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Columbus College of Art & Design

Private nonprofit Columbus, OH · Urban · Great Lakes · 93% data reported · Agent Insights
59%
Graduation Rate
$40,664
Earnings (10yr)
$29,439
Net Price
68%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Columbus College of Art & Design is a great fit for students passionate about the visual and performing arts. With an acceptance rate of 68%, it welcomes a diverse range of creative minds eager to explore fields such as graphic design, photography, and illustration. What stands out here is the intimate environment—enrollment is around 882—allowing for personalized attention and collaboration among peers and faculty.

In terms of outcomes, graduates can expect to earn an average of $40,664 after ten years in the workforce. This figure is important for gauging how well students transition into their careers. While the college has a graduation rate of 59%, many find their footing in creative industries, which can be competitive yet rewarding. Affordability matters too; a significant 39% of students receive Pell Grants, making this an accessible option for those who qualify.

Looking at the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $29,439, and the median debt is $27,000. This means that while there is some financial burden, many students who thrive here are those who are deeply committed to their artistic pursuits and willing to invest in their futures. It’s a place where creativity is valued, and dedicated students can carve out meaningful careers in the arts.

How Columbus Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation59%Earnings 10yr$41KNet Price$29KRetention80%Median Debt$27KPell Grant Rate39%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$24K$0-30K$27K$30-48K$28K$48-75K$33K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%625.6%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%2553.7%MOBILITY159.75%

Cost & Financial Aid

$40,825
In-State Tuition
$40,825
Out-of-State
$29,439
Avg Net Price
$27,000
Median Debt
39%
Pell Grant Rate
70%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$24,204
Family Income $0–$30K
$27,218
Family Income $30K–$48K
$27,534
Family Income $48K–$75K
$33,114
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$30,590
6 Years After Entry
$37,503
8 Years
$40,664
10 Years
0.66x
Debt-to-Earnings
51%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$30,590 6yr $37,503 8yr $40,664 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

159.75%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
2553.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
625.6%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$81,800
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.58
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.02
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
13.8%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 68%
Retention Rate 80%
Full-Time Faculty 35%
Faculty Salary (mo) $5,663
Diversity Index 0.53
First-Gen Students 25%

Top Programs

Visual & Performing Arts 81%

Quick Facts

Setting Urban
Region Great Lakes
Accreditor Higher Learning Commission
Predominant Degree Bachelor's

Student Body

Female
70%
White
66%
Hispanic
9%
Black
12%
Asian
4%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

Our methodology →