Frequently Asked Questions

As an international student, we also recognize your concerns about adjusting to cultural, social, and environmental changes. Our Office of Academic Services and more

As an international student, we also recognize your concerns about adjusting to cultural, social, and environmental changes. Our Office of Academic Services and International Programs staff will help you adapt to life at CIA and serve as a resource for helpful information. We even have a dedicated portal just for you! less

Your portfolio should include no less than 12 and no more than 20 pieces of your original artwork. Please do not send more than 20 pieces. This number will give us enough information to make an accurate assessment of your abilities. At least four of those pieces must be drawings from o... more

Your portfolio should include no less than 12 and no more than 20 pieces of your original artwork. Please do not send more than 20 pieces. This number will give us enough information to make an accurate assessment of your abilities. At least four of those pieces must be drawings from observation. Observational drawings include still life, gesture, or figure drawings, portraits, and landscapes. We encourage you to feature your strongest pieces made in your junior and senior years.

For more information on portfolio requirements and tips, go to Submitting Your Portfolio.

If you would like some assistance making final choices for your portfolio, feel free to talk to an Admissions representative, attend an upcoming Portfolio Day event, or just schedule a campus visit. less

To receive the maximum consideration for admission, financial aid, and portfolio and academic scholarships, you should adhere to the following application deadlines for the fall semester:

December 3: Early action 1 deadline

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To receive the maximum consideration for admission, financial aid, and portfolio and academic scholarships, you should adhere to the following application deadlines for the fall semester:

December 3: Early action 1 deadline

January 15: Early action 2 deadline

March 1: Regular decision deadline for first-time freshmen

March 15: Priority deadline for need-based financial aid applications

May 1: Intention to register deadline and tuition deposit

June 1: Housing application deadline

June 1: Regular decision deadline for transfer students

Candidates may apply to CIA up to the start of classes on a “rolling basis,” but after March 1 consideration will be given based upon space availability. Candidates who apply by March 1 are automatically considered for portfolio scholarship awards.

To receive maximum consideration for financial aid, your financial aid applications should be complete by March 15 of the applicable year.

Students wishing to compete for mid-year (spring semester) scholarships should complete applications no later than January 1. less

The residence hall (Taplin) is located in University Circle, just two blocks from the Institute. All unmarried, first-year students at CIA who are under 21 and not living with a ... more

The residence hall (Taplin) is located in University Circle, just two blocks from the Institute. All unmarried, first-year students at CIA who are under 21 and not living with a parent or guardian are required to live in the residence hall for the first full academic year. After one year at the Institute, students can continue to live in the residence hall, or if they prefer, rent an apartment off-campus. All students living in the residence hall are required to participate in a campus meal plan. less