Frequently Asked Questions

Your portfolio should include no fewer 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 observational ... more

Your portfolio should include no fewer 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 observational drawings (sketchbook work is also encouraged). 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 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 1: 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 1: 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

May 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 November 15. less

2016-17 Academic Year

Degree Offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Est. Full Time Students: 615
Percent Undergraduate Men: 45%
Percent Undergraduate Women: 55%
Per... more

2016-17 Academic Year

Degree Offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Est. Full Time Students: 615
Percent Undergraduate Men: 45%
Percent Undergraduate Women: 55%
Percent Undergraduate Minorities: 21%
Average class size: 12
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Geographic Distribution: In-State 64%, Rest of US 27%, International 9%
Average GPA: 3.10
Average SAT score: 480-620 (critical reading), 480-580 (math)
Average ACT score: 20-27 (composite) less

First-year students will live in CIA's Uptown Residence Hall, located on Euclid Avenue in the heart of the Uptown development in University Circle, just steps from our campus. All unmarried, f... more

First-year students will live in CIA's Uptown Residence Hall, located on Euclid Avenue in the heart of the Uptown development in University Circle, just steps from our campus. All unmarried, first time students at CIA who are under the age of 21, are not living with their parents or permanent guardians, and are from outside of Cuyahoga County, are required to live in the residence hall for the first full academic year. After one year at the Institute, students can rent an apartment off-campus. All students living in the residence hall are required to participate in a campus meal plan. less