Art Academy of Cincinnati

Private · Selective · OH

School data & stats

TypePrivate

LocationOH · Midwest

SettingUrban

Undergrads205

Student:faculty9:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate36.5%

6-yr grad rate41.3%

Drop-out rate49.1%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$41k

Out-of-state tuition$41k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity33.2%

Gender diversity77.1%

International1.5%

Identity—

Overview

The Art Academy of Cincinnati is a small independent art and design college founded in 1869 in association with the Cincinnati Art Museum, and now located in the city's Over-the-Rhine arts district. It offers studio-intensive training for a small number of students committed to a focused artistic path, without the broader general-education requirements of a comprehensive university.

Academics

Programs in illustration, design, painting, and printmaking are studio-heavy, with small class sizes and close instructor contact typical of an independent art college. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on studio practice and portfolio development over broad general education, so most of a student's time is spent making work rather than sitting in lecture halls.

Campus & student life

The Over-the-Rhine location puts students directly in one of Cincinnati's most active arts and culture neighborhoods, with galleries, studios, and music venues within walking distance, giving a small student body real access to a working creative scene beyond campus rather than just an academic bubble.

Worth knowing

As a small independent art college, resources and program breadth are narrower than a large art school or university art department, so fit depends on wanting a tightly focused studio experience in a specific discipline rather than broad exploration across many fields.

artacademy.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate34.5%

Enrolled mid-50%—

Test policyoptional

Rec letters0

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying