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Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Cleveland Institute of Art

Set in Cleveland's University Circle, the Cleveland Institute of Art is known for studio-intensive education in fine arts, design, and digital media. Students work in light-filled studios, maker spaces, galleries, and media labs, with advising, career coaching, and wellness resources close at hand. Classes lean on critique, iteration, and hands-on practice that builds craft and clear thinking.

Campus life runs on shows, visiting artist talks, and late nights finishing projects with friends. And the neighborhood adds fuel, with museums, theaters, cafes, and lakefront parks nearby. The institute has a reputation for portfolio preparation, internship pathways with regional museums, studios, and nonprofits, and an alumni network students often tap for real feedback. Annual student-run exhibitions and pop-up installations are a point of pride. The vibe is collaborative, a little scrappy, and focused on turning ideas into work that lives in the world.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 11610 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, USA
Phone: +1 (216) 421-7000
Website: cia.edu
Unit ID: 202046

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: HLC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Bachelor's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research 4-Year Focus - Law
Campus Setting: Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Tuition: In-state: $47,880 (Tuition $44,680 + Fee $3,200) · Out-of-state: $47,880 (Tuition $44,680 + Fee $3,200)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 566
Undergraduate: 560
Graduate/Other: 6
Male: 156 Female: 410
Applications:
Total Applicants: 963
Admitted: 542
Enrolled: 123
Acceptance: 56.3% Yield: 22.7%
Staff:
Total: 207 Full-time: 138 Part-time: 69

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) 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.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Ohio vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (14)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0201 Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the aesthetics, techniques, and creative processes for designing and fashioning objects in one or more of the handcraft or folk art traditions, and that prepares individuals to create in any of these media.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $83,980 +$4,490 (+5.6%)
50.0404 Industrial and Product Design. (Cert2y+)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences via the creation of effective forms, shapes, and packaging for manufactured products. Includes instruction in designing in a wide variety of plastic and digital media, prototype construction, design development and refinement, principles of cost saving, and product structure and performance criteria relevant to aesthetic design parameters.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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%)
27-1021 Commercial and Industrial Designers $88,000 $68,900 -$19,100 (-21.7%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $54,260 -$14,350 (-20.9%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $44,870 -$33,130 (-42.5%)
50.0408 Interior Design. (Cert2y+)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to apply artistic principles and techniques to the professional planning, designing, equipping, and furnishing of residential and commercial interior spaces. Includes instruction in computer applications, drafting, and graphic techniques; principles of interior lighting, acoustics, systems integration, and color coordination; furniture and furnishings; textiles and their finishing; the history of interior design and period styles; basic structural design; building codes and inspection regulations; and applications to office, hotel, factory, restaurant and housing design.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Ohio Avg OH vs US
25-1031 Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $110,360 $67,980 -$42,380 (-38.4%)
27-1025 Interior Designers $71,430 $57,670 -$13,760 (-19.3%)
50.0409 Graphic Design. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. Includes instruction in computer-assisted art and design, printmaking, concepts sketching, technical drawing, color theory, imaging, studio technique, still and life modeling, multimedia applications, communication skills and commercial art business operations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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+)
A program that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to develop and execute interpretations of the concepts of authors and designers to specifications. Includes instruction in book illustration, fashion illustration, map illustration, rendering, exhibit preparation, textual layout, cartooning, and the use of various artistic techniques as requested by clients.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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%)
50.0411 Game and Interactive Media Design. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the design, development, and programming of interactive media entertainment, including computer and video games, virtual environments, Internet applications, and other interactive media. Includes instruction in theory of games, turn-based games, real-time games, visual and interactive design, story development, animation, simulation, and programming.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Ohio Avg OH vs US
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $66,210 -$28,260 (-29.9%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $66,790 -$43,320 (-39.3%)
50.0605 Photography. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the principles and techniques of communicating information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the creation of images on photographic film, plates, and digital images and that may prepare individuals to be professional photographic artists. Includes instruction in camera and equipment operation and maintenance, film and plate developing, light and composition, films and printing media, color and special effects, photographic art, photographic history, use of computer applications to record or enhance images and applications to the photography of various subjects.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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%)
50.0705 Drawing. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions through representation by lines made on a surface. Includes instruction in eye-hand coordination; line, value, shape, and perspective; figure and still life drawing; the use of media such as pen and ink, pencil, charcoal, pastel, and brush; and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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%)
50.0708 Painting. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by the application of paints and related chemical color substances to canvases or other materials. Includes instruction in color and color mixing, surface preparation, composition, oil and acrylic media, watercolor media, painting techniques, and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by creating three-dimensional art works. Includes instruction in the analysis of form in space; round and relief concepts; sculptural composition; modern and experimental methods; different media such as clay, plaster, wood, stone, and metal; techniques such as carving, molding, welding, casting, and modeling; and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by rendering art concepts onto surfaces and transferring images, via ink or dyes, onto paper or fabric. Includes instruction in monochrome and color printing; tonality; chemistry; equipment set-up and maintenance; techniques such as serigraphy, lithography, intaglio, woodcut, block, stencil, relief, etching, and composite; and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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%)
50.0711 Ceramic Arts and Ceramics. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by producing art works out of clay and similar materials. Includes instruction in handbuilt and wheelthrown techniques; molding; slips and glazes; trimming and decorating; firing and kiln operation; oxidation; mixed media; ceramic murals; and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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%)
50.0713 Jewelry Arts. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by fashioning jewelry from gems, other stones, and precious metals. Includes instruction in design concepts, electroforming, enameling, gemology, lapidary technique and art, metal and non-metal casting and molding, metal coloring, metalsmithing and finishing, personal style development, photo etching, and stone cutting and polishing.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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%)
51-9071 Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $55,030 $47,250 -$7,780 (-14.1%)
50.0799 Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other. (Cert2y+)
Any instructional program in fine arts and art studies not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
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%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $37,540 -$38,910 (-50.9%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $83,980 +$4,490 (+5.6%)
Media Tech (1)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0304 Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to use computer applications and related visual and sound imaging techniques to manipulate images and information originating as film, video, still photographs, digital copy, soundtracks, and physical objects in order to communicate messages simulating real-world content. Includes instruction in specialized camerawork and equipment operation and maintenance, image capture, computer programming, dubbing, CAD applications, and applications to specific commercial, industrial, and entertainment needs.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Ohio Avg OH vs US
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $66,790 -$43,320 (-39.3%)
Health (1)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.2703 Medical Illustration/Medical Illustrator. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply the principles and techniques of art and computer-assisted imaging, graphics, and animation to create visual materials to facilitate the recording and dissemination of biomedical knowledge for educational, research, and clinical purposes. Includes instruction in anatomy, physiology, pathology, histology, embryology, neuroanatomy, medical terminology, artistic media and techniques, illustration techniques, three-dimensional modeling, prosthetics, data display design, exhibit design and production, medical photography, multimedia, computer graphics and animation, digital imaging, business management, production technology, and instructional design.

Graduate Career Earnings in Ohio

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Ohio Avg OH vs US
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $37,540 -$38,910 (-50.9%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$65,550
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$65,550
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$47,880
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$47,880
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$12,520
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$2,200
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$2,950
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$2,950
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

26%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$29,439
Avg. Loan
$6,931
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,116
Additional
Students with Any Grant
154
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
152
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
59
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$26,580
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

68%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
86%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$27,642 – $62,028
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$27,642 (25th %) $62,028 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $42,509
Median Salary After 6 Years
$33,148
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$42,509
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
59.6%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
71.4%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$27,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 47.8%
Middle 54.8%
High 73.6%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 60.9%
Independent 50.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA)

How much does it cost to attend Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA)?

The annual tuition at Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) is $47,880 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $65,550 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $12,520 and books and supplies $2,200.

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 Cleveland Institute of Art offer?

Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) offers 17 academic programs across 3 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (14 programs)
  • Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (1 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (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 Cleveland Institute of Art?

Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) has an 56.3% acceptance rate and a 22.7% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 963
  • Students admitted: 542
  • Students enrolled: 123

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 Cleveland Institute of Art?

Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) provides financial aid to 26% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $29,439 and average loans of $6,931.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $4,845
  • State/Local grants: $3,782
  • Institutional grants: $26,580
  • Federal loans: $5,116

The university supports 154 students with grants and 152 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 Cleveland Institute of Art graduates?

Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) graduates earn a median salary of $33,148 after 6 years and $42,509 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $27,642 (25th percentile) to $62,028 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $85,800 (90th 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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