Application Requirements and Deadlines

Ready to apply to KCAI? Here's how you do it.

Submit the application form

Complete and submit the application form and include a non-refundable $45 application fee.

You can apply online here or download an application to print and submit through mail. The $45 application fee may be submitted online, over the phone or by check, payable to Kansas City Art Institute. The following application fee waiver forms may also be submitted: NACAC, ACT, College Board (SAT) or free-lunch qualification form. The application will not be processed without receipt of the fee or an approved waiver.

Compile your portfolio

Compile your portfolio for review. Portfolios for admission must be submitted through Slideroom at www.kcai.slideroom.com. There is no additional fee for using this online service.

Request letters of recommendation

It is highly recommended that students request one or two letters of recommendation from teachers, a high school counselor or a professional artist or employer. These individuals should be familiar with the students work and work ethic and be qualified to make evaluations of past performance and potential for growth. Download the letter of recommendation form.

Request official transcripts

Official transcripts, containing the official school seal, can be mailed directly to the KCAI admissions office from each high school and/or college previously attended. A GED is a suitable substitute for a high school diploma. Official copies of GED scores should be mailed to the KCAI admissions office.

Mail materials to:

Kansas City Art Institute
c/o Admissions
4415 Warwick Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64111-1820

Submit standardized test scores

Test scores are required for admission for all first-year students and some transfer students. Submit standardized test scores from either a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or an American College Testing (ACT) to the admissions office. Official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be submitted by international students whose first language is not English. A minimum paper TOEFL score of 550, a minimum electronic score of 213 or a minimum of 79-80 on the Internet-based TOEFL is required.

KCAI codes:

• ACT-002277
• SAT-006330

Mail materials to:

Kansas City Art Institute
c/o Admissions
4415 Warwick Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64111-1820

Prepare a statement of purpose

Prepare a statement of purpose. The statement of purpose should be a brief one or two-page essay providing insight into goals, interests, educational and artistic background.

Deadlines

Fall priority deadlines

Feb. 1: Freshmen
March 1: Transfers

Spring priority deadlines

Nov. 1: Freshmen and Transfers

Note: You must complete your application for admission before these priority deadlines to ensure full consideration for scholarships. Applications received after the priority deadlines will be considered for admission and scholarships on a space-available basis.

Notification

Applicants are notified of the decision as soon as action is taken. Accepted students who plan to enroll at KCAI for the fall or spring semesters are required to make a $250 tuition deposit to hold their seats. This deposit is applied to tuition when a student enrolls and is refundable until May 1 for fall enrollment for January 15 for spring enrollment.