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Financial Aid

  • Together, we can fund your future.


    We understand that paying for college is not easy. At The Cleveland Institute of Art, we pride ourselves in offering a personal touch to a potentially confusing processfinancing your education. We are ready to clarify tricky topics, answer your questions, discuss any concerns regarding your ability to afford CIA, or consider special financial situations.

    Our financial aid counselors are committed to helping you find ways to close the gap between the cost of attending the Institute and your ability to fund this education. We will work with you to craft a personalized financial aid package that combines any available Institute-sponsored aid, federal aid, scholarships, loans, work study programs, and more. To learn more, take a moment to browse through our website or view our financial aid brochure (PDF).

    As you begin to make important choices, keep in mind: An impressive 98 percent of CIA students receive financial assistance.

    How Does the Financial Aid Process Work at CIA?


    Once you have received an acceptance letter from CIA, you may be eligible for federal financial assistance if you:

    • are a U.S. citizen

    • have a high school diploma or general equivalency credentials (GED)

    • have registered for the draft if you are a male between ages 18 and 26 (see sss.gov)

    • maintain satisfactory academic progress

    • qualify for need-based assistance through the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA)


    If eligible, you will need to complete and return both the FAFSA and the CIA Institutional Financial Aid Application to us by March 15.

    Learn More


    Take a moment to learn more about the application process and timeline, scholarships, departmental awards, grants, loans, work-study programs, our financial aid policies, the cost of attendance and payment plan options.