Accepted Student Checklist

We're here to answer your questions to help you pursue your dream of a career in art and design. Don't hesitate to contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid with any questions you may have. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. 

Next Steps

Schedule a Visit

Sign up for a tour and one-on-one meeting with an admissions counselor. As an admitted student, you are eligible to receive a CIA Visit Award. Learn more about this here.

Submit your enrollment deposit

Submit your non-refundable $300 enrollment deposit. Your tuition deposit does two important things:

• Reserves your space in our entering class for this fall.
• When combined with your non-refundable housing deposit of $200 (below), secures a place for you in CIA's residence hall. 

When you submit your tuition deposit, you will not only finally put the college decision process behind you, but you will also begin to receive important information about orientation, housing, and registering for classes.  

Submit housing deposit

If you plan to live in our residence halls, submit your $200 non-refundable housing deposit online. Please note: Housing cannot be guaranteed to students who deposit after May 1.*

*Because of challenges with the new FAFSA, CIA has extended the deposit deadline to June 1, 2024.

Apply for financial aid

In addition to your merit-based award, you may be eligible for Federal, state, and additional need-based financial aid. The Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) is used by colleges to assess students' needs for financial aid.

Complete financial aid paperwork

Once you've completed the FAFSA, our Financial Aid office will prepare a Financial Aid Award Letter. The Award Letter will show you what aid you are eligible for, based on the FAFSA. 

You'll be prompted to review and accept your Award through an online portal, Net Partner. In Net Partner, you may be asked to provide additional information and paperwork to complete so that we can include this aid when your Fall tuition statement is posted in June.

Click here to learn more about the Financial Aid Award and your next steps.

Purchase CIA Merchandise

Show off your CIA spirit! Wearing CIA gear is a great way to let people know you've committed to a career in the arts -- and much of it is designed by your peers. Merchandise is available in the Office of Admissions (216.421.7418) and through our online store.

Connect with Us

See what's going on at CIA through our social media accounts:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cleinstituteart
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cleinstituteart
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleinstituteart/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cleinstituteart 

Participate in StART

Once you deposit, you will receive information about StART, CIA's online summer program for all incoming first-year and transfer students. Using CIA's online student portal, myCIA, students will have the opportunity to view videos, download resources, and submit important paperwork The best part: you can do this at your leisure, from the comfort of your home!

StART will go live online in early June.