Private not-for-profit

Small

Columbus College of Art & Design SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate67.7%

CCAD admits about two-thirds of applicants, so your focus should be showing strong artistic fit and steady academic preparation, not chasing a perfect score. Because CCAD is test-optional, submit SAT or ACT results if they are a clear strength alongside your portfolio, grades, and creative work.

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

Columbus College of Art & Design facts and stats

Quick Facts

Columbus College of Art & Design is an urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 885 students. CCAD has an 80% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 56% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.

Location

Columbus, OH

Undergrad Enrollment885

Freshman Retention80%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio10:1

Graduation Rate56%

Test PolicyTest-optional

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Key Columbus College of Art & Design application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

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Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

October 15

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 CCAD, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and a fall retake to improve your score, then choose the last fall test date that will report before CCAD’s regular application deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

CCAD is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students: $41,619. With 86% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $13,721, scholarships can help offset costs. Submit the FAFSA by the October 15 priority deadline.

Tuition and Fees$41,619

Room and Board$11,450

Average Merit Award$13,721

Application Fee$50

Students on Aid86%

Average Aid Package$26,973

Average Debt at Grad$32,258

At Columbus College of Art & Design, tuition and fees plus room and board total about $53,069. Financial aid is common: 86% of students receive aid, with an average package of $26,973. Merit aid can also reduce costs, with an average merit award of $13,721 and CCAD Merit Scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $22,000. Graduates leave with an average debt of $32,258.