Cleveland Institute of Art
Acceptance rate
61.3%
2025
Peer median 61.3%
Tuition per year
$48,700
$61,550 with room and board
Peer median $40,478
Undergraduates
545
Student-faculty ratio 9:1
Peer median 9 : 1
Graduation rate
66.0%
4-year; 6-year rate 73.6%
Peer median 52.9%
“Peers” are all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) is a prestigious institution known for its strong emphasis on visual arts and design education. Located in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio, the institute has been a cornerstone of the local cultural landscape since its founding in 1882. With a mission to cultivate creativity and innovation, CIA offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as fine arts, graphic design, industrial design, photography, and animation. The school prides itself on its hands-on approach to learning, where students engage in studio practice and collaborative projects, preparing them for successful careers in the creative industries.
CIA's commitment to fostering a vibrant artistic community is reflected in its dynamic campus culture. The institute features state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped studios, galleries, and a dedicated art library, providing students with the resources they need to push the boundaries of their creativity. Additionally, CIA hosts numerous exhibitions, lectures, and workshops, allowing students to interact with accomplished artists and industry professionals. The school’s location in Cleveland also offers students access to a rich array of cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and galleries, further enhancing their educational experience. Notably, CIA has produced many distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to the arts, establishing a legacy that continues to inspire current students.
Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Gender Ratio
The data from Cleveland Institute of Art illustrates significant trends in tuition fees, graduation rates, and gender ratios that merit discussion. Over the years, the tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has shown a steady increase. For instance, from 2014 to 2024, the tuition escalated from $36,509 to $47,880, representing a 31% rise. This growing financial burden on students reflects a broader trend observed across many higher education institutions, where tuition hikes are often attributed to rising operational costs and decreased state funding.
In terms of graduation rates, there has been a noticeable upward trajectory. The on-time graduation rate rose from approximately 31% in 2014 to around 56% in 2023, indicating improved student outcomes and institutional support systems. This increase in graduation rates is crucial as it not only highlights the effectiveness of the educational programs but also enhances the institution’s reputation and attractiveness to prospective students.
Another noteworthy aspect is the gender ratio among undergraduate students. The percentage of male students has decreased from around 42% in 2014 to just about 28% in 2023, while female representation has increased correspondingly. This shift may reflect changing societal norms and an increasing interest among women in the arts and design fields, which are traditionally male-dominated. Such demographic changes could influence campus culture and the dynamics of classrooms, potentially leading to a more diverse and inclusive environment.
Overall, Cleveland Institute of Art's data provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of higher education, emphasizing the need for institutions to adapt to financial pressures, improve educational outcomes, and foster diverse student bodies.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Cleveland
- Nearest international airport
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), about 15 mi
- Also known as
- CIA
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Kathryn Heidemann (President and CEO)
- Phone
- 2164217000
- Address
- 11610 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-1710
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 61.3% · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 58.6%, women 73.6%.
Data insights
Trends in Admissions at Cleveland Institute of Art
The admission data from the Cleveland Institute of Art over the years reveals some intriguing trends regarding the acceptance rates for male and female applicants. Starting from 2009, both male and female acceptance rates were relatively high, with males at approximately 84% and females at 88%. However, as the years progressed, we saw a significant decline in male acceptance rates, dropping to around 63% by 2016, while female acceptance rates also decreased but remained higher, ending at about 73% in 2023.
This trend may reflect broader shifts in the applicant pool and the increasing competitiveness of art schools nationally. The fluctuating number of enrollments and denials also indicates a dynamic application environment; for example, in 2018, there was a noticeable spike in denials, with a rejection rate of about 53% for males. This suggests that the institute may have tightened its admission criteria to maintain educational quality amidst rising applicant numbers.
Moreover, the total number of students enrolled has varied, reaching a peak of 175 in 2019, which could indicate an effort to balance class sizes with institutional resources. The number of deferrals has also been noteworthy, particularly in years of lower enrollment, suggesting that some students may opt for a gap year, which has become increasingly common in recent times.
Overall, the Cleveland Institute of Art's admission data illustrates the evolving landscape of higher education in the arts, highlighting the importance of adaptability in response to changing applicant demographics and institutional goals.
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 17% submitted SAT, 13% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Trends in Admission Scores at Cleveland Institute of Art
The data from the Cleveland Institute of Art over the years reveals intriguing trends in the standardized test scores of admitted students. Looking at the SAT reading and math scores, we see fluctuations in both the lower and upper quartiles, indicating varying levels of competition and possibly shifting applicant demographics each year. For instance, the 25th percentile reading score has seen a gradual increase from 480 in 2007 to 570 in 2023, suggesting that the minimum standards for acceptance are rising, likely reflecting a more competitive applicant pool.
Conversely, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has shown inconsistency, ranging from 14% in 2023 to as high as 52% in 2010. This decline in submission rates may point to a broader trend in higher education where applicants are increasingly opting for test-optional routes, a shift accelerated by the pandemic. As many institutions reconsider the relevance of standardized tests, the data suggests that this may affect the profiles of admitted students, leading to a potential evolution in the academic culture at the Cleveland Institute of Art.
The ACT scores complement this narrative, with the upper quartile scores indicating a relatively stable performance among admitted students, although the submission rates also reflect a declining trend. Overall, while the institute maintains its standards, the ongoing changes in submission rates and scores highlight a crucial period of transformation within the admissions landscape, compelling both the institution and prospective students to adapt to new realities in the higher education environment.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 6 in 10
978 applicants in 2025, 61.3% admitted
600 admitted 378 not admitted Yield 19.8%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Cleveland Institute of Art
The graduation data from the Cleveland Institute of Art reveals some intriguing insights into the trends among various art disciplines. Notably, the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree appears to dominate the graduation statistics, with Illustration leading the pack with 29 graduates, followed by Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects with 16 graduates. This suggests a robust interest and demand for visual storytelling and interactive media, fields that are increasingly relevant in today’s digital landscape.
Interestingly, the presence of international students is minimal across most programs, with only a few international graduates in Illustration and Industrial and Product Design. This could indicate potential barriers for international students in the arts or a lack of sufficient outreach by the institution to attract a more diverse student body. Given the global nature of the art world, increasing international representation could enrich the educational environment and foster cross-cultural collaborations.
Furthermore, it is notable that there are no graduates reported for master's or doctorate programs in any of the disciplines listed. This lack of advanced degree graduates may point to either a limited offering of these programs at the institute or a purposeful focus on undergraduate education in the arts. As the job market for art graduates evolves, institutions may need to consider expanding their graduate programs to better prepare students for advanced roles in their fields.
Overall, the data reflects both the popularity of certain bachelor degree programs and the challenges faced by international students, alongside the potential need for expanded graduate offerings.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial and Product Design. | $32,949 | |
| Interior Design. | $32,949 | |
| Graphic Design. | $32,949 | |
| Illustration. | $32,949 | |
| Game and Interactive Media Design. | $32,949 | |
| Photography. | - | |
| Drawing. | $31,979 | |
| Sculpture. | $31,979 | |
| Printmaking. | $31,979 | |
| Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other. | $31,979 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. | $26,181 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Illustration/Medical Illustrator. | - |
Students
545 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 26:74 · Freshman retention 87.8%
- Continuing undergraduates 402
- First-year undergraduates 117
- Transfers and others 26
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (545)
Data insights
Student Demographics at Cleveland Institute of Art 2023
The 2023 student composition data from the Cleveland Institute of Art reveals interesting trends regarding gender and racial diversity among the student population. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 154, with a significant female majority of 75.3%, indicating a strong attraction of female students to art programs. Similarly, undergraduate sophomores also exhibit a notable female presence at 72.4%, which suggests that this trend may continue throughout their academic journey.
In contrast, the transfer student demographic has a slightly more balanced gender ratio, with 37.9% of these students identifying as male. This may reflect varying factors such as the changing interests of students who decide to transfer or the specific programs they choose to pursue.
Looking closer at the racial breakdown, it is evident that the white student population remains predominant across the categories, but the numbers for other racial groups such as Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islander, and African American students are not explicitly detailed in this dataset. This lack of visibility may highlight a need for further examination of diversity efforts at the institution.
Overall, while the Cleveland Institute of Art demonstrates a strong female representation, the ongoing challenge lies in enhancing the racial diversity within its student body. As discussions around inclusivity and representation in the arts continue to gain momentum, it is crucial for educational institutions to take deliberate steps toward creating an environment that embraces all backgrounds.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Cleveland Institute of Art
The age distribution of students at the Cleveland Institute of Art reveals a significant concentration of younger individuals, particularly in the 18-19 and 20-21 age brackets. Notably, there are 243 undergraduate females aged 18-21, accounting for approximately 74% of the total female student population. This trend is indicative of a growing interest in art and design among younger generations, which aligns with broader national trends in higher education where younger students are increasingly pursuing creative fields.
In stark contrast, the representation of male students is relatively low, with only 62 males under 18 and a diminishing number in older age categories. This disparity raises questions about gender dynamics within the art education space. The absence of graduate male students further emphasizes the gender gap, as there are no enrollments in the graduate programs for males, pointing towards a potential area for recruitment efforts.
Interestingly, the data illustrates a significant drop in student numbers as age increases, with nearly all students falling below the age of 30. This aligns with national statistics that show a trend of younger individuals pursuing education, while older age groups tend to have lower enrollment in traditional college settings.
Overall, the data from the Cleveland Institute of Art reflects contemporary educational trends, highlighting the importance of addressing gender imbalances and encouraging diversity in age representation within art institutions. As the landscape of art education continues to evolve, institutions must adapt their strategies to attract and retain students from a wider demographic spectrum.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
5 in 2025 · 10.2% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Cleveland Institute of Art
The data on international student enrollment at the Cleveland Institute of Art reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in undergraduate numbers. Starting from 2004, the percentage of international students among undergraduates was relatively low, peaking at 10.23% in 2016, which indicates a growing interest and an increase in diversity within the student body. However, this trend appears to have reversed in recent years, with a notable decline in both total undergraduate enrollment and the number of international students. By 2023, only 1.71% of the undergraduate population were international students, highlighting a concerning decrease in global representation at the institution.
In contrast, while graduate student enrollment data is not consistently available, the available figures showcase a similar trend of instability. The absence of data for graduate international students in recent years raises questions about the institution's appeal to a global audience. The decline in international student numbers may be influenced by broader factors, such as changes in immigration policies, global events, or shifts in the art education landscape post-pandemic.
This trend is concerning, especially considering the growing emphasis on diversity and global perspectives in higher education. Institutions like the Cleveland Institute of Art must actively work to attract and retain international talent to enrich their academic communities. Efforts could include enhancing support services for international students, promoting unique programs, and engaging in international partnerships. As global dynamics continue to evolve, the ability of the Cleveland Institute of Art to adapt and attract a diverse student body will be crucial for its long-term success and relevance in the art education sector.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$61,550
- Undergraduate tuition
- $48,700
- Room and board
- $12,850
Peer median tuition + room and board $58,844 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Tuition rose 27% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 11%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$24.2M
Expenses$23.9M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland · 0.4 mi
U.S. News #44
-
Kent State University at KentKent · 28.5 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Oberlin CollegeOberlin · 35.2 mi
Liberal Arts #59
-
College of WoosterWooster · 51.4 mi
Liberal Arts #91
-
Allegheny CollegeMeadville · 75.8 mi
Liberal Arts #85
-
Kenyon CollegeGambier · 88.8 mi
Liberal Arts #41
-
Gannon UniversityErie · 88.9 mi
U.S. News #219
-
Wayne State UniversityDetroit · 95.5 mi
U.S. News #186
-
Robert Morris UniversityMoon Township · 99.7 mi
U.S. News #219
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near the Cleveland Institute of Art:
-
Case Western Reserve University - Ranked 53 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation across a variety of disciplines.
-
Oberlin College - With a ranking of 51, Oberlin is a prestigious liberal arts college that focuses on a well-rounded education, fostering creativity and critical thinking among its students.
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Kenyon College - Ranked 39, Kenyon is another esteemed liberal arts college recognized for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant community life.
-
Carnegie Mellon University - Holding an impressive rank of 24, Carnegie Mellon is renowned for its programs in science, technology, engineering, and the arts, making it a leader in interdisciplinary education.
-
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - This comprehensive university ranks 21st and is celebrated for its research initiatives, diverse academic offerings, and vibrant campus life.
These institutions collectively contribute to a rich educational environment in the Cleveland area, each with its unique strengths and focus areas.
Peer median 1.3 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Cleveland Institute of Art
The crime data from the Cleveland Institute of Art reveals a generally low incidence of criminal activity over the years analyzed, particularly from 2013 to 2023. Notably, the years 2013 through 2018 and 2019 to 2021 showed no reported incidents, indicating a strong commitment to campus safety. However, there were fluctuations in crime rates in the years 2015, 2016, 2017, and a slight uptick in 2023, with reported incidents of gun arrests, drug-related offenses, and assault.
The data for 2022 and 2023 shows a small increase in the average crime rate per 1000 students, with rates of 0.34 and 3.77, respectively. This suggests a potential concern that should be addressed by the campus administration to ensure the safety and security of the student body. Events like gun arrests and drug offenses can have serious implications on the campus environment and the overall reputation of the institution.
In light of recent discussions surrounding campus safety and crime, it is crucial for educational institutions to remain vigilant and proactive in implementing preventive measures. This might include increasing security presence, offering educational programs about substance abuse, and fostering a safe and open environment for reporting incidents. Overall, while the Cleveland Institute of Art has maintained a relatively low crime rate, the slight increases in recent years call for attention and action to preserve its standing as a safe haven for creativity and learning. For more insights on crime rates and their calculations, you can refer to this link.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Cleveland Institute of Art include Marsden Hartley (Modernist painter, poet and essayist), Brian Michael Bendis (Comic book writer and artist) and William Zorach (Sculptor, painter and printmaker).
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Marsden Hartley 1877–1943
Modernist painter, poet and essayist
-
Brian Michael Bendis 1967–
Comic book writer and artist
-
William Zorach 1887–1966
Sculptor, painter and printmaker
-
Brian Azzarello 1962–
Comic book writer, creator of 100 Bullets
-
Vic Donahey 1873–1946
50th governor of Ohio and US senator
-
Viktor Schreckengost 1906–2008
Industrial designer, sculptor and artist
-
Mario Casilli 1931–2002
Photographer who worked for Playboy magazine
-
Manuel Bromberg 1917–2022
Artist and educator, WWII official war artist
-
Rosana Castrillo Díaz 1971–
Spanish artist
More alumni (11, by field)
Arts and media
-
William McVey 1905–1995
Sculptor, animalier and teacher
-
Leamon Green 1959–
Visual artist working in various media
-
Thu Tran 1901–
Writer and producer of Food Party
-
Russell Atkins 1926–2024
Cleveland poet, playwright and composer
-
Victor Kord 1935–
Painter and art educator
-
Jenny Scobel 1955–
New York-based painter
-
Sante Graziani 1920–2005
Artist and educator known for public murals
-
Jacob Burck 1907–1982
Award-winning editorial cartoonist and painter
-
Hughie Lee-Smith 1915–1999
Painter and teacher known for surreal paintings
-
Martha Elizabeth Burchfield Richter 1924–1977
Watercolorist and daughter of Charles Burchfield
-
Charles Sallee 1913–2006
African-American artist from Cleveland, Ohio
From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.