Art Academy of Cincinnati
Art Academy of Cincinnati is a private nonprofit university in Cincinnati, OH ranked #1826 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C-, enrolling about 254 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 33.1%. Students most often pursue Design and Applied Arts and Fine and Studio Arts.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 62.4% first-year retention, and 44.4% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $38,041, about $21,043 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -81.9%, roughly 167.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $27,483. That's about $16,205 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Art Academy of Cincinnati Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Art Academy of Cincinnati graduates 44.4% of students within six years and keeps 62.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Art Academy of Cincinnati's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $40,250 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,325 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,850 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $48,176 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 48.0% of Art Academy of Cincinnati students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $41,956 to $32,576 depending on family income. Use Art Academy of Cincinnati's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $32,677/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $32,576/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $27,483
- 10-Year Median Earnings $27,483
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $11,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 50.5%
- Employment Rate 80.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Art Academy of Cincinnati graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Art Academy of Cincinnati vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Art Academy of Cincinnati's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Art Academy of Cincinnati's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Art Academy of Cincinnati graduates earn $27,483 median, the -81.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 254
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 62.4%
- Graduation Rate 44.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Art Academy of Cincinnati
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Art Academy of Cincinnati requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 33.1%, Art Academy of Cincinnati is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Art Academy of Cincinnati accepts 33.1% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Art Academy of Cincinnati undergraduates. Design and Applied Arts, Fine and Studio Arts, and Film/Video and Photographic Arts draw the most students.
- Design and Applied Arts 47.4%
- Fine and Studio Arts 34.2%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 13.2%
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies 5.3%
- Visual and Performing Arts, General 0.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Design and Applied Arts $37,445
- 2. Fine and Studio Arts $32,171
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Design and Applied Arts grads earn $37,445—16% more than Fine and Studio Arts ($32,171). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Art Academy of Cincinnati. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 18 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 13 graduates)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 5 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree, 2 graduates)
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 2 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (5 programs)▼
- Design and Applied Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 254
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 24.4%
- Female Students 75.6%
- Caucasian 63.8%
- Asian 0.8%
- Hispanic 5.9%
- Black 18.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 48.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Art Academy of Cincinnati's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Art Academy of Cincinnati's undergraduate population. Women make up 75.6% of the student body, while men represent 24.4%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Art Academy of Cincinnati support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Art Academy of Cincinnati, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 75.6% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Art Academy of Cincinnati support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Art Academy of Cincinnati, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Art Academy of Cincinnati offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -81.9% ROI. Ranked #1826 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $38,041 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $27,483 median earnings. With 44.4% graduating within six years and 62.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Art Academy of Cincinnati's Positioning
With a C- grade and #1826 ranking, Art Academy of Cincinnati competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $38,041 annually, Art Academy of Cincinnati charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 62.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $26,629 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -81.9% ROI and $27,483 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $28,041+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Art Academy of Cincinnati ranks #1826 of 1966 institutions, with 1741 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 44.4% six-year graduation rate sits 18.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 62.4% first-year retention is 14.4 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -81.9% return on investment is 167.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $27,483 run about 37% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $38,041 is roughly $18,132 higher than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 62.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 80.0% employment rate within three years sits 11.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $38,041 is about $18,132 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Art Academy of Cincinnati—a private nonprofit university in Cincinnati, OH—at C- overall. It holds a #1826 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion C+, Support B-, Career Outcomes C, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
62.4% of learners come back after year one while 44.4% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -81.9% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $38,041 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $48,176.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $10,135 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $11,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 48.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $27,483 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 37% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 80.0% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -81.9%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
33.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Art Academy of Cincinnati admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Cincinnati, OH 45202-1706
- Website www.artacademy.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$2.2M