SPRING 2026 NEXT STEPS!
Below is a checklist for all the steps from now until your first day of classes. You can find details on each step at
SAIC.EDU/UGNEXT
Activate your SAIC ARTIC account at password.artic.edu
You will need the ID number from your admission letter, last name, and date of birth.
Domestic Students ONLY:
Complete your 2025-26 FAFSA at fafsa.gov if you have not done so already. It can take 3-5 days for FAFSA information to be received after student submission.
Review/follow financial aid offer instructionsAccept/decline Federal Direct Stafford loans
Financial aid offers for FAFSA applicants are mailed as soon as your eligibility has been determined, and updated online in Self-Service. Financial aid instructions and next steps are emailed to students. Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loan offers must be accepted or declined. Visit saic.edu/faoffer and saic.edu/loansteps.
Make your enrollment deposit
To accept your admission and secure your place in our class, we require that admitted students pay a non-refundable $450 enrollment deposit.
International Students ONLY: Upon invitation to the International Student Portal ( global.saic.edu), international students must request their Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) by completing a declaration of intent and submitting their Statement of Financial Support via the International Student Portal. Admitted students with questions should email International Affairs directly at intaff@saic.edu.
Secure housing
For students wishing to live on-campus, information for securing housing can be found at saic.edu/housing.
Register for classes
Make your registration appointment online at saic.edu/regappt. Registration will begin on November 17.
Accept or waive health insurance. Visit saic.edu/health for more information.
Submit immunization records by January 1 Visit saic.medicatconnect.com for requirements.
Send final transcripts by January 15
Official final transcripts can be sent via the Common Application, Naviance, Parchment or other electronic transcript services. They may also be emailed to ugadmiss@saic.edu or mailed to:
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago 36 S. Wabash, suite 1201 Chicago, IL 60603
View and pay your tuition & fees
For details, payment options, and deadlines visit saic.edu/tuition and saic.edu/payment.
Complete virtual New Student Orientation and attend in-person Welcome Weekend
Details on these programs can be found at saic.edu/orientation.
Laptop and ARTICard
Visit saic.edu/laptop and saic.edu/articard for further details.
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES FOR SPRING 2026
Beginning
October 1
November 15–
January 15
Make your Registration Appointment Online at saic.edu/regappt
Schedule Appointment Online to Review and Secure Your Spring 2026 Financial Aid at saic.edu/sfsacuity
November 17 Registration Begins
December 1
December 1
Complete the Spring 2026 Figure Your Costs Budgeting Worksheet Available at saic.edu/fyc
After submitting the 2025-26 FAFSA for Spring 2026, next submit the new 2026-27 FAFSA at fafsa.gov to apply for financial aid for Summer 2026 and subsequent semesters
December 15 $450 Enrollment Deposit Due
December 16 Spring Charges and Payment Plans Available Online Through Self-Service
December 18 First Spring eBill Available Online in Transact
January 1 Submit immunization records by this date
January 8 New Student Orientation and Parent and Family Orientation Virtual Courses Launch
January 10 Deadline to Apply for Spring Housing in the SAIC Residence Halls
January 15 Tuition Payment or Payment Arrangements Due
January 15 Final Official Transcript Due to Admissions
Mid January Students Receive Room and Roommate Notification
January 22 International and Domestic Student Move-in
January 23 Parent and Family Welcome Programming
January 23–24 Welcome Weekend
January 26 Health Insurance Waivers Due. Details at saic.edu/healthinsurance
January 26 First Day of Spring 2026 Classes