Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
PAFA
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102-1510
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
Campus Vibe
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.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
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
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).
Programs (7)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
83%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
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
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from PA state average + large city premium