About Kansas City Art Institute

Founded in 1885, Kansas City Art Institute. is a Private college. Located in Missouri, which is a city setting in Missouri, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 635 full time undergraduate students, and 0 full time graduate students.

The Kansas City Art Institute Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 9:1. There are 55 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Kansas City Art Institute include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate65%
Application Deadline
Application Fee45
SAT Range940-1230
ACT Range21-25

Admissions at KCAI are considered Selective, with ,4% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 21 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

67% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 34% were in the top quarter, and 2% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Kansas City Art Institute.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
10%
“We know about current events and vote”
90%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
10%
“Sometimes, but not often”
40%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
50%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
10%
“I only go out in groups”
60%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
30%
“I feel extremely safe”
100%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
0%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
0%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
100%
“We”re a very artistic group”
20%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
40%
“They keep regular office hours”
40%
“They”re always available”
100%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
0%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
10%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
60%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
30%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
10%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
40%
“There might be people who do”
50%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
10%
“We know about current events and vote”
90%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
10%
“Sometimes, but not often”
40%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
50%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
10%
“I only go out in groups”
60%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
30%
“I feel extremely safe”
100%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
0%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
0%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
100%
“We”re a very artistic group”
20%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
40%
“They keep regular office hours”
40%
“They”re always available”
100%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
0%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
10%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
60%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
30%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
10%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
40%
“There might be people who do”
50%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    44 Students rated on-campus housing 2.8 stars. 5 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    34 Students rated off-campus housing 3.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    46 Students rated campus food 2.8 stars. 4 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    48 Students rated campus facilities 3.9 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    48 Students rated class size 4.4 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    47 Students rated school activities 2.8 stars. 9 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    47 Students rated local services 4 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    48 Students rated academics 3.7 stars. 25 % gave the school a 5.0.

Kansas City Art Institute REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Kansas City Art Institute?

18 Students rated Kansas City Art Institute

Brynden - 06/26/2024

The Kansas City Art Institute, for the two weeks I've been there, was a great time. Though I haven't participated in usual classes as a Student, I have been through their PCAL program, which gives me a glimpse of what It's like to be a student at KCAI. The housing is very well-kept and nice, but the only problem I have is the space given. I value my time alone quite a lot, and not even having a bedroom for myself is a big letdown for me. However, the social aspect is where it's better. Though I don't participate much, the fact every floor has a social area with a massive whiteboard as well as a TV to watch shows on is incredible. Not only that, but the downstairs area has a whole room dedicated to playing games with other KCAI members. It is a very socially liberating place and, at the very least, I can have a little alone time while everyone else is playing games downstairs. The food is quite nice here, with different meals being offered every day. And even if I don't want the special offered that day, I can always stick with the reliable hamburgers and other foods across the aisle. It can get a bit crowded at times, but there's always a spot for me to sit down and relax and eat with others. The soda machines run out of soda often though, but there's not much you can do there. The classes itself are a very nice environment. The teachers are always engaging and happy to show you through something, even if your expertise is not to their level. From the two weeks there, I've learned so much about honing in the arcs in my animation and have since flourished with my animation. Though my expertise is still an intermediate at best, I've learned so much from them, and am very excited to learn so much more over the next four years I'm there. Overall, KCAI is a great place to stay to learn about a field you're interested in, and even ones you might not be. It is an experience worth engaging in, and I'm excited to spend my time with the fine people there.

Lexcee - 05/16/2024

I thoroughly enjoy the art institute. I find there are ample opportunities and resources, and the efforts put into by faculty are definitely prevalent. I have much more to complain about regarding the student body as apposed to the those affiliated with the institution.

rain - 11/23/2021

The art Institute is an interesting place... The buildings are beautiful but some aren't up to code specifically the residence hall. I would not recommend living on campus, it has everything you need to survive and you share 2 rooms and a bathroom with 4 people which is better than most places! But the building is already in a state of disrepair despite it being brand new. There are very few accommodations for disabled people. The small class sizes are amazing and some classes are intense and intellectual but if you have complaints about a professor or a class they will not be listened to. There are amazing teachers and there are awful teachers, you just gotta hope you get a good one. But I will say the community is wonderful and lively, very accepting, and there to support you if you need it. One thing to consider is the high crime rates around campus, we have had car parts sawed off and stolen (catalytic converters) on and around campus. A friend of mine had their car stolen, it was across the street from the residence hall. It is kansas city afterall, so just keep that in mind. But if you are looking for a fine arts school this is one of the best. Just load up on your scholarships!

Sophia - 11/12/2020

I have a love hate relationship with my school. I love the community, the professors and instructors, the classes, the campus, but while there are things I love there are also things I don't love. Recently in this past semester there has been some controversial talk around campus involving a BIPOC student having to go on trial to be suspended because they spoke their mind about a chairman donating money to the Police Department while the school shouts BLM. It was a big thing for awhile and it took a couple weeks for the school to even acknowledge it to the public. The last thing that I'm not very fond of is that they raised tuition in the midst of a pandemic despite us not getting the full experience we're paying for.

Kansas City Art Institute FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Kansas City Art Institute?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Kansas City Art Institute is 65%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    "HEY! Art is great, but you love math, you love science, you love to read and to write, why are you looking at going to a school that only offers you one of these passions? You have a tendency to make up your mind about something and shut every thing else out. When you start looking at colleges, this is the worst possible mind set you can have. Look at some schools you normally wouldn't expect to go to. Look at schools that are not specifcally art oriented. You desire an education in so many different things and yet here you are, looking at only one type of school with only one type of education to offer. Don't limit your possibilities. And as much as it hurts to say this, listen to your mom, she actually has some good input."

    Read all 59 answers

  3. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Small and friendly--almost like a family or small community. Everyone begins by working together as a Foundation student, so all students really get to know one another before going off into seperate majors. Students engage in studio from very early in the morning until very late at night, so they definitely develop life-long friendships and strong bonds. The campus is beautiful and green with quite a few historical buildings used as classrooms and adminstrative buildings.

    Read all 17 answers

  4. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    A lot (most) of kids here don't have self-discipline and end up screwing around

    Read all 14 answers

  5. Describe the students at your school.

    Many tend to be nice, but there are a few you're never sure about and others that aren't very nice.

    Read all 12 answers

  6. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    KCAI is best known for its dual degree program in a studio art and a liberal art. This program is fairly new, and is a great way to get into a high level graduate school. It is also very well known for its Ceramic department, known to be one of the best in the nation. Overall it is one of the better art schools in the nation.

    Read all 10 answers

  7. What's unique about your campus?

    I beleive the institution I am currently enrolled in is best known for its facilities, and teachers. We learn from working professional artist, and their are actual times when we learn from people who created the programs the school has to offer. It is very often that we have group critiques where actual artist and prfessionals from companies come in and evaluate our bodies of work. The facilities are unlike most for sculpture and ceramics, we offer so many different ways of creating sculptures.

    Read all 10 answers

  8. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    Kansas City is more like a big town rather than a bustling city.

    Read all 9 answers

  9. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Anyone who is not serious about putting forth all of their efforts into what they love...which at this school should be art.

    Read all 9 answers

  10. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    The school is centered in a rich art and music scene.

    Read all 8 answers

  11. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing about my school is the cafeteria. The amount of space for all the students is uncomfortable. There is little seating. We do have a park outside but we are not allowed to take food out there. Also, when the weather is poor there is little space. The food is also poor. They serve the same thing everyday. I would enjoy alittle change.

    Read all 8 answers

  12. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    The first year of school is called foundation year. Rather than jump into a major or take courses we may or may not need, the school requires all freshman to take the same first year, allowing the student to sample a bit of each type of work, like sculpting or painting, before going into it.

    Read all 6 answers

  13. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Someone who is extremely passionate about art. They must have the ability to go through foundations, (the first year) which is basically art boot camp. It is difficult, but the kind of person they want at the school is someone who can handle all of the pressure of deadlines and trying different medias.

    Read all 4 answers

Student Body

Students

74%

female

26%

male

635

Total Undergrad Enrollment

N/A

Total Grad Students

60%

Out-Of-State

39%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

6

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

23%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
3%
% Black or African-American
6%
% Hispanic/Latino
7%
% White or Caucasian
63%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

99% of students attending Kansas City Art Institute receive some sort of financial aid. 34% were awarded federal grants. While 82% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$36,450

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$2,000

Books and Supplies

$10,240

Room and Board

48,690

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$24,541
$30 - $48K
$25,366
$48 - $75K
$29,261
$75 - $110K
$30,887
$110K & UP
$30,569

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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