Frequently asked questions

When does the sophomore live-on requirement go into effect?

This new requirement will apply to the incoming class of 2029, the first-year SCAD students enrolled for Fall 2025, when they become sophomores. It does not pertain to students who will be sophomores during the 2025–26 academic year.

Who is defined as a sophomore?

A sophomore is a student who is in their second year at SCAD after beginning as a first-time, full-time, first-year student the year prior.

Why is SCAD requiring students to live on campus for their second year?

Our research has shown that first-year and sophomore SCAD students who live on campus have fewer absences, higher grade point averages, and higher rates of graduation. This is due in part to the more immediate access these students have to university resources such as academic workshops, wellness programs, and transportation services. The camaraderie of the cohort-living atmosphere also provides support and positive feedback beneficial to students’ success.

What if I will be living at home with my family in the local area? Will I have to live on campus instead?

There will be a process in place for students to request exemptions to this policy.

Will this new requirement mean that there will be less on-campus housing for juniors, seniors, and graduate students?

Thanks to a new housing community slated to open for Fall 2026, the university will be adding 800 new beds to our on-campus housing options. Located on Louisville Road, just behind Boundary Village, FORTY EIGHT will feature a mix of suite- and apartment-style layouts and will include onsite parking and a dining option. With this new, expanded housing option, we anticipate being able to accommodate all upper-level students who wish to live on campus for the 2026–27 academic year.

How do I sign up for on-campus housing for the SCAD 2026–27 academic year?

Beginning this year, students can start their on-campus housing process even earlier. Students may submit their housing application fee starting Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, and begin submitting their housing application Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, at 9 a.m. ET. This change allows students to take action as soon as possible to confirm their housing for next fall. The deadline for both requirements is Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. To pay your housing application fee, go to MySCAD > Personal info page > Student account channel > “Your student account” link > “Deposits” link > “Fall 2026” link > “Housing Application (choose your location)” link.

Students may then log in to the roommate matching portal between Jan. 2, 2026, and Feb. 2, 2026. This gives students significantly more time to log in to the matching portal to select their roommates. Match with preferred roommates via Manage My Fall Housing > Manage My Roommates > 2026–27 Year.

Once students have completed this roommate selection step, they can select their individual housing assignment. Housing selection will occur on Fridays between Feb. 9 and March 27, 2026, to ensure students can confirm their fall housing well before the summer begins.

If I do not receive a housing assignment for 2026-27, will my housing application fee be returned?

For SCAD students residing in on-campus housing in the 2025–26 academic year and who complete the required steps to apply for on-campus housing for 2026–27 by the published deadlines but who are not assigned to housing, SCAD will credit the housing application fee back to the student’s account as a one-time exception during this transition to the new process.

Can I still have a meal plan if I live off campus?

Yes, SCAD students living off campus may purchase one of the available meal plan options. Visit scad.edu/life/dining/meal-plans for more information.

Do students have the option to stay in the same room as the previous year?

Same-room renewal is not available. Students will have the opportunity to select their room location during their assigned date and time slot.

If SCAD students have additional on-campus housing questions, who do they contact?

Students are encouraged to contact SCADhome with any additional questions at scadhome.scad.edu or 912.525.7000. For more information, students and families may also visit scad.edu/scadhome.