Eligibility

To be eligible for entrance to KCAI, you must have successfully completed a recognized secondary school program (high school) or its equivalent with a good academic record. While there is no specific high school program of study required, you are advised to follow a college preparatory curriculum similar to the following: four years of English, three years of social sciences, and as many art courses as is practical.

Considerable emphasis is placed on abilities in the areas of drawing, color and design.

You will be evaluated for admission on the basis of the quality of work in your portfolio and your academic profile, determined by high school grades or previous college transcripts. The most important criteria for admission is your potential for success.

What we look for in a student

The Admissions Committee looks for serious and motivated students, those who are willing to work hard and take creative risks. Furthermore, the Committee evaluates each application with a great deal of sensitivity and open-mindedness before reaching an admission decision because the Committee knows each student's level of imagination, innovation, and academic achievement is highly individual.

Notification of admission

Applicants are notified of the decision of the Admissions Committee as soon as action is taken. Accepted students who plan to enroll at KCAI for the fall or spring term are required to make a $200 deposit. This deposit is refundable until May 1, based upon the National Association for College Admission Counseling Statement of Principles of Good Practices. Written requests for the return of deposits for the fall semester postmarked on or before May 1 will be honored. This deposit will remain on file in your name as long as you are a student at KCAI. When you leave or graduate, you may request in writing that your deposit, less any accrued charges, be returned to you.

Application deadlines

Portfolios consisting of CDs, DVDs, photographs or slides are required for all admissions applications.

February 1: Freshman first scholarship postmark deadline

March 1: Transfer applicant first scholarship postmark deadline
Freshman second scholarship postmark deadline

April 1: Transfer applicant second scholarship postmark deadline
Freshman third scholarship postmark deadline

Note: Applications will be accepted after all deadlines. Applicants will be accepted and awards granted on a space-available basis.

Download KCAI's application for admissions

Ready to apply? Download the application for the Bachelor of Fine Arts program (instructions and two letter of recommendation forms are included) or apply online.

Download the letter of recommendation form

This is the form you will need to give to the people you have selected to recommend you for admission to KCAI. A  minimum of two letters of recommendation are required for admission to KCAI. Additional instructions are included on the form. Letter of recommendation form.

Virtual Advisor

Virtual Advisor

Have questions about KCAI? Find the answers here.

Download the KCAI Viewbook

Download the KCAI Viewbook

The Kansas City Art Institute's viewbook provides an overview of KCAI's academic programs,  students, faculty, alumni and campus.

Financing options

Financing options

Ninety-five percent of students at KCAI receive some type of financial aid. Find out more about how to make attending KCAI a reality.

Visit KCAI

Visit KCAI

The best way to know if the Kansas City Art Institute is right for you is to experience it. Schedule a tour today.