School of the Art Institute of ChicagoFine Arts (MFA)
Total Cost of Attendance: $60,550/yr · Federal Loan Cap: $20,500/yr
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which takes effect July 1, 2026, graduate students at School of the Art Institute of Chicago studying Fine Arts (MFA) face a maximum federal Direct Loan cap of $20,500 per year.
With a total cost of attendance of $60,550/yr, that leaves a $40,050 annual funding gap — $80,100 over 2 years. Students will need to cover this shortfall through private loans, institutional aid, scholarships, or personal funds.
Cost of Attendance Summary
| Annual Cost of Attendance | $60,550 |
| Federal Loan Cap (Graduate) | $20,500 |
| Annual Funding Gap | $40,050 |
| Total Funding Gap (2 years) | $80,100 |
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These numbers assume…
- × Full-time enrollment
- × No scholarships or grants
- × No prior federal student debt
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Your situation is different. Scholarships, residency, prior debt, and part-time enrollment all change your numbers.
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School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fine Arts (MFA) students typically need $80,100 in private loans over 2 years to bridge the gap between federal aid and cost of attendance.
| Lender | Est. Rate Range | Loan Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lender A | 4.99% – 12.78% APR | Variable & Fixed | Coming Soon |
| Lender B | 5.24% – 14.49% APR | Fixed | Coming Soon |
| Lender C | 4.49% – 13.99% APR | Variable & Fixed | Coming Soon |
Rates shown are illustrative ranges and not a guarantee of any specific rate. Actual rates depend on creditworthiness, cosigner status, and loan terms. Check with individual lenders for current rates. Advertising disclosure applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal loan limit for School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fine Arts (MFA) students?
Under the OBBBA (effective July 1, 2026), School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fine Arts (MFA) students can borrow up to $20,500 per year in federal Direct Loans. This is the graduate annual cap. The aggregate lifetime limit is $100,000 for graduate students.
Can I still get a Grad PLUS loan for School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
No. Starting July 1, 2026, the Grad PLUS loan program is eliminated under the OBBBA. All graduate and professional students are subject to fixed annual borrowing caps ($20,500/year for graduate programs). Students who need additional funding beyond the cap must use private loans, institutional aid, scholarships, or personal funds.
How much does School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fine Arts (MFA) cost per year?
The total cost of attendance for School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fine Arts (MFA) is $60,550 per year. Over the full 2-year program, the total cost is $121,100.
What is the funding gap for School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fine Arts (MFA)?
The annual funding gap is $40,050, calculated as the difference between the total cost of attendance ($60,550) and the federal loan cap ($20,500). Over the full 2-year program, the total gap is $80,100. This is above the national median of $31,446 for Arts (MFA) programs.