Cleveland Institute of Art

Cleveland, Ohio, United States · Est. 1882 · Private Non-profit

Private art and design college in Cleveland, Ohio, founded 1882 with nationally recognized programs.

  • Founded 1882 as Western Reserve School of Design for Women; became Cleveland Institute of Art in 1949
  • Private nonprofit art and design college located in Cleveland, Ohio
  • Approximately 580 undergraduate students (Fall 2021)
  • Offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees across 15+ majors including Animation, Game Design, Graphic Design, and Industrial Design
  • Campus features historic Joseph McCullough Center (former Ford Model T factory) and modern George Gund Building
  • Accredited by NCA and NASAD; recognized by Princeton Review and Money magazine

Academics

Cleveland Institute of Art offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with majors in Animation, Ceramics, Drawing, Game Design, Glass, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, Jewelry + Metals, Life Sciences Illustration, Painting, Photography + Video, Printmaking, and Sculpture + Expanded Media. The college provides study abroad programs, mobility programs, internships, and career services. Additional offerings include Continuing Education, Pre-College Programs, Summer Workshops, and Young Artist Programs.

Campus & Facilities

The college operates from a unified campus on Euclid Avenue featuring the historic Joseph McCullough Center for Visual Arts (a former 1914–1915 Ford assembly plant designed by Albert Kahn) and the contemporary George Gund Building completed in 2015. Facilities include the Peter B. Lewis Theater (home to the nationally acclaimed Cinematheque film program), the Reinberger Gallery for public exhibitions, an Uptown Residence Hall housing approximately 130 first-year students, and the American Greetings Welcome Center.

Admissions & Support

The college provides comprehensive student services including Career Services and a Center for Writing and Learning Support. Admissions and Financial Aid offices are located in the George Gund Building.

Recognition & Outcomes

Cleveland Institute of Art was named a Best Midwestern College by Princeton Review in 2020 and was the only college of art and design to receive this designation in 2015. Money magazine included CIA in its 'Best Colleges for your Money' ranking in 2018–19. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Founded
1882
Type
Private Non-profit
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
Websitehttp://www.cia.edu
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
$42.5K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources