FAQs
Student Life
Q: Does the university offer student housing?
A: Yes, we have four traditional residence halls and four apartment complexes.
Q: Does the university have co-ed residence halls?
A: Residence halls are co-ed, but floors are generally gender-specific.
Q: What are the residence hall policies?
A: All policies are listed in the Student Handbook.
Q: Can I live in the university apartments or in other off-campus housing?
A: Apartments and apartment programming are for juniors and seniors. Freshmen and sophomores must live on campus. Exceptions and the appeal process are outlined in the Student Handbook.
Q: When can new students move in?
A: Four days before the start of the semester.
Q: Does the university offer meal plans?
A: We have four meal plans for residence halls, as well as "flex dollar" options. Students living in residence halls must choose one of the four plans. Students living in apartment complexes have additional plan options, or may opt for no plan. Meal plans run by the week; they do not roll over to following weeks. Students may add flex dollars to their accounts to use during the semester for snacks.
Q: When is the cafeteria open?
| A: |
Breakfast |
8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. |
| |
Lunch |
11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| |
Dinner |
5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
| |
Brunch (Sat./Sun.) |
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
Q: What kind of extracurricular activities are available?
A: Santa Fe University of Art and Design holds concerts, open-mike nights, lectures, movie screenings, and many other free events for students. There are also organized trips for skiing, hiking, etc.
Q: Does the university offer any recreational sports activities?
A: We offer fitness center activities and intramural programs based on student interests and input.
Q: What clubs or organizations can I join?
A: We host a variety of student organizations. A few examples: Channel 53 (our on-campus TV station), the Underwear Society (an improv troupe), and the Photography Society.
Q: Do I need my own computer?
A: No. You can use computer labs on campus. Many students choose to bring their own computers.
Q: Can I have a car on campus? Are other transportation options available?
A: Yes, you are welcome to have a car and ample parking is available on campus. City buses also stop near the college entrance.
Q: How close is the campus to grocery stores, movie theatres, and malls?
A: Two grocery stores are located right next to the campus. Local grocers, Trader Joe's, Sunflower Market, Whole Foods, a mall, and a theatre are less than three miles away and can easily be reached by public transportation.
On campus, the university's premier cinematheque, The Screen, showcases some of the world's finest art and independent cinema.
Q: What can I do in Santa Fe?
A: Santa Fe and the surrounding area offer a wide range of cultural activities, performances, festivals, galleries, museums, and more. You can ski in Taos, visit Madrid, and soak in the Jemez hot springs, among many other options. For more information on activities and places of interest, visit www.santafe.org.
Q: Where can my parents and other guests stay when they visit?
A: Local accommodations abound. Some options are listed below. (Please note: The following are provided as a service; this listing does not represent an endorsement by Santa Fe University of Art and Design.)
| Hotels |
| Residence Inn, 1698 Galisteo St. |
1-505-988-7300
1-800-331-3131 |
www.marriott.com |
| The Santa Fe Suites, 3007 S. St. Francis Dr. |
1-505-989-3600 |
www.thesantafesuites.com |
| Courtyard by Marriott, 3347 Cerrillos Rd. |
1-505-473-2800 |
www.marriott.com |
| Days Inn, 2900 Cerrillos Rd. |
1-505-424-3297 |
www.daysinn.com |
| Fairfield Inn, 4150 Cerrillos Rd. |
1-505-474-4442 |
www.marriott.com |
| Holiday Inn Express, 3450 Cerrillos Rd. |
1-505-474-7570 |
www.hiexpress.com |
| Park Inn & Suites, 2907 Cerrillos Rd. |
1-505-471-3000 |
www.parkinn.com |
| Inn at Santa Fe, 8376 Cerrillos Rd. |
1-505-474-9500 |
www.innatsantafe.com |
| El Rey Inn, 1862 Cerrillos Rd. |
1-800-521-1349 |
www.elreyinnsantafe.com |
| Hotel Santa Fe, 1501 Paseo de Peralt |
1-800-825-9876 |
www.hotelsantafe.com |
| Santa Fe Motel & Inn, 510 Cerrillos Rd. |
1-505-982-1039
1-800-930-5002 |
www.santafemotel.com |
| La Posada, 330 East Palace Ave. |
1-866-331-7625 |
http://laposada.rockresorts.com |
| Bed & Breakfast |
| Water Street Inn, 427 W. Water St. |
1-505-984-1193 |
www.waterstreetinn.com |
The University
Q: How does Santa Fe University of Art and Design rank among art schools?
A: Santa Fe University of Art and Design is growing in stature among art schools. Our 10,000+ graduates work with galleries and organizations such as Paramount, Paramount Vantage, the L.A. Opera House, the Pasadena Playhouse, the Steppenwolf Theatre, and the Madcap Puppet Theatre.
Our alumni have gone on to work on major film and television productions such as Just Shoot Me, The Office, Son of the Beach, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Underworld: Evolution, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Chronicles of Narnia, Ali, Shallow Hal and Lady in the Water.
Q: What degrees do you offer?
A: We offer a variety of art-focused programs on campus, as well as a few hybrid (online/on-campus) options.
In the Arts
- Contemporary Music, BA
- Creative Writing and Literature, BA
- Graphic Design, BFA
- Moving Image Arts (Film/Video), BA
- Performing Arts, BA (specializations: Theatre, Theatre Management, Dance Minor)
- Performing Arts, BFA (specializations: Acting, Theatre Design, Technical Theatre, Musical Theatre)
- Photography, BA, BFA
- Studio Arts, BA, BFA
Self-Designed Majors
Students have the option of designing a major by working with faculty and an advisor. Recent self-designed majors have included Creative Writing Therapy, Performance for Social Change, Expressive Therapy, Interdisciplinary Media Arts, Political Art, and Game Programming.
Hybrid Options
- Master of Arts in Education, with a focus on Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (K–12)
Q: How many credits do Santa Fe University of Art and Design programs require?
| A: |
Campus-based programs: 120 (4 per semester) |
| |
BBA: 128 (4-credit blocks per term) |
| |
Master of Arts in Education: 36 (3-credit blocks per term) |
Q: What types of tutoring services are available?
A: We offer one-on-one tutoring or study groups for most courses. Writing lab is available for all students and is staffed with peer tutors who can assist during the evening hours. Contact Emily Powell, academic advisor, 1-505-473-6570, for more information.
Q: What is the average class size?
A: Santa Fe University of Art and Design prides itself on its intimate teacher-student experience. The typical ratio is about 15 students for each teacher.
Q: How big is the campus?
A: The campus rests on 60 acres in beautiful Santa Fe. It's about a five-minute walk between any of the main buildings.
Q: Is the campus located in the city?
A: Yes. The campus is four miles from downtown.
Q: What types of student services are available?
A: We have a post office, health center, and fitness center onsite, as well as other services to support your education and well-being.
Q: Do you offer disability services?
A: Yes. Please contact Amy Peña in the Student Life Office at 1-505-473-6270 for instructions on submitting paperwork.
Q: What services does the library offer? When is it open?
A: The library's online resources enable students to conduct research from any location. The physical collection includes nearly 200,000 books and thousands of award-winning and newly released films and videos. The library houses a computer lab, a small film-screening room with theatre seating, and four listening/viewing rooms where students can watch DVDs or VHS tapes and listen to CDs or LPs. Librarians are available during regular hours and by appointment to help with research questions.
The library is open:
| Mon - Thu |
8 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Friday |
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Saturday |
closed |
| Sunday |
1 p.m. to 9 p.m. |
Learn more here.
Q: Does the university have a bookstore?
A: Yes. You can access it online at www.edmapbookstore.com/storefront/index/CSFSP.
Q: Can I buy Santa Fe University of Art and Design clothes and goods?
A: You can purchase T-shirts, sweatshirts, and book bags by mail or on campus. Contact Amy Peña at 1-505-473-6270 for details.
The Curriculum
Q: Is Santa Fe University of Art and Design a conservatory?
A: No. Our programs are designed with an interdisciplinary liberal arts core, providing a well-rounded education that fosters academic and creative growth while preparing students with essential life skills.
Q: What is the difference between the BA and BFA degrees?
A: The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a professional undergraduate degree, often offered in performance fields such as theatre and art. It requires more coursework in the area of study and specific requirements in the university core. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) focuses on art, art history, and design in the context of a broad program of general studies.
Q: What is the self-designed major? Who is eligible?
A: The self-designed major enables eligible juniors to design a major program outside existing departmental majors to suit their particular needs and career goals. The student selects a faculty advisor or advisors and develops a proposed plan of study.
Q: Does Santa Fe University of Art and Design offer minors?
A: Yes. Typically our degree programs allow additional curriculum to be included in a student's plan of study. Arranging a minor requires collaboration among the academic advising office, the program chair, and the student.
Q: Does Santa Fe University of Art and Design accept transfers of credits?
A: Yes. For credits earned fewer than 20 years ago with a grade of C or higher, we will review applicable courses for transferability. If the credits were earned more than 20 years ago, we will conduct an in-depth evaluation for transfer options.
Q: Are summer classes available?
A: The hybrid programs offer classes year-round. Look for details about summer workshops coming soon.
Q: Is there a study-abroad option?
A: Yes. Select programs offer opportunities with Laureate International Universities. Contact Laura Nunnelly in the Student Life Office at 1-505-473-6176 for more information.
Career Preparation/Experience
Q: How will a Santa Fe University of Art and Design degree prepare me for the job market?
A: Our interdisciplinary curriculum provides a solid academic foundation while helping prepare students for employment in their major. It helps provide graduates with the practical skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive job market.
Q: What kinds of careers do Santa Fe University of Art and Design programs help prepare me for?
A: Our degree programs help prepare students for employment in various facets of the arts and business, from designing or editing publications and films to working as theatre managers and producers and as performers, marketers, and educators. A degree from Santa Fe University of Art and Design prepares students for versatile and collaborative work, helping them become well-rounded, creative professionals. Feel free to contact an enrollment advisor at 1-800-456-2673 for more information.
Q: Does Santa Fe University of Art and Design offer internship assistance?
A: Yes. Department chairs help students find and obtain internships in their fields. Film students also have opportunities to intern on professional productions on campus.
Q: Are work/study options available?
A: Yes, for students who meet the criteria for work-study, various on-campus and off-campus options are available. Students can also locate nonprofit positions and apply to the Financial Aid Office for acceptance as work-study.
Enrollment
Q: How much is tuition for undergraduate art programs?
A: $27,996 per year. Part-time (1–11 credit hours) is $860 per credit hour.
Q: What fees are there?
A: Find a list of all tuition and fees here.
Q: Does the university offer scholarships? How do I apply?
A: Yes. We offer scholarships based on merit and talent, and counselors' and teachers' recommendations. Visit our Scholarships page for details.
Q: What is the deadline for applying to Santa Fe University of Art and Design?
A: We are on a rolling admission and accept applications throughout the year.
Q: What is the application process?
A: New students must submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and an application. Transfer students who have at least 30 college credits do not need to submit high school transcripts. Students who have been out of high school for at least two years do not need to submit SAT/ACT scores.
Q: Are auditions required?
A: Performing Arts and Contemporary Music students must perform an audition/interview.
See details about Performing Arts auditions (acting and music theatre).
See details about Contemporary Music auditions.
You can also contact an enrollment advisor for more information at 1-800-456-2673.