Nossi College of Art and Design logo

Nossi College of Art and Design

Accept Rate
43.27%
Grad Rate
49%
Enrollment
278
Tuition
$20,350
Median Salary
$35,113
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
B-
Admissions
B-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Nossi College of Art and Design feels like a creative incubator tucked into the heart of Music City. The small, intimate campus fosters a tight-knit community where every student is recognized and pushed to refine their artistic voice. It's a hands-on, project-driven environment that buzzes with the energy of Nashville's artistic pulse.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

43.27%
Selective

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Your portfolio is the most critical component of your application; focus on showcasing your best work that demonstrates technical skill and creative vision. Since the acceptance rate is 43%, you have a strong chance of admission if you present a solid portfolio and a clear passion for your chosen art form. Be prepared to discuss your artistic goals and why you want to study in Nashville's vibrant creative scene during your interview or application process.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The college's primary academic strength is its exclusive focus on visual and performing arts, offering specialized programs in photography, graphic design, and video production. The curriculum is intensely hands-on, with a teaching model centered on mentorship from instructors who are active industry professionals. While research in a traditional sense is limited, students are immersed in real-world creative projects and portfolio development from day one.

Popular Majors

Visual & Performing Arts
100%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

49%
Graduation Rate
75%
Retention Rate
278
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$20,350
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$23,591
After financial aid
Total Cost
$26,846
Cost of attendance/year
57.7%
Receive Pell Grants
73.5%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Nashville-Davidson

Nashville offers an unparalleled backdrop for creative students, with a world-renowned music scene, countless live venues, and a thriving network of artists and designers. Students can explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods, visit galleries, enjoy diverse cuisine, and find endless inspiration for their work. The city's status as a creative hub provides ample opportunities for internships, networking, and part-time work in the arts.

Local Rent Check

$1,442 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Nashville-Davidson
Explore Nashville-Davidson

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$81,400
$0Est. 4 Years: $81,400

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($35,113):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Nossi's campus is located in a commercially active area of Nashville, which generally feels safe and well-trafficked. As with any urban environment, students are advised to be aware of their surroundings, especially at night, but the campus itself is secure.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Specialized, hands-on training in visual and performing arts.
  • โœ“ High Pell Grant rate indicates a diverse and accessible student body.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Nashville provides rich cultural and professional opportunities.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty.

Cons

  • โœ— Low graduation and retention rates can be a concern for student success.
  • โœ— Median post-graduation earnings are below the national average.
  • โœ— Limited academic offerings outside of the arts and design fields.

Notable Alumni

Joshua Britt
Co-founder of the popular Nashville-based blog and creative agency, Nashvillian.
Leigh Ann Huggins
Accomplished commercial and portrait photographer with a significant presence in the Nashville market.
Carson Lee
Successful video producer and director working with major music artists and brands in Nashville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nossi College of Art and Design is known for its specialized, career-focused education in the visual and performing arts. With a small enrollment of just 278 students, it offers an intimate, hands-on learning environment in the heart of Nashville, a city renowned for its creative energy. The college is particularly recognized for programs in photography, graphic design, and video production that are directly aligned with industry needs.

Nossi College of Art and Design has an acceptance rate of 43.27%, which indicates that admission is selective but accessible for well-prepared applicants. While the college considers a holistic application, the primary focus is on the applicant's portfolio and demonstrated passion for the arts. A strong portfolio and a clear artistic vision are the most important factors for a successful application.

Campus life at Nossi is defined by its small, collaborative community where students are encouraged to work together and support each other's creative growth. Given its urban Nashville setting, student life extends beyond the campus, with easy access to the city's legendary music venues, art galleries, and cultural events. The atmosphere is project-oriented and intensely creative, with a focus on developing a professional portfolio.

The value of a Nossi degree depends heavily on a student's ability to leverage the specialized training and Nashville location. With an average net price of $23,591 and a 10-year median earnings of $35,113, the return on investment is modest compared to other fields. However, for a dedicated artist seeking focused, practical training in a creative hub, the cost may be justified by the networking opportunities and skill development, especially if debt can be kept low through scholarships and grants.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Sony Music Warner Music Group Ryman Hospitality Properties Local Design Studios Freelance/Independent
Smart Start Score
44

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 312
  • In-State Tuition $20,350
  • Zip Code 37115

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 39.2% โ™€ 60.8%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $23,591 and a 10-year median earnings of $35,113, the financial return on investment is modest and requires careful consideration. While the tuition is relatively flat for both in-state and out-of-state students, the earnings data suggests that graduates may face a challenging financial start. Prospective students should aggressively pursue scholarships, grants, and federal aid to minimize debt, as the value proposition is strongest for those who graduate without significant loans.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Aultman College of

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $20,350
Housing (12 mo) $17,304
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $44,854
With avg financial aid:
$23,591/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.