School of Visual Arts is widely recognized as one of the finest colleges of arts in country for its innovative and experimental program philosophies and its unparalleled faculty of professional artists. SVA is located in the heart of New York City, a world capital of art, design and culture; a fact that greatly enhances the art educations of its students.

In 1947, SVA opened its doors with 35 students and three faculty members. Today there are approximately 3,500 undergraduate students, 650 graduate students and 1,000 faculty members.

One of the overriding philosophies of SVA is its focus on using working professionals as faculty. This allows us to have our students taught by people who are at the top of their game. It helps that SVA is located in the heart of New York City--the epicenter of publishing, art and commerce.

Our access to New York City's wealth of opportunities is not something we take for granted. Between our location and our professional faculty, we are in a unique position to offer our students incredible opportunities to get to meet key contacts in the art world--and it pays off. Our students have interned at over 800 companies and gone on to earn MacArthur and Fulbright fellowships as well as Emmys, Grammys and Oscars for their work at companies around the world.

It boasts four exhibition spaces featuring the work of faculty, alumni, students and renowned artists and designers, including the SVA Chelsea Gallery, which offers approximately 4,000 square feet of exhibition space in the heart of the Chelsea gallery district.