Art Academy of Cincinnati
The Vibe Check
The Art Academy of Cincinnati feels like an intimate, high-intensity creative studio where you're immersed in art from day one. The small class sizes foster deep mentorship with professors who are working artists themselves. It's a tight-knit, collaborative environment where the pressure to create is balanced by a palpable sense of community.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Optional
This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
As a specialized art school, its academic strength is laser-focused on Visual & Performing Arts with programs in fine arts, design, and illustration. Teaching quality is high due to a low 9:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized critique and mentorship. While not a research powerhouse, students gain real-world experience through required internships, studio practice, and public exhibitions.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Cincinnati
Cincinnati offers a rich cultural life for art students, with the Contemporary Arts Center, Taft Museum of Art, and a thriving gallery scene in Over-the-Rhine just steps from campus. Students enjoy exploring the city's unique neighborhoods, from the food scene at Findlay Market to catching a Reds game at Great American Ball Park. The city's riverfront parks and extensive network of bridges also provide scenic inspiration and recreation.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($34,368):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in the bustling Over-the-Rhine district, a vibrant but urban area requiring standard city awareness. The school has its own campus security, but students should be mindful of their surroundings, especially at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Intensive, studio-based curriculum with high-level mentorship from practicing artists.
- ✓ Prime location in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine, offering direct access to galleries, museums, and internships.
- ✓ Extremely small class sizes ensure personalized attention and a strong sense of community.
Cons
- ✗ The 47.6% graduation rate is significantly below national averages, indicating potential challenges with student retention and completion.
- ✗ The high net price and low median earnings post-graduation raise questions about the financial ROI.
- ✗ As a highly specialized institution, it offers limited options for students interested in exploring other academic fields.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
The Art Academy of Cincinnati is known for its rigorous, studio-based education in the visual arts, with strong programs in fine arts, illustration, and design. It has a long history dating back to 1869 and is deeply integrated into Cincinnati's vibrant arts scene, emphasizing professional practice and real-world experience through internships and exhibitions.
Yes, it is moderately selective with an acceptance rate of 33.14%. While this indicates a competitive process, the most heavily weighted factor in admissions is the quality of the applicant's portfolio. Standardized test scores and GPA are considered, but your artistic ability and creative potential are paramount for acceptance.
Campus life is intensely focused on art creation within a small, close-knit community. Students spend most of their time in studios working on projects, participating in critiques, and attending gallery openings. The urban setting means students are part of the larger, energetic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, blending campus life with the city's cultural offerings.
This is a complex question that depends on a student's career goals and financial situation. While the 10-year median earnings of $34,368 are low relative to the high net price, the value lies in the specialized training, mentorship, and direct access to the art world. Success often depends on the individual's drive, portfolio quality, and ability to leverage the school's connections, making it a high-risk, high-reward investment for dedicated artists.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 273
- In-State Tuition $40,250
- Zip Code 45202
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $38,041 and a 10-year median earnings of $34,368, the financial return on investment is a significant consideration. The high tuition is typical for a private art school, but the low graduation and retention rates suggest that the financial and academic commitment is challenging for many students. Prospective students should aggressively pursue scholarships and grants, especially given that nearly half the student body receives Pell Grants, to make the investment more manageable.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.