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Kansas City Art Institute

Kansas City, MO · Private Nonprofit

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60.4%
Acceptance
N/A
SAT
$51,650
Sticker Price
$27,533
Net Price*
$37,032
Earnings
54.2 yrs
Payback
1,097
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

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What is Kansas City Art Institute's acceptance rate?

Down 8.8 percentage points since 2018

With a 60.4% acceptance rate, Kansas City Art Institute is considered moderately selective. The school has become increasingly competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Kansas City Art Institute?

Kansas City Art Institute received 1,097 applications in 2023, up 66% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 36% is moderate for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Kansas City Art Institute?

Design and Applied Arts leads as the most popular major at Kansas City Art Institute. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Kansas City Art Institute?

Tuition has increased by 23% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 24% from $41,608 to $51,650.

Tuition Total Cost

How much do Kansas City Art Institute graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Design and Applied Arts earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $27,947 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Design and Applied Arts $27,947
$9,000 $89,859
Film/Video and Photographic Ar... $27,476
$9,000 $89,859
Rhetoric and Composition/Writi... $25,580
$9,000 $89,859
Fine and Studio Arts $22,715
$9,000 $89,859
Graphic Communications $20,140
$9,000 $89,859
This school National avg

Kansas City Art Institute Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 1,097 662 60.4% 36.3%
2022 990 579 58.5% 32.3%
2021 897 538 60.0% 38.3%
2020 1,005 594 59.1% 31.1%
2019 1,015 574 56.5% 31.9%
2018 659 456 69.2% 30.5%
2017 704 473 67.2% 36.1%
2016 778 506 65.0% 32.2%
2015 698 405 58.0% 36.0%

Is Kansas City Art Institute worth it?

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Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
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What do Kansas City Art Institute graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,032
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$3,400 $37,032 median $48,400

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $3,400 while the top 10% earn $48,400. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$25,529
Median Debt
$27,000
6-Year Graduation Rate
64.9%

How much does Kansas City Art Institute cost?

The total cost of attendance at Kansas City Art Institute is approximately $51,650 per year. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

Tuition
$39,500
Fees
$600
Room & Board
$11,550
Total Cost of Attendance
$51,650

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $27,374
$30-48k income $25,954
$48-75k income $27,533
$75-110k income $29,454
$110k+ income $34,880

Which majors pay the most?

  • Design and Applied Arts $27,947
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts $27,476
  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies $25,580
  • Fine and Studio Arts $22,715
  • Graphic Communications $20,140

Who attends Kansas City Art Institute?

Kansas City Art Institute enrolls 789 students, with 1% from outside the United States. Women make up 79% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 789
Retention Rate 75%
International 1%
Women 79%
Race/Ethnicity
White 62%
Hispanic 15%
Black 8%
Asian 4%

How much financial aid is available?

100% of students receive some form of financial aid at Kansas City Art Institute. About 42% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 100%
Avg: $27,026 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 42%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 70%
Avg: $6,621
School's Own Grants 100%
Avg: $24,601 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Kansas City Art Institute are near the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

This school National avg

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