Kansas City Art Institute SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
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
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.
Kansas City, MO
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Key Kansas City Art Institute application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
—
Early Decision
—
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 1
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 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.
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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.

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
25% of undergrads live on campus
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Avila University
Kansas City, MOAcceptance rate: 87.8%
SAT: 810–960
ACT: 16–21
Mission University
Springfield, MOAcceptance rate: 100%
ACT: 19–23
Global University
Springfield, MOCalvary University
Kansas City, MOAcceptance rate: 71.7%
SAT: 870–1170
ACT: 17–24
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