Cleveland Institute of Art
Cleveland Institute of Art is a private nonprofit university in Cleveland, OH ranked #1273 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 560 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 56.3%. Students most often pursue Design and Applied Arts and Graphic Communications.
Academically, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 86.4% first-year retention, and 67.5% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $41,480, about $24,482 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -80.0%, roughly 165.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $33,148. That's about $10,540 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Cleveland Institute of Art Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Cleveland Institute of Art graduates 67.5% of students within six years and keeps 86.4% 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 Cleveland Institute of Art'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 | $47,880 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,520 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,950 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $62,966 |
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 37.8% of Cleveland Institute of Art students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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 $23,681 to $61,310 depending on family income. Use Cleveland Institute of Art's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $25,440/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $61,310/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $33,148
- 10-Year Median Earnings $33,148
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $26,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 59.6%
- Employment Rate 79.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Cleveland Institute of Art 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.
Cleveland Institute of Art vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Cleveland Institute of Art's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Cleveland Institute of Art's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Cleveland Institute of Art graduates earn $33,148 median, the -80.0% 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 550-670
- SAT Math 510-630
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 560
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 86.4%
- Graduation Rate 67.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Cleveland Institute of Art
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Cleveland Institute of Art 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 56.3%, Cleveland Institute of Art is relatively open. 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: With a 56.3% acceptance rate, Cleveland Institute of Art is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1060 and 1300 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Cleveland Institute of Art undergraduates. Design and Applied Arts, Fine and Studio Arts, and Graphic Communications draw the most students.
- Design and Applied Arts 39.0%
- Fine and Studio Arts 33.1%
- Graphic Communications 13.0%
- Medical Illustration and Informatics 7.8%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 7.1%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 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 $23,358
- 2. Graphic Communications $19,409
- 3. Fine and Studio Arts $18,839
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Design and Applied Arts grads earn $23,358—24% more than Fine and Studio Arts ($18,839). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Cleveland Institute of Art. 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, 60 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 51 graduates)
- Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Medical Illustration and Informatics (Bachelor's Degree, 12 graduates)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 11 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
- Graphic Communications
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 560
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 27.3%
- Female Students 72.7%
- Caucasian 65.4%
- Asian 3.2%
- Hispanic 10.5%
- Black 13.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 37.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Cleveland Institute of Art's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Cleveland Institute of Art's undergraduate population. Women make up 72.7% of the student body, while men represent 27.3%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Cleveland Institute of Art support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Cleveland Institute of Art, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 72.7% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Cleveland Institute of Art support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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 Cleveland Institute of Art, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Cleveland Institute of Art offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -80.0% ROI. Ranked #1273 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $41,480 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $33,148 median earnings. With 67.5% graduating within six years and 86.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Cleveland Institute of Art's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1273 ranking, Cleveland Institute of Art competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $41,480 annually, Cleveland Institute of Art charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 86.4% 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 $29,036 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -80.0% ROI and $33,148 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $31,480+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Cleveland Institute of Art ranks #1273 of 6272 institutions, with 1694 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
- 67.5% six-year graduation rate sits 5.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 86.4% first-year retention is 9.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -80.0% return on investment is 165.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $33,148 run about 24% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $41,480 is roughly $24,362 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 86.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 79.5% employment rate within three years sits 11.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $41,480 is about $24,362 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 37.8% trails the national share by 1.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland Institute of Art operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It appears at #1273 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support A-, 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.
About 86.4% of first-year students return, and roughly 67.5% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -80.0%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $41,480 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $62,966.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $21,486 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $26,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 37.8% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $33,148 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 24% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 79.5%.
The ROI comes in near -80.0%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
56.3% 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 Cleveland Institute of Art 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 Cleveland, OH 44106-1710
- Website www.cia.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$29.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate22.7%