/ Application Requirements
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APPLY TO CIA

The key to unlocking your creative future is just within reach!

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Take the leap

Ready to join our creative community? Here's everything you need to know about completing your application.

Application Requirements

Apply through the Common App or the CIA Application. Both options are free!

Tell us why you want to attend CIA. You can share an optional second piece on any topic of your choice!

Your portfolio should include your best 12 to 20 pieces of work. The selections should highlight your technical skills, problem-solving skills, and how you use your chosen mediums. 

Your admissions counselor will be glad to answer any questions.

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WHEN TO SUBMIT YOUR PORTFOLIO

  • Submitting through CIA’s application: You will upload your artwork through the Online Application. You can do this at the same time that you submit the application, or return to the Applicant Status Page at a later date. You may also upload your artwork through SlideRoom.
  • Submitting through the Common Application: You will receive instructions for uploading your portfolio within 48-72 hours of submission. You will use the Applicant Status Page or SlideRoom to upload your artwork.

For First-Year Students: You must submit your official high school transcript or GED equivalent.

For Transfer Students: You must submit high school transcripts with proof of graduation or GED equivalent. You must also submit official transcripts from all colleges, universities, and post-secondary schools attended.

Transcripts must be sent directly from your school(s). They can be submitted through the Common App, by email to admissions@cia.edu, or by mail:

Office of Admissions
Cleveland Institute of Art
11610 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106

  • Official SAT or ACT test scores.
  • A letter of recommendation from an art teacher, a counselor or someone who understands your desire to pursue an education in art and design.

If English is not your native language, you must demonstrate proof of English language proficiency with one of the following and the appropriate minimum score:

  • TOEFL iBT: 60
  • IELTS total band: 5.5
  • Duolingo English: 95
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 520
  • ACT English and Reading scores: 39

Questions about the application process?

Contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@cia.edu or 216.421.7418

Admissions Office Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 9am to 7pm
Friday: 9am to 4pm
Saturday: 10am to 1pm
Sunday: Closed

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DATES + DEADLINES

Spring Term Application Deadline: November 15
Spring Deposit: January 5
Early Action Decision: December 1
Regular Decision: March 1
Deposit Deadline: May 1

Candidates who apply after the deadlines will be considered on a rolling basis. Enrollment deposits received after the deposit deadline will only be accepted on a space-available basis.

Spring Transfer Application Deadline: November 15
Spring Deposit: January 5

Fall Transfer (Priority): April 1
Fall Transfer (Regular Decision): June 1
Fall Deposit Deadline: August 1

Candidates who apply after the deadlines will be considered on a rolling basis. Enrollment deposits received after the deposit deadline will only be accepted on a space-available basis.

Articulation Agreements

Transferring from Cuyahoga Community College, Davis University or Lakeland Community College? See how you can get accepted to CIA as a sophomore.

Cuyahoga Community College Course Options (pdf)

Davis University Course Options (pdf)

Lakeland Community College Course Options (pdf)

Transfer Credit Information

As a transfer student, your transcripts are reviewed to determine which courses will transfer into our program. Please note that not all credit you earned prior to attending CIA may apply towards your degree and therefore may not be transferable. Credits are divided into two categories:

  • General Education Credit: General education credit earned at another accredited institution that may transfer as long as you earned a C or higher.
  • Studio Credit: Credits for studio coursework are reviewed based on transcript and rigor of program from the transferring institution.

Meet staff

Davon Brantley Headshot.

Davon Brantley

Senior Admissions Counselor

Brantley is a Cleveland based artist, implementing self-portraiture and psychology within his work and draws inspiration from the dissociative behaviors that happen as a result of life experiences and trauma.…

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Daly is working on her BFA presentation.

Daly Horton

Admissions Counselor

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James Malley

Director

James earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace University. He also earned a Master of Education from Vandercook College in Chicago, IL. Originally born in Manhattan…

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Yvette Sobky Shaffer

Vice President, Enrollment Management + Marketing

Yvette Sobky Shaffer most recently served as the Director of Admission at Parsons School of Design at The New School. An Ohio native, she began her career as a student…

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Karen Wellman

Assistant Director

Karen graduated with a BA in Art, with a concentration in Painting, and focus in Art History, from Cleveland State University. Karen worked at several galleries in the Cleveland area,…

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Jeff Yost

Admissions Counselor

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