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Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Kansas City Art Institute

Studios here buzz at all hours, and students can step from making into museum galleries just across the way. Kansas City Art Institute is known for studio-first, critique-driven learning that blends strong craft with concept and research. Light filled workspaces, fabrication shops, digital labs, print facilities, galleries, and a well used library support the work. Advising, wellness services, and career guidance round it out so you're not going it alone.

Campus life leans collaborative and a little scrappy in the best way. Student shows pop up often, visiting artists stop by, and First Friday walks in nearby arts districts are a regular thing. The city's food, music, and park scenes offer easy breaks from the studio. Career prep centers on portfolio building, internships, and connections with area studios and museums. Annual open studios and a campus art sale pull in the community. Among those who studied here are Nick Cave and Robert Rauschenberg.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 4415 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, Missouri, 64111, USA
Phone: +1 (816) 472-4852
Website: kcai.edu
Unit ID: 177746

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: $43,550 (Tuition $42,000 + Fee $1,550) · Out-of-state: $43,550 (Tuition $42,000 + Fee $1,550)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 789
Undergraduate: 782
Graduate/Other: 7
Male: 167 Female: 622
Applications:
Total Applicants: 1,097
Admitted: 662
Enrolled: 240
Acceptance: 60.3% Yield: 36.3%
Staff:
Total: 246 Full-time: 148 Part-time: 98

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Missouri. 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 Missouri vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (11)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
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 Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $152,370 +$50,130 (+49%)
27-1021 Commercial and Industrial Designers $88,000 $74,750 -$13,250 (-15.1%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $47,930 -$20,680 (-30.1%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 N/A N/A
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 Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $61,130 -$50,320 (-45.2%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $152,370 +$50,130 (+49%)
27-1011 Art Directors $128,100 $83,430 -$44,670 (-34.9%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $73,110 -$37,000 (-33.6%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $71,230 -$8,260 (-10.4%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $47,930 -$20,680 (-30.1%)
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 Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $152,370 +$50,130 (+49%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $71,230 -$8,260 (-10.4%)
27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers $78,450 $38,060 -$40,390 (-51.5%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 N/A N/A
50.0602 Cinematography and Film/Video Production. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the making and producing of films and videos. Includes instruction in theory of film, film technology and equipment operation, film production, film directing, film editing, cinematographic art, film audio, techniques for making specific types of films and/or videos, media technologies, computer image making, multi-media production, and the planning and management of film/video operations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $152,370 +$50,130 (+49%)
27-2012 Producers and Directors $114,280 $62,510 -$51,770 (-45.3%)
27-4031 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $79,870 $58,150 -$21,720 (-27.2%)
27-4032 Film and Video Editors $83,530 $67,270 -$16,260 (-19.5%)
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 Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $152,370 +$50,130 (+49%)
27-4021 Photographers $55,650 $39,880 -$15,770 (-28.3%)
50.0703 Art History, Criticism and Conservation. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the study of the historical development of art as social and intellectual phenomenon, the analysis of works of art, and art conservation. Includes instruction in the theory of art, art history research methods, connoisseurship, the preservation and conservation of works of art, and the study of specific periods, cultures, styles, and themes.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
13-2022 Appraisers of Personal and Business Property N/A N/A N/A
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $152,370 +$50,130 (+49%)
25-4011 Archivists $67,620 $66,460 -$1,160 (-1.7%)
25-4012 Curators $70,060 $68,630 -$1,430 (-2%)
25-4013 Museum Technicians and Conservators $53,630 $49,970 -$3,660 (-6.8%)
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 Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $152,370 +$50,130 (+49%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $55,700 +$10,360 (+22.8%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $45,880 -$30,570 (-40%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $73,110 -$37,000 (-33.6%)
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 Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $152,370 +$50,130 (+49%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $55,700 +$10,360 (+22.8%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $45,880 -$30,570 (-40%)
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 Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $152,370 +$50,130 (+49%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $55,700 +$10,360 (+22.8%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $45,880 -$30,570 (-40%)
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 Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $152,370 +$50,130 (+49%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $55,700 +$10,360 (+22.8%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $45,880 -$30,570 (-40%)
50.0712 Fiber, Textile and Weaving Arts. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by constructing art works from woven or non-woven fabrics and fibrous materials. Includes instruction in weaving techniques and loom operation; non-woven techniques such as knitting, coiling, netting, and crocheting; quilting; dyeing and pigmentation; printing and other finishing techniques; pattern design; tapestry; and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $152,370 +$50,130 (+49%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $55,700 +$10,360 (+22.8%)
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 Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $73,110 -$37,000 (-33.6%)
English (1)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
23.1302 Creative Writing. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the process and techniques of original composition in various literary forms such as the short story, poetry, the novel, and others. Includes instruction in technical and editorial skills, criticism, and the marketing of finished manuscripts.

Graduate Career Earnings in Missouri

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Missouri Avg MO vs US
25-1123 English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $90,400 $82,570 -$7,830 (-8.7%)
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $64,560 -$29,910 (-31.7%)
27-3041 Editors $85,700 $50,720 -$34,980 (-40.8%)
27-3043 Writers and Authors $85,780 $65,710 -$20,070 (-23.4%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

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

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$59,300
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$59,300
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$43,550
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$43,550
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$12,900 (on) / $10,000 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$800
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$2,050 (on) / $3,300 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$2,900
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

25%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$27,721
Avg. Loan
$8,882
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,486
Additional
Students with Any Grant
187
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
144
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
79
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$24,601
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.

65%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
75%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$21,301 – $53,512
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$21,301 (25th %) $53,512 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $37,032
Median Salary After 6 Years
$25,529
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$37,032
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
60.7%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
69.1%
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 51.2%
Middle 61.5%
High 68.8%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 63.9%
Independent 38.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI)

How much does it cost to attend Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI)?

The annual tuition at Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) is $43,550 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $59,300 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $12,900 (on) / $10,000 (off) and books and supplies $800.

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 Kansas City Art Institute offer?

Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) offers 14 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 (11 programs)
  • Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (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 Kansas City Art Institute?

Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) has an 60.3% acceptance rate and a 36.3% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 1,097
  • Students admitted: 662
  • Students enrolled: 240

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 Kansas City Art Institute?

Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) provides financial aid to 25% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $27,721 and average loans of $8,882.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,138
  • State/Local grants: $2,550
  • Institutional grants: $24,601
  • Federal loans: $5,486

The university supports 187 students with grants and 144 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 Kansas City Art Institute graduates?

Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) graduates earn a median salary of $25,529 after 6 years and $37,032 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $21,301 (25th percentile) to $53,512 (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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