’s test-optional policy means your portfolio can lead, but a strong SAT or ACT score is still worth submitting if it is above the school’s typical range. With tuition at $44,600 and a 58% six-year graduation rate, use testing as one way to show you can handle the academic side of an arts degree.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts facts and stats
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is a small urban institution with 52 undergraduates. PAFA has a 58% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 2:1.
Philadelphia, PA

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Key Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 15
Early Action
June 2
Early Decision
November 15
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because PAFA is test-optional, plan this timeline only if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes; for the November 15 Early Decision deadline, an October retake is typically the last fall sitting likely to arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
PAFA is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students: $44,600. To be considered for need-based aid on time, submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts has an estimated direct cost of $64,562 for tuition, fees, room, and board. Because PAFA is a private not-for-profit institution, students should use the full cost of attendance and their financial aid offer to estimate what they may actually pay. Net cost can vary by financial need, scholarships, and living arrangements.
Student life at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Student activities and organization details coming soon.
Freshman housing: Priority
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Bryn Athyn College of the New Church
Bryn Athyn, PAAcceptance rate: 82.9%
Albright College
Reading, PAAcceptance rate: 76.3%
Allegheny College
Meadville, PAAcceptance rate: 54.5%
SAT: 1165–1355
ACT: 24–30
DeSales University
Center Valley, PAAcceptance rate: 77.1%
SAT: 1100–1240
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