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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Columbus College of Art and Design

Columbus, Ohio · www.ccad.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

67.7%

2025

Peer median 61.3%

Tuition per year

$40,825

$52,275 with room and board

Peer median $40,478

Undergraduates

884

Student-faculty ratio 10:1

Peer median 9 : 1

Graduation rate

56.1%

4-year; 6-year rate 59.8%

Peer median 52.9%

“Peers” are all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) is a distinguished institution located in Columbus, Ohio, known for its strong emphasis on creativity and innovation in the field of art and design. Established in 1879, CCAD has a rich history of nurturing artistic talent and providing students with a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including degrees in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, and Animation, among others. The curriculum is designed to encourage critical thinking and personal expression, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the dynamic nature of the creative industries.

The campus of CCAD is a vibrant hub for artistic collaboration and cultural exchange. With state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, galleries, and workshops, students have access to the tools and resources necessary to explore their creative potential fully. The college also boasts a diverse and supportive community, with faculty members who are accomplished professionals in their respective fields, providing mentorship and guidance to students. CCAD's location in Columbus, a city known for its thriving arts scene and cultural events, further enhances the student experience by offering numerous opportunities for internships and networking. The college's commitment to fostering a strong sense of community is reflected in its various student organizations and events, which promote engagement and collaboration among peers. Overall, CCAD stands out as a premier institution for aspiring artists and designers, dedicated to cultivating the next generation of creative leaders.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Columbus College of Art & Design

The Columbus College of Art & Design has shown some significant trends in its key metrics over the years, particularly concerning tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates.

Firstly, tuition fees have consistently increased over the years. For instance, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students rose from $30,390 in 2014 to $39,650 in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 30% over a decade. This steady rise in tuition may reflect broader trends in higher education where rising operational costs and demand for resources lead to increased financial burdens on students. Such increases could potentially impact enrollment numbers as prospective students may seek more affordable alternatives.

Regarding student enrollment, there has been a noticeable decline in undergraduate numbers, dropping from 1,387 in 2013 to 956 in 2023. This decline could be indicative of a shrinking interest in art and design programs, or it may suggest that students are opting for institutions offering lower tuition or more diversified academic offerings. It raises concerns about the college's ability to maintain a vibrant campus culture and financial stability.

The college's graduation rates have seen fluctuations as well. For instance, the on-time graduation rate decreased from 55.8% in 2014 to 53.5% in 2023. While still relatively stable, this trend may suggest challenges in student support or academic rigor that affect timely completions.

In contrast, retention rates have improved, jumping from 79.9% in 2013 to 77.6% in 2023. A higher retention rate signals that once students enroll, they are more likely to continue their studies at the institution, which is a positive indicator of student satisfaction and engagement.

These trends highlight the complexities facing Columbus College of Art & Design in balancing tuition, enrollment, student success, and retention to foster a sustainable educational environment. The interplay of these factors will be crucial for the college's future strategic planning and outreach efforts.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
In Columbus
Nearest international airport
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), about 6 mi
Columbus, Ohio
Also known as
CCAD
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Melanie Corn (President)
Phone
6142243295
City
Columbus, Ohio
Address
60 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 61.3% · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
56.3%
Women
70.1%

In 2020: men 90.4%, women 93.7%.

Data insights

Trends in Admission Rates at Columbus College of Art & Design

The admission data from Columbus College of Art & Design reveals significant trends in both male and female acceptance rates over the years. Starting from 2009, the acceptance rates for males were initially around 69%, while females had a slightly higher acceptance rate of approximately 73%. Over the years, these figures fluctuated, with male acceptance peaking at around 92% in 2022 and female acceptance also reaching a high of 95% in the same year.
It's notable that the college has experienced fluctuations in enrollment numbers, with a general decline observed from 2013 to 2018. The lowest enrollment occurred in 2012, with only 287 students. However, the figures rebounded slightly in subsequent years, indicating a potential recovery in interest and applications.
The year 2018 stands out as a challenging year for admissions, with a significant number of denials at 330, contrasting sharply with the relatively lower denial figures in previous years. This spike might reflect a more competitive applicant pool or possibly changes in the college's admission criteria.
Moreover, the deferral numbers suggest that the college has also been engaging with a considerable number of students who opted for a delayed admission. This could indicate a shift in student preferences or life circumstances that warrant a pause before enrollment.
Overall, the data indicates a responsive admission strategy at Columbus College of Art & Design, adapting to changing demographics and applicant qualities over the years, which is essential in maintaining its reputation in the increasingly competitive landscape of art and design education.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Fine Arts#62

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Trends in Admission Test Scores at Columbus College of Art & Design

The data from the Columbus College of Art & Design over the years reveals significant trends in the submission and performance of SAT and ACT scores among admitted students. One notable observation is the fluctuation in the number of students submitting their SAT scores, which peaked in 2009 with 125 submissions but drastically dropped to just 51 submissions from 2020 to 2023, representing a mere 19% of admitted students. This decline could suggest a shifting attitude towards standardized testing in college admissions, possibly influenced by the growing trend of test-optional policies across many institutions.

The scores themselves show a somewhat stable range over the years, particularly in reading and math sections of the SAT, where the 25th percentile scores have remained relatively consistent, hovering between 430 and 500, while the 75th percentile scores have generally remained between 560 and 630. This consistency might indicate that while the number of test-takers has decreased, the quality of those who do submit scores remains steady, reflecting a possibly more focused applicant pool.

Moreover, the slight increase in the SAT score range over the years could suggest that those who choose to take the test are generally performing better, perhaps due to increased preparation or changes in educational practices. In contrast, the ACT scores reflect a similar trend, with the overall statistics showing that the college continues to attract capable students despite the declining number of submissions.

Overall, these trends highlight a broader conversation around standardized testing in higher education and its evolving role in admissions processes. The data suggests that while Columbus College of Art & Design remains committed to evaluating applicants on their merits, the dynamics of how students showcase their capabilities are shifting.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 7 in 10

1,079 applicants in 2025, 67.7% admitted

730 admitted 349 not admitted Yield 32.1%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's1962 international (1.0%)
Master's30 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Illustration
64
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
55
Commercial and Advertising Art
18
Game and Interactive Media Design
14
Fine/Studio Arts, General
14
Fashion/Apparel Design
9
Interior Design
7
Industrial and Product Design
6
Cinematography and Film/Video Production
5
Photography
4

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Visual and Performing Arts, General · Master's3 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Columbus College of Art & Design

The graduation data from the Columbus College of Art & Design reveals significant trends and insights into the institution's offerings and the diversity of its student body. Notably, the highest number of bachelor's degrees conferred was in Illustration, with 77 graduates, indicating a robust interest in this field. This prominence reflects broader industry trends where visual storytelling and illustration are increasingly valued in various sectors, from publishing to digital media.

Interestingly, the data shows a complete absence of international students graduating with bachelor’s degrees in several programs, including Animation, Fine/Studio Arts, and Interior Design. This lack of diversity in certain disciplines could suggest barriers to entry for international students or indicate that these programs may not be as appealing to foreign applicants compared to others.

Furthermore, the presence of international students in the master's programs, particularly with 11 graduates in Visual and Performing Arts, suggests that these programs are more attractive to this demographic. This aligns with the growing trend of international students seeking advanced degrees in creative fields, often looking for unique educational experiences that can elevate their careers globally.

Overall, the graduation figures highlight both the strengths and potential areas for growth within the college's programs, particularly regarding international recruitment and diversification across all levels of study. As the demand for creative professionals continues to rise, Columbus College of Art & Design may benefit from enhancing its appeal to a broader range of students, ensuring that its graduates are well-equipped to meet the dynamic needs of the creative industry.

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

Visual and Performing artshas 144 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Visual and Performing Arts, General.-
Commercial and Advertising Art.$31,765
Industrial and Product Design.$31,765
Fashion/Apparel Design.$31,765
Interior Design.$31,765
Illustration.$31,765
Game and Interactive Media Design.$31,765
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.$33,524
Photography.$33,524
Fine/Studio Arts, General.$26,800
Communications technologies has 55 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.$21,520

Students

916 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 27:73 · Freshman retention 80.3%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (884)

White
588 · 66.5%
Black
107 · 12.1%
Hispanic
77 · 8.7%
Two or more races
37 · 4.2%
Asian
36 · 4.1%
Unknown
35 · 4.0%
International
4 · 0.5%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
1.0%
18–19
38.1%
20–21
38.6%
22–24
16.7%
25 and over
5.3%

Graduate students

Under 22
0.0%
22–24
21.9%
25–29
31.3%
30–34
21.9%
35 and over
25.0%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Columbus College of Art & Design in 2023

The data from the Columbus College of Art & Design for 2023 reveals significant insights into the demographics of its student body. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 225, with a notable gender distribution where 26.7% are male and 73.3% are female. This indicates a strong representation of female students within this cohort, which aligns with broader trends in higher education, particularly in fields related to art and design, where female enrollment often exceeds that of males.

In the undergraduate junior category, which consists of 674 students, the male-to-female ratio shows only a slight increase in male representation at 31.6%. The consistency in the high percentage of female students across both freshmen and juniors suggests that the college fosters an environment that appeals to women, potentially influencing their retention and success in the program.

The data also highlights the presence of transfer students, with 57 individuals classified as such. This group maintains a similar gender distribution as the juniors, further emphasizing the trend of female predominance. Additionally, the graduate student population, though small at 16 individuals, continues to reflect the overall gender trend with 31.3% male and 68.8% female.

The breakdown of students by ethnicity reveals a diverse student body, particularly among white students, who represent the majority across all categories. This demographic landscape is crucial for institutions aiming to promote inclusivity and diversity within their programs. Overall, the trends observed in this data suggest that the Columbus College of Art & Design is a welcoming space for female students, while also providing an opportunity for a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds to thrive in the arts.

Age Composition Analysis of Columbus College of Art & Design Students

The age composition of students at the Columbus College of Art & Design reveals notable trends in the demographics of both undergraduate and graduate populations. A significant majority of the students are concentrated in the 18-21 age range, with a total of 442 students aged 18-19 and 384 students aged 20-21. This indicates a strong presence of traditional college-aged students, which is typical for art and design schools that attract younger individuals seeking to pursue creative fields.

Interestingly, among the younger students, there is a pronounced gender disparity in undergraduate enrollment. For example, while there are 93 male undergraduates in the 18-19 age group, the number of female undergraduates in the same age range is significantly higher at 249. This trend continues in the 20-21 age bracket, where 101 males are enrolled compared to 283 females. This suggests that the creative arts are increasingly appealing to female students, highlighting the evolving dynamics in gender representation within the arts.

As students age, particularly in the 22-29 range, the numbers begin to dwindle, which is not uncommon as many students graduate or shift to part-time studies. The representation of older students (30 and above) remains minimal, indicating that the college primarily serves a younger demographic.

These patterns reflect broader trends in higher education, where younger students are more prevalent, especially in creative disciplines. The gender imbalance also points to the need for ongoing discussions about inclusivity and support for male students in fields traditionally dominated by female students, reinforcing the importance of fostering a balanced educational environment.

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.

Undergraduates0.5%

4 in 2025 · 6.9% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 6.9%2017: 7.3%2018: 6.8%2019: 6.5%2020: 5.6%2021: 2.6%2022: 0.0%2023: 2.0%2024: 1.2%2025: 0.5%
2016Peer median 5.0%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 25.0% in 2016

0% 17.5% 35% 2016: 25.0%2017: 8.6%2018: 28.0%2019: 24.2%2020: 22.2%2021: 18.5%2022: 0.0%2023: 6.3%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 29.8%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Columbus College of Art & Design

The data on international student enrollment at the Columbus College of Art & Design highlights significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in the undergraduate segment. In 2004, the percentage of international students among undergraduates was 6.74%, which marked a relatively strong starting point. However, this figure saw a decline over the subsequent years, hitting a low of 1.99% in 2023, indicating a concerning trend for the college as it appears to be losing its appeal to international students.

The overall undergraduate population also dwindled from 1,631 in 2004 to 956 in 2023, which could suggest a broader issue affecting enrollment, possibly linked to the competitive landscape of art and design education globally. The diminishing numbers of international students may also reflect the challenges faced by institutions in attracting talent amidst increasing competition from other countries that provide strong art and design programs.

On the graduate level, while the percentage of international students fluctuated, it peaked significantly at 28% in 2018. This suggests that the graduate program may still hold some allure for international students, but this too has seen a decline, dropping to 6.25% in 2023. The variation in enrollment figures could also be influenced by global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted international travel and education.

In conclusion, the data signals a need for Columbus College of Art & Design to reevaluate its strategies to attract and retain international students, as their presence is not only vital for the diversity and richness of the educational environment but also for the institution's global standing.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$52,275

Undergraduate tuition
$40,825
Room and board
$11,450
Graduate tuition
$27,252
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $58,844 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

Tuition rose 25% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 36%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$30.9M

Tuition and fees
$18.1M58.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$5.2M16.8%
Investment return
$3.5M11.4%
Gifts and private grants
$2.6M8.4%
Government grants and contracts
$240K0.8%
Other
$1.3M4.0%

Expenses$29.7M

Instruction
$11.2M37.6%
Institutional support
$9.7M32.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$4.4M14.8%
Student services
$2.1M7.2%
Academic support
$1.2M3.9%
Public service
$1.1M3.7%

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.

All faculty
$50,964peers $68,014
Professor
$59,209peers $81,680
Associate professor
$50,956peers $73,404
Assistant professor
$42,725peers $62,138

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

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near the Columbus College of Art & Design:

  1. Ohio State University-Main Campus - Ranked 43rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Ohio State University is a comprehensive university known for its strong research programs and diverse academic offerings.

  2. Denison University - With a rank of 39, Denison University is a liberal arts college that emphasizes a personalized education and a strong community atmosphere.

  3. Kenyon College - Also ranked 39th, Kenyon College is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and beautiful campus, offering a close-knit liberal arts education.

  4. University of Dayton - This comprehensive university holds the 133rd rank and is recognized for its commitment to community service and strong engineering programs.

  5. Xavier University - Ranked 201st, Xavier University is a comprehensive institution with a focus on liberal arts education and service-oriented programs.

  6. Oberlin College - With a rank of 51, Oberlin College is a liberal arts college famous for its progressive values and strong music conservatory.

These institutions offer a range of programs and are known for their academic excellence, making them excellent options for students in the Columbus area.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 1.3 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
18
Drug referrals
12
Liquor referrals
4
Rape
1
Aggravated assault
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Columbus College of Art & Design

The crime data from Columbus College of Art & Design reveals fluctuating trends over the past decade. Starting from a relatively low rate of 2.41 incidents per 1000 students in 2013, the figures peaked in 2016 with a significant rise to 13.33. This spike could indicate a period of heightened awareness or reporting of crimes on campus, particularly in categories such as drug-related arrests and assaults.

Interestingly, the year 2021 recorded zero incidents, which could be reflective of a combination of factors, potentially including increased campus security measures, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic leading to decreased campus activity, or more effective community outreach programs. However, this was followed by a resurgence in 2022, with a rate of 3.00, and a further increase to 7.41 in 2023, suggesting that the previous year’s low was not a permanent trend.

When evaluating specific categories, gun-related arrests and domestic violence incidents have often been significant contributors to the overall crime rate. The data shows a consistent concern with these issues, highlighting the need for ongoing educational programs and preventive measures.

Ultimately, while the college has made strides in managing campus safety, the variability in crime statistics emphasizes the importance of continual assessment and proactive strategies to ensure student safety and well-being. For more insights on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

Notable Alumni

All 24

Notable alumni of Columbus College of Art and Design include Alex Grey (Visionary painter known for the Sacred Mirrors series), Alan Becker (Animator and YouTuber, creator of Animator vs. Animation) and Dan Scanlon (Pixar director of Monsters University and Onward).

See all 24 notable alumni of Columbus College of Art and Design →

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.