Cleveland Institute of Art, established in 1882, is a premier art and design school in Ohio, offering programs in animation and biomedical art. Ranked among the best art schools, its facilities include digital fabrication labs and the Reinberger Gallery.
CIA emphasizes creativity and innovation, providing mentorship from industry professionals and access to Cleveland's vibrant arts scene through internships and exhibitions.
Cleveland Institute of Art Acceptance Rate
Cleveland Institute of Art is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 56.28%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Cleveland Institute of Art Admission Requirements
Cleveland Institute of Art GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Cleveland Institute of Art is 3.48. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 3.18 and 3.48, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Cleveland Institute of Art GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Cleveland Institute of Art utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.48, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.48 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.28 – 3.47 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.08 – 3.27 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.07 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Cleveland Institute of Art, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Cleveland Institute of Art SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Cleveland Institute of Art Average SAT Score: 1156
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Cleveland Institute of Art is 1156 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1156 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1300 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Cleveland Institute of Art allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1060, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Cleveland Institute of Art. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 570 | 510 | 630 |
| SAT Reading | 610 | 550 | 670 |
| SAT Composite | 1156 | 1060 | 1300 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1060 then you are below most of the admitted students at Cleveland Institute of Art and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1300 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Cleveland Institute of Art with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Cleveland Institute of Art are good but the admission staff at Cleveland Institute of Art tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Cleveland Institute of Art ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Cleveland Institute of Art is 24.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Cleveland Institute of Art slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 24 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 18 | 25 |
| ACT English | 24 | 19 | 28 |
| ACT Composite | 24 | 22 | 26 |
Can I get into Cleveland Institute of Art with a 26 ACT?
With a 26 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Cleveland Institute of Art are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 24.Cleveland Institute of Art Profile
Name: Cleveland Institute of Art
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from Cleveland Institute of Art Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Cleveland Institute of Art is USD: 62966. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Cleveland Institute of Art is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
37.84% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 80.99 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Cleveland Institute of Art and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Cleveland Institute of Art, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Cleveland Institute of Art as your choice in the form.
How much a Cleveland Institute of Art Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 42509. An average Cleveland Institute of Art graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Cleveland Institute of Art. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Lynn University, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida Atlantic University | Florida Atlantic University, FL | 1119 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Cleveland Institute of Art. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Florida International University | Florida International University, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Georgia College & State University | Georgia College & State University, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Georgia State University, GA | 1149 | 23 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Cleveland Institute of Art. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Design and Applied Arts
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Graphic Communications
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleveland Institute of Art Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $42509 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $62966 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Cleveland Institute of Art is 56.28 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.48. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.18, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.18, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.18 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.08 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Cleveland Institute of Art if my GPA is below 3.08
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.48, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Cleveland Institute of Art is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1156 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1060-1300
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Cleveland Institute of Art.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.