PrivateUrbanPennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
PAFA
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102-1510
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Close-knit campus
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is a private urban institution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A small campus of 99 undergraduates with a 5:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
68% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $29,881 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $45,022.
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •1870 The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts was founded in 1805 by painter and scientist Charles Willson Peale, sculptor William Rush, and other artists and business leaders.
- •Its first building on Chestnut and 10th Streets in Center City Philadelphia was designed by John Dorsey and opened in 1806.
- •The academy opened as a museum in 1807 and held its first exhibition in 1811, where more than 500 paintings and statues were displayed.
- •The first school classes held in the building were with the Society of Artists in 1810.
- •The academy had to be reconstructed after the fire of 1845.
Source: Wikipedia
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
53.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.1%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Programs (7)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
83%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
0
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from PA state average + large city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Philadelphia
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Philadelphia 2, from real bookable tour times.
- DeSales University · Kutztown University of PennsylvaniaPublic and private17 days
- Bryn Athyn College of the New Church · Cheyney University of PennsylvaniaVery small colleges13 days