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Kansas City Art Institute

Kansas City, Missouri · Private (nonprofit)

Aug 15Application deadline

FindU Grade

B-Value
N/ACampus
A-Academics
CAdmissions
B+Student Life
B+Overall

About

Kansas City Art Institute is located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is a private (nonprofit) institution. The university enrolls approximately 782 students.

kcai.edu

Cost and aid

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$43,550
Out-of-state tuition$43,550
Room & board$12,900
Avg aid package$36,445
Students receiving aid42%
Pell grant recipients42%

Kansas City Art Institute's tuition is approximately $44,000 per year, with additional fees and living expenses bringing the average net price to around $30,142 after financial aid. 100% of full-time freshmen receive some form of institutional aid, averaging around $36,445 per recipient. The school also offers various scholarships and grants to help students manage costs.

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Admissions

Application info

Acceptance rate60%
Average GPA3.26
Student–faculty ratio10:1
Test optionalYes
Common AppYes
Application fee$0

Application dates

Regular DecisionAug 15

The Kansas City Art Institute has an acceptance rate of 60%, making it moderately selective. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio, essay, and high school transcript. SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended, and the application fee is $0.

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Academics

Graduation rate61%
Retention rate75%
Student–faculty ratio10:1
Full-time faculty47%

The Kansas City Art Institute offers a rigorous curriculum with a comprehensive studio experience. Students begin with a Foundation program to develop their talents before choosing from 13 majors. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, experimentation, and critical discourse, fostering a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$37,032
Avg starting salary$55,000
Job placement rate92%
Earn more than HS grad40%
Economic mobility1%
Loan default (3 yr)6%
Loan repayment (3 yr)61%

KCAI prepares students for careers as artists and designers, with a focus on professional practices and real-world experience. Students gain practical experience through internships, mentorships, and sponsored studio partnerships with area businesses. Graduates are equipped to become thought leaders in their respective fields.

Student life

Demographics

Small School
782Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio
Female 79%Male 21%
62% WhiteRacial diversity
White 62%Hispanic 15%Black 8%Asian 4%Other 12%
Campus housingYes

Campus life

The Grand Opening of the @kcstreetcar Main Street Extension is happening Friday, October 24 at 10:00 a.m.! This mileston

@kcartinstitute

Senior Professor of @kcaifiber Pauline Verbeek reflects on her approach to weaving and materials during a visit to Manna

@kcartinstitute

@kcaipainting senior Jaede Bayala / @jaedes_destiny is the President of KCAI’s Hispanic/Latinx Association / @hla_kcai.

@kcartinstitute

+6 moreWatch every campus video. FreeShow me all

Student life at KCAI is centered around a close-knit community of like-minded creatives. The campus culture is inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly, with opportunities for students to connect through clubs, events, and shared artistic interests. Social life tends to be low-key, with small gatherings and studio interactions.

Student reviews

Campus and vibes

Current Student

KCAI is a small school so you get to know everyone. Dorm activities, friday seminars, and open art spaces allow you to interact with lots of people. The cafeteria has a lot of options and the meal plan is very simple--no weird pricing. It's all one price. My teachers are friendly and involved. The Dorms are very new and large with suite style bathrooms. The ceilings are huge and each room has a sink outside of the bathroom to make mornings go faster. The campus is beautiful and it is right across the street from the Nelson Atkins Museum.

Current Student

Although KCAI is an art school, I believe there should be more opportunity toward athletics and student life. An art-based or a studio-based school is wonderful for creative minds. However, in order to keep our students remain artistic and raw, more clubs organization that includes diversity should be created to ensure all of the students ideas are met.

Current Student

The Kansas City Art Institute has an active student community with several clubs and events for students to get involved. There are a variety of electives in each course which allow for students to experience other majors. Where I would like to see change is in a higher diversity. As a Puerto Rican I do not see as large of a Hispanic/Latino student population as I would like.

Current Student

An inclusive community, teachers are communicative and flexible to understand students still have personal lives. A variety of students, there's always someone to connect with either through clubs, interests, or majors and classes. Though in every situation of groups, there are positives and negatives such as those causing drama or harsh graders to every student. Great effort brings great reward. Paying attention and trying the hardest is all that's needed to pass by.

About Kansas City Art Institute

Campus safety at KCAI is a priority, with key card access to buildings and a visible security presence. Security officers patrol the campus grounds and provide escorts for students within a three-block radius. Students are advised to travel in groups at night and be cautious when off-campus.

KCAI offers a range of opportunities for students to enhance their academic experience, including minors in Entrepreneurial Studies and Social Practice, and a certificate program in Asian Studies. Students can also participate in study abroad programs and the AICAD Exchange Program.

KCAI's student body includes a small percentage of international students, with the university reporting admission statistics without distinguishing between local and international students. The school provides resources and support for international students to help them succeed in their studies.

Endowment$76,784,434
Avg faculty salary$89,256

Kansas City Art Institute FAQ

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