Student Life
Current Students
PAFA offers various academic resources to support students and provide academic accommodations for students with disabilities, requiring current documentation and a comprehensive assessment to ensure equal educational opportunities.
PAFA has a rich tradition of awarding various prizes and scholarships, some dating back to the early 1900s, to students through the Annual Student Exhibition, judged by faculty or external jurors. These awards range from recognition and monetary prizes to full or partial tuition scholarships and travel funds, supporting students' creative projects and professional growth.
PAFA's Department of Campus Safety and Security ensures a safe environment with 24/7 support, emergency services, and crime prevention resources. The office, open Monday through Friday, handles safety concerns, issues alerts, and educates the community on security procedures through Orientation and the Student Handbook.
Find essential information about the upcoming graduation ceremony, including schedules, requirements, and special announcements. View past recordings of previous ceremonies to relive the celebration and honor of past graduates.
PAFA Student Services is committed to supporting a campus environment of health and wellness. Our programs and services encourage students to build the skills necessary for healthy creative practices and community. We work to ensure all students have the health care and emotional support they need to meet the demands of their lives and their studies at PAFA.
The PAFA Student Handbook outlines the policies, procedures, and services available to students, with the institution reserving the right to make changes without prior notice. Key sections include academic policies, financial affairs, FERPA, and student verification guidelines.
The Office of the Registrar handles a range of administrative functions at PAFA, including student registration, enrollment verification, and grading. It also manages academic scheduling, degree audits, veterans' benefits, FERPA compliance, transcript requests, and private studio space logistics.
PAFA students have numerous opportunities to exhibit their work both on- and off-campus, gaining hands-on experience in curating, mounting, and promoting exhibitions. Exhibition spaces include the Anne Bryan Gallery, Broad Street Studio, and Hamilton Building Galleries, with additional skill-building opportunities through the Student Exhibitions Committee, academic classes, and professional internships.
Student Financial Services at PAFA provides support to students in managing the cost of their education. The office assists with budgeting, financial counseling, and ensures timely processing of financial transactions.
At PAFA, students create their own unique experience through a broad range of programs and events that support professional practice and artistic development. It's easy to get involved, to pursue passions and learn.
The Legacy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: Faculty Recollections
The recently premiered documentary, The Legacy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: Faculty Recollections celebrates the personal and professional journeys of six esteemed faculty members, Dan Miller, Jill Rupinski, Al Gury, Tony Rosati, Bruce Samuelson, and Michael Gallagher—faculty whose longstanding dedication and unique contributions have shaped PAFA’s legacy. Created as an independent study project by two students, Nina Byerly (BFA ‘24) and Raffi Zarzatian (BFA ‘24).
PAFA is a non-profit school accredited through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
PAFA is an applicant for licensure with the State Board of Private Licensed Schools.
PAFA, like any other college or university, cannot guarantee that credit earned will transfer to another institution. Transfer of credit is regulated by the criteria established by the receiving institution. It is the student's responsibility to confirm whether credits will be accepted by another institution of the student's choice. All PAFA officials are required to accurately represent the transferability of any courses, programs, and certificates offered by PAFA.
Contact Us
Student Services at PAFA is fully committed to assisting students with their needs and questions.
Telephone: (215) 972-2199
Student Services:
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Registrar's Office:
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