Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Art Academy of Cincinnati
Fans of Charley Harper might be surprised his signature style took root here, alongside fellow alum Edie Harper. The Academy is known for studio-centered learning that blends fine arts, design, and media arts with a solid liberal-arts core. Light-filled studios, galleries, and maker labs pair with digital spaces, plus advising, career coaching, and wellness support.
Student life pivots around exhibitions, visiting artists, and student-run shows that spill into the surrounding arts district. It's tight-knit, candid in critique, and big on learning by doing. Career prep shows up in portfolios, internships, and client projects with local galleries, museums, and design studios. The city adds public murals, music, markets, riverfront parks, and open-studio nights with monthly gallery walks. You can feel the momentum in the hallways, and it sticks with you.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Ohio. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Arts (8)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0102
Digital Arts.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Ohio Avg | OH vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $120,330 | +$18,090 (+17.7%) |
| 27-1011 | Art Directors | $128,100 | N/A | N/A |
| 27-1014 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | $110,110 | $66,790 | -$43,320 (-39.3%) |
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $83,980 | +$4,490 (+5.6%) |
| 27-1024 | Graphic Designers | $68,610 | $54,260 | -$14,350 (-20.9%) |
| 27-4021 | Photographers | $55,650 | $35,020 | -$20,630 (-37.1%) |
50.0401
Design and Visual Communications, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Ohio Avg | OH vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15-1255 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | $111,450 | $79,000 | -$32,450 (-29.1%) |
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $120,330 | +$18,090 (+17.7%) |
| 27-1021 | Commercial and Industrial Designers | $88,000 | $68,900 | -$19,100 (-21.7%) |
| 27-1024 | Graphic Designers | $68,610 | $54,260 | -$14,350 (-20.9%) |
| 27-1027 | Set and Exhibit Designers | $78,450 | $73,470 | -$4,980 (-6.3%) |
| 27-1029 | Designers, All Other | $78,000 | $44,870 | -$33,130 (-42.5%) |
50.0409
Graphic Design.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Ohio Avg | OH vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15-1255 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | $111,450 | $79,000 | -$32,450 (-29.1%) |
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $120,330 | +$18,090 (+17.7%) |
| 27-1011 | Art Directors | $128,100 | N/A | N/A |
| 27-1014 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | $110,110 | $66,790 | -$43,320 (-39.3%) |
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $83,980 | +$4,490 (+5.6%) |
| 27-1024 | Graphic Designers | $68,610 | $54,260 | -$14,350 (-20.9%) |
50.0410
Illustration.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Ohio Avg | OH vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $120,330 | +$18,090 (+17.7%) |
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $83,980 | +$4,490 (+5.6%) |
| 27-1027 | Set and Exhibit Designers | $78,450 | $73,470 | -$4,980 (-6.3%) |
| 27-1029 | Designers, All Other | $78,000 | $44,870 | -$33,130 (-42.5%) |
50.0605
Photography.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Ohio Avg | OH vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $120,330 | +$18,090 (+17.7%) |
| 27-4021 | Photographers | $55,650 | $35,020 | -$20,630 (-37.1%) |
50.0708
Painting.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Ohio Avg | OH vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $120,330 | +$18,090 (+17.7%) |
| 27-1012 | Craft Artists | $45,340 | $38,970 | -$6,370 (-14%) |
| 27-1013 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $76,450 | $37,540 | -$38,910 (-50.9%) |
| 27-1014 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | $110,110 | $66,790 | -$43,320 (-39.3%) |
50.0709
Sculpture.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Ohio Avg | OH vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $120,330 | +$18,090 (+17.7%) |
| 27-1012 | Craft Artists | $45,340 | $38,970 | -$6,370 (-14%) |
| 27-1013 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $76,450 | $37,540 | -$38,910 (-50.9%) |
50.0710
Printmaking.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Ohio Avg | OH vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $120,330 | +$18,090 (+17.7%) |
| 27-1012 | Craft Artists | $45,340 | $38,970 | -$6,370 (-14%) |
| 27-1013 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $76,450 | $37,540 | -$38,910 (-50.9%) |
English (1)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
23.1302
Creative Writing.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Ohio Avg | OH vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1123 | English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,400 | $77,500 | -$12,900 (-14.3%) |
| 25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $66,210 | -$28,260 (-29.9%) |
| 27-3041 | Editors | $85,700 | $63,760 | -$21,940 (-25.6%) |
| 27-3043 | Writers and Authors | $85,780 | $62,160 | -$23,620 (-27.5%) |
Education (1)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1302
Art Teacher Education.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Ohio Avg | OH vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $79,350 | +$850 (+1.1%) |
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $120,330 | +$18,090 (+17.7%) |
| 25-2022 | Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $70,040 | $68,580 | -$1,460 (-2.1%) |
| 25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $72,250 | -$1,450 (-2%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC)
How much does it cost to attend Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC)?
The annual tuition at Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) is $37,953 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $52,628 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,325 (on) / $10,500 (off) and books and supplies $1,500.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Art Academy of Cincinnati offer?
Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) offers 13 academic programs across 3 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (8 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (1 programs)
- English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Art Academy of Cincinnati?
Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) has an 33.1% acceptance rate and a 16.3% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 1,056
- Students admitted: 350
- Students enrolled: 57
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Art Academy of Cincinnati?
Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) provides financial aid to 32% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $19,277 and average loans of $6,709.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,046
- State/Local grants: $3,357
- Institutional grants: $15,231
- Federal loans: $5,046
The university supports 88 students with grants and 85 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Art Academy of Cincinnati graduates?
Art Academy of Cincinnati (AAC) graduates earn a median salary of $27,483 after 6 years and $34,368 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $15,599 (25th percentile) to $51,408 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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