University of the Arts: Everything To Know

University of the Arts: History, Average annual cost, Graduation rate, Notable alumni, Fees, Records, Awards And Everything To Know

The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, an institution with roots more than a century and a half old, has abruptly announced that it will close on June 7, 2024. The decision comes as a result of declining enrollment and revenues, coupled with increasing expenses. University president Kerry Walk and the chair of the board of trustees, Judson Aaron, posted a notice on the university’s website, describing the closure as “heartbreaking” and “deeply painful.” The closure affects programs in design, fine arts, media arts, music, dance, and theater.

Overview

• Location: UArts is located at 320 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19102.
• Contact: You can reach them at (215) 717-6000.
• Community: UArts is a supportive community that celebrates diversity in all its forms. It’s a place where individuality thrives, and artistic exploration knows no bounds.

The University of the Arts was created from two century-old institutions: the Philadelphia College of Art, established in 1876 as part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts. These institutions eventually merged in 1985, becoming a university two years later.

Programs and Academics

UArts connects the performing, visual, and communication arts, both within the classroom and in the broader community. Here are some highlights:

1. Undergraduate Programs:
   • UArts offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, including:
     • Illustration (BFA): Notably ranked among the top in Pennsylvania, on the East Coast, and in the U.S., this program nurtures talented artists who create captivating visual narratives. Alumni like Loveis Wise have even illustrated covers for The New Yorker magazine.
     • Film (BFA): Filmmakers like Xenia Matthews, whose film OURIKA! was selected for the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, find their creative home here.
     • Dance (BFA): Onyxx Noel, a stage performer with credits in productions like In The Heights and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, honed their skills at UArts.
2. Graduate Programs:
   • UArts offers graduate programs that empower artists to push boundaries and explore their craft further.
3. Pre-College Programs:
   • High school students can get a taste of UArts through pre-college programs, where they also engage in intensive artistic experiences.
4. Professional Education:
   • UArts provides opportunities for lifelong learning and professional development.

Campus and Location

• UArts’ campus is anchored on the vibrant Avenue of the Arts in the cultural district of Center City, Philadelphia. It’s the heart of downtown, buzzing with creativity and energy.
• The Laurie Wagman Recording Studios offer state-of-the-art facilities for music production, also including composition, sound design, recording, mixing, and mastering.

History

UArts emerged from the merger of two pioneering institutions:

• • • Philadelphia College of Art (PCA): Established in 1876 as part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, PCA initially focused on training artists in various areas.
    • Also Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts (PCPA): Founded in 1870, PCPA was one of the first European-style conservatories of music in America. It later expanded to include dance and theater arts.
  • These institutions joined forces to create the Philadelphia Colleges of the Arts, a significant step toward also becoming the nation’s first comprehensive arts university.
  • In 1987, UArts achieved university status, offering programs in design, fine arts, media arts, music, dance, and theater.

Average Annual Cost

• The average reported annual net price for UArts, considering grants or scholarship aid, was also approximately $42,467 in the 2019/2020 academic year.
• Tuition, housing, food, and other fees contribute to the overall cost of attending UArts. The net price calculator and sample budget provide further insights.

Graduation Rate

• UArts’ graduation rate is an essential measure of student success.
• Overall Graduation Rate: Approximately 66% of students graduate within 6 years of beginning their programs.
• Graduation rates vary across demographics:
  • Men: 61%
  • Women: 69%
  • Other notable rates include those for Asian students (86%), Black or African-American students (68%), and Hispanic/Latino students (68%).
• The 4-year average rates for completers also within 150% of the program time range from 57% to 68%.

Notable Alumni

UArts boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields:

• Jared Leto: An actor and musician known for his method acting and work with the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars.
• Also Elle King: A singer, songwriter, and actress with a musical style influenced by country, rock, and blues.
• Rick Yune: An actor, screenwriter, and producer known for roles in movies like “Die Another Day” and “Olympus Has Fallen.”
• Also Rod J. Rosenstein: A former United States deputy attorney general and attorney for the District of Maryland.
• KaDee Strickland: An actress recognized for her role as Charlotte King on the ABC drama “Private Practice.”

The news of the closure initially came from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which announced the withdrawal of the school’s accreditation as of Saturday, May 25, 2024. School officials expressed their frustration that this action occurred before they could inform the university community, making the abrupt closure even more difficult to bear.