Make the August SAT your best yet! Join Camp Acely

Private not-for-profit
Small

Kansas City Art Institute SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range830 to 1160
ACT Range19 to 30
Average GPA3.26
Acceptance Rate54.8%

KCAI is test-optional, but its middle SAT range is wide, from 830 to 1160, so a strong score can still add useful evidence to your application. If you submit scores, aim near the upper end, around 1160 SAT or 30 ACT, to strengthen your opportunity.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Kansas City Art Institute facts and stats

Quick Facts

Kansas City Art Institute enrolls 813 undergraduates on its Kansas City campus. KCAI’s freshman retention rate is 78%, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 58%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.

Location

Kansas City, MO

Undergrad Enrollment813
Freshman Retention78%
SettingN/A
Student to Faculty Ratio10:1
Graduation Rate58%
Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at KCAI?

Admission Eligibility Calculator

Enter your scores to see how you compare to admitted students and what aid you could unlock.

Your SAT Score
Your GPA (optional)
SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

Unlock your future with Acely

Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.

Start your free trial

Key Kansas City Art Institute application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

Not offered

Early Action

Early Decision

Priority Deadline

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 1

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional KCAI, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes if a higher score could help. Since KCAI does not list a Regular Decision deadline here, confirm its application timeline before relying on a late fall score.

Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Kansas City Art Institute?

Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.

Start your free trial

What you'll actually pay

KCAI is a private not-for-profit, with tuition and fees of $44,550. Financial aid is common, with 88% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $25,951. Submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline.

House illustration
Tuition and Fees$44,550
Room and Board$13,651
Average Merit Award$25,951
Application FeeN/A
Students on Aid88%
Average Aid Package$34,160
Average Debt at Grad$34,157

KCAI’s total listed cost for tuition, fees, room, and board is $58,201. Aid is common, with 88% of students receiving assistance and an average aid package of $34,160. Merit scholarships average $25,951, which can substantially reduce the published price for recipients. Graduates leave with an average debt of $34,157.

Student life at Kansas City Art Institute

Activities and Organizations
Film society
Housing

25% of undergrads live on campus

Living-learning
Greek life

No fraternity or sorority life on campus.

Similar schools

Private not-for-profit
Small

Avila University

Kansas City, MO

Acceptance rate: 87.8%

SAT: 810–960

ACT: 16–21

View school
Private not-for-profit
Small

Mission University

Springfield, MO

Acceptance rate: 100%

ACT: 19–23

View school
Private not-for-profit
Medium

Global University

Springfield, MO
View school
Private not-for-profit
Small

Calvary University

Kansas City, MO

Acceptance rate: 71.7%

SAT: 870–1170

ACT: 17–24

View school

Ready to fit Kansas City Art Institute's core benchmarks?

Start practicing today and track your progress toward a competitive score.

Start your free trial