Columbus College of Art & Design SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
CCAD admits about two-thirds of applicants, so your focus should be showing strong artistic fit and steady academic preparation, not chasing a perfect score. Because CCAD is test-optional, submit SAT or ACT results if they are a clear strength alongside your portfolio, grades, and creative work.
⬡ LangSmith592c4c9b-6964-498d-bcbf-7b443956b29dData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Columbus College of Art & Design facts and stats
Columbus College of Art & Design is an urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 885 students. CCAD has an 80% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 56% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.
⬡ LangSmithc640eed8-08f5-4b58-aca6-0a6e0607f95aColumbus, OH
Key Columbus College of Art & Design application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
October 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional CCAD, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and a fall retake to improve your score, then choose the last fall test date that will report before CCAD’s regular application deadline.
⬡ LangSmith7ad08fee-7cbe-458b-bf7a-6c39d56aed40Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Columbus College of Art & Design?
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What you'll actually pay
CCAD is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students: $41,619. With 86% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $13,721, scholarships can help offset costs. Submit the FAFSA by the October 15 priority deadline.
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At Columbus College of Art & Design, tuition and fees plus room and board total about $53,069. Financial aid is common: 86% of students receive aid, with an average package of $26,973. Merit aid can also reduce costs, with an average merit award of $13,721 and CCAD Merit Scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $22,000. Graduates leave with an average debt of $32,258.
⬡ LangSmith33de3360-09e9-4a64-be62-c05f88f22ee6Student life at Columbus College of Art & Design
Student activities and organization details coming soon.
35% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Art Academy of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OHAcceptance rate: 32.2%
Cleveland Institute of Art
Cleveland, OHAcceptance rate: 61.4%
SAT: 1030–1280
ACT: 23–29
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design
Milwaukee, WIAcceptance rate: 60.5%
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Minneapolis, MNAcceptance rate: 48.5%
SAT: 1170–1380
ACT: 21–29
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