SCAD Atlanta: A Local Guide to The Savannah College of Art and Design in Midtown

The Savannah College of Art and Design – Atlanta (SCAD Atlanta) is one of the city’s best‑known creative hubs, drawing students, working professionals, and arts lovers into the heart of Midtown. Whether you live in Atlanta, are considering moving here for school, or are just curious about the campus and its role in the local arts scene, understanding how SCAD Atlanta fits into city life can be very helpful.

This guide focuses on what SCAD Atlanta is like, where it is, how it connects with the city, and what Atlantans typically want to know about studying or engaging with the campus.

Where SCAD Atlanta Is and How It Fits Into the City

Main Atlanta campus address:

Savannah College of Art and Design – Atlanta
1600 Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Main phone (general information): (404) 253-3100

SCAD Atlanta sits along Peachtree Street in Midtown, a central corridor for business, arts, and daily city life. The campus is surrounded by:

• Midtown’s arts district, including nearby galleries and performance spaces
• Easy access to I-85/75 and major surface streets
• Relatively quick trips to neighborhoods like Buckhead, West Midtown, and Downtown

For many students, this location means they can blend campus life with the broader Atlanta experience—internships, part‑time jobs, galleries, live music, and startup culture are all close by.

Getting to SCAD Atlanta

By MARTA:

• Nearest MARTA rail options are typically Arts Center Station or Midtown Station on the Red/Gold lines.
• From station to campus, most people use:
  • Walking and local buses
  • Rideshare
  • Biking or scooters along Peachtree and side streets

By car:

• Peachtree Street is busy; allow extra time during rush hours.
• Parking options vary (campus garages, nearby paid lots, limited street parking), and availability can shift during major events, exhibitions, and move‑in periods.

What SCAD Atlanta Is Known For

SCAD is a private art and design university with campuses in multiple locations, including Savannah and Atlanta. The Atlanta campus focuses on creative disciplines connected to industries that are strong in the city, like film, digital media, interior design, and branded experiences.

Common areas of study at SCAD Atlanta include:

• Animation and motion media
• Film and television
• Graphic design and visual communication
• User experience (UX) and interactive design
• Interior design and architecture‑related fields
• Photography and illustration
• Fashion and accessory design
• Game development and immersive reality (AR/VR)

Programs and offerings may change, but overall, SCAD Atlanta is known locally for its mix of technical training, portfolio development, and industry‑connected projects.

SCAD Atlanta vs. Other Atlanta Colleges and Universities

Atlanta has a large higher‑education ecosystem: Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Emory University, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, and others. SCAD Atlanta occupies a specific niche within that landscape.

Key differences Atlantans usually consider:

• Focus:
  SCAD specializes in art, design, and creative fields, whereas most other local schools offer a broader range of majors (business, engineering, sciences, liberal arts).

• Type of institution:
  It is a private, specialized art and design university, not a public or research‑oriented institution.

• Location experience:
  SCAD Atlanta is embedded in Midtown’s arts and commercial corridor, which can feel more urban and industry-facing compared to traditional residential campuses.

• Student profile:
  Many SCAD Atlanta students are portfolio‑driven, career‑focused creatives planning for roles in design, entertainment, advertising, or digital media.

If you live in Atlanta and are comparing options, SCAD is typically considered when someone is confident about a creative career path and wants a school that’s deeply tied to that world.

Academic Life and Programs at SCAD Atlanta

Degrees and Areas of Study

SCAD Atlanta offers undergraduate (bachelor’s) and graduate (master’s) degree programs in various design and art-focused areas. While offerings can change over time, common categories include:

• Digital Media
  Animation, motion media, visual effects, interactive design, game development

• Film & Entertainment
  Film and television production, post-production, production design

• Visual Communication
  Graphic design, illustration, sequential art

• Built Environment & Interior Spaces
  Interior design, themed entertainment design, exhibition design

• Fashion & Accessories
  Fashion design, fashion marketing, accessory design

• Photography & Fine Arts
  Photography, painting, sculpture-related practices (varies by campus)

Because Atlanta is a film and TV hub and home to many marketing, tech, and design agencies, SCAD Atlanta often emphasizes fields that align with local job markets.

Class Format and Learning Environment

Students often experience:

• Studio-based classes with project work
• Critiques (group feedback sessions on creative work)
• Access to specialized labs and equipment (film stages, editing suites, digital labs, printmaking equipment, etc., depending on major)
• Opportunities to collaborate on cross‑disciplinary projects (for example, animators working with sound design or graphic design students)

Class sizes and workload vary, but many courses require time‑intensive portfolio projects, which can shape how students structure their daily schedule in Atlanta.

Campus Facilities and Student Life in Midtown

SCAD Atlanta’s footprint includes academic buildings, residence halls, studios, and exhibition spaces that are integrated into the Midtown environment.

Typical Campus Features

Expect to find:

• Classroom and studio buildings with creative labs and workshops
• Computer labs with design, 3D, video, and editing software
• On‑campus exhibitions and galleries, which may be open to the public for certain events
• Student common areas and study spaces
• Dining options on or near campus

Many students also spend free time in surrounding Midtown, Buckhead, and West Midtown for:

• Cafés and co‑working spaces
• Galleries and museums (like the High Museum of Art, not far away in Midtown)
• Performance venues and theaters
• Parks like Piedmont Park (a short drive or MARTA ride)

Housing: Living On or Near SCAD Atlanta

On-Campus Housing

SCAD Atlanta offers student residence halls designed for art and design students, often with:

• Furnished rooms or suites
• Shared common areas and study spaces
• Resident assistants or staff support
• Proximity to campus buildings, studios, and labs

Housing availability, configurations, and requirements (like first‑year housing policies) can change, so it’s important to check current SCAD Atlanta housing information directly when planning.

Off-Campus Housing in Atlanta

Many students eventually move into nearby neighborhoods such as:

• Midtown – Walkable, close to MARTA, lively but can be higher-cost
• Home Park / Georgia Tech area – Student‑heavy, mixed housing options
• West Midtown / Howell Mill area – Increasingly popular with young creatives
• Buckhead – Further north, more retail and higher-end apartment options
• Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park – Accessible via the BeltLine, popular with younger residents and creatives

When looking for housing as a SCAD student in Atlanta, people commonly consider:

• Transit access to Peachtree Street and Midtown
• Safety, lighting, and walkability
• Budget and whether to share with roommates
• Proximity to grocery stores, printers, hardware shops, and other resources needed for creative projects

Admissions and Applying to SCAD Atlanta

Application Basics

SCAD admissions are handled centrally, but applicants can indicate Atlanta as their chosen or preferred campus. For prospective Atlanta students, the typical steps include:

1. Application form (online)
2. Transcripts from high school or previous colleges
3. Portfolio or creative work samples (required or strongly recommended for many majors)
4. Optional materials such as letters of recommendation or test scores, depending on SCAD’s current policy

Because SCAD focuses on creative fields, the portfolio can be a key part of the process. Atlanta-area applicants sometimes prepare by:

• Taking art and design classes at local high schools or community art centers
• Participating in summer pre‑college programs or workshops
• Building personal projects (drawing, animation, short films, design mockups, etc.)

Local Tips for Prospective Atlanta Students

• 🗓 Visit the campus if possible. Many Atlantans schedule campus tours, information sessions, or open house days to see studios and talk with staff.
• 🎨 Bring a sketchbook or portfolio samples if you have questions about your work; advisors may offer general guidance on what is typically expected.
• 🚇 Plan your commute test‑run. If you live in the metro area, try making the trip around the same time classes would start to see how long it realistically takes.

Tuition, Aid, and Practical Financial Considerations

As a private university, SCAD’s tuition is generally higher than most public institutions in Georgia. For Atlanta residents and families evaluating costs, common steps include:

• Reviewing the current tuition and fee schedule for SCAD Atlanta
• Checking available scholarships, grants, and need-based aid
• Looking at creative or merit-based scholarships that may be tied to portfolio strength
• Factoring in Atlanta living costs (housing, transportation, food, materials, software subscriptions, and equipment like laptops, cameras, or drawing tablets)

Some students reduce transportation costs by:

• Living within walking or biking distance of campus
• Using MARTA regularly instead of driving and paying for parking
• Carpooling with classmates from neighboring areas

For financial aid questions, you can contact SCAD’s general line and request the financial aid office at the Atlanta campus:

• Main line: (404) 253-3100
• Ask to be connected to SCAD Atlanta financial aid or student accounts.

SCAD Atlanta and the Local Creative Industry

One of SCAD Atlanta’s major selling points for locals is its connection to Atlanta’s creative economy, which spans:

• Film and television production (Atlanta is a well‑known filming hub)
• Advertising and branding agencies across Midtown and Buckhead
• Tech and UX/UI roles in startups and established companies
• Interior design and architecture-related work for residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces
• Fashion, retail, and visual merchandising in areas like Buckhead and Ponce City Market

Internships and Professional Opportunities

Students at SCAD Atlanta often pursue:

• Internships with local studios, agencies, production companies, and in-house creative departments
• Freelance design or photography work around the city
• Participation in creative meetups, festivals, and conventions that regularly come through Atlanta (such as animation, gaming, or design events)

Because you’re already in the city, you can often combine class schedules with part‑time roles or project‑based work, which can be especially valuable in creative fields where portfolios and professional experience matter.

Events, Exhibitions, and How Locals Interact With SCAD Atlanta

You do not have to be a SCAD student to cross paths with the Atlanta campus. Many Atlantans encounter SCAD through:

• Public exhibitions and galleries hosted in SCAD spaces
• Film screenings, talks, and panels featuring visiting professionals
• Design showcases and student work displays that overlap with local festivals or city-wide events

Some events are more student-focused, while others are open to the broader community. If you live in or near Midtown and are interested in art and design, it can be worthwhile to check SCAD Atlanta’s event listings periodically for:

• Guest lectures by industry professionals
• End-of-term shows or portfolio showcases
• Special events aligned with Atlanta’s larger arts calendar

How SCAD Atlanta Impacts Midtown and Daily City Life

For Atlanta residents—especially those who live, work, or commute through Midtown—SCAD’s presence is noticeable in several ways:

• Increased student foot traffic along Peachtree and nearby streets
• Creative energy around coffee shops, studios, and co‑working spaces
• A steady flow of visual projects, films, photography, and installations that use the city as a backdrop
• Additional demand for apartments and rentals in nearby areas, particularly at the start of each academic year

This can be a positive for local businesses that cater to students (cafés, copy/print shops, art supply stores, grocery stores, and fitness centers). It can also mean more car and pedestrian congestion at certain times near campus buildings.

Quick Reference: SCAD Atlanta at a Glance

Is SCAD Atlanta a Good Fit for You in the Context of Atlanta?

For someone in or moving to Atlanta, SCAD Atlanta is most likely to be a strong fit if you:

• Want a specialized art and design education rather than a broad liberal arts or research focus
• Are comfortable with an urban campus feel in the middle of Midtown
• Value proximity to Atlanta’s active film, design, tech, and creative industries
• Are prepared for the time and cost commitment of building a portfolio‑driven creative career

If you’re local to the Atlanta area, a practical next step is to:

• Visit the 1600 Peachtree St NW campus
• Take a tour or attend an information session
• Talk with current students, faculty, or advisors about how SCAD Atlanta fits into life in this city

That firsthand look, combined with a clear understanding of Atlanta’s neighborhoods, costs, and opportunities, will give you the best sense of whether SCAD Atlanta matches your goals and how it would shape your day‑to‑day life here.