Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) Reviews
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Britney from Hannibal, MO
02/20/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
6 out of 7 people found this review useful. 1 of 17
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Anything that has to do with art. Painters, drawers, sculpters, animators, design, photographers, printers, art historians, and writers.
Tips for prospective students KCAI is very welcoming for new talent. Just make sure you have a good strong portfolio for review and make sure you know exactly that this is what you want to go into. Other than that just be ready for a great college experience in art!
Bang for the buck Its pretty expensive...though that is to be expected from a private art school. I feel like I am getting my money's worth though. The housing situations cost a bit but I get a room and meals so its a good deal.
Am enjoying being here Great enviornment. Everyone is super nice and they work their hardest to make it feel like home. The staff is very friendly and hardworking. I love the campus and the location, within walking distance of the plaza shopping district and right between the kemper and nelson atkins museum.
Am learning a lot The teachers are really into their work. The love the subjects they teach and thus I feel like I'm really learning a lot about the subjects. Everything is clear and straight to the point, yet very in depth.
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Jamie from MD
08/07/2011Reviewer is A past student here.
3 out of 4 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate. 2 of 17
Categories Comments Great for these types of students I guess all art students. I wanted to go into Digital Art, however, and they really REALLY dragged their feet on that, so if you want to do something along those lines, I HIGHLY recommend going somewhere else.
Tips for prospective students Bring a car, most definitely, because the city doesn't have a lot to offer walking-distance from the school. If you can, try to get into Oak Place, because I heard it is so much nicer than the Living Center, and if you have a car, the distance from campus doesn't matter.
Bang for the buck I got a pretty nice scholarship, but I hear that everyone does. For most people, it was the main reason they came to the school. If money matters more than anything, and you get a nice scholarship, go ahead. However, I personally do not feel like what money I spent on the school was worth it.
Did enjoy being here Most of my time at KCAI was really awful. The dorms are a terrible place to live, and they take their own sweet time fixing things that need fixing. There was a throbbing noise all of my second semester that kept everyone awake at night and nothing was done about it for the longest time. The food is terrible and many days I would just eat cereal for every meal because the options are just that bad. We would often walk down to QT to get food. My only enjoyment came from the few friends I made, which had nothing to do with the school itself. You need a car to get basically anywhere and overall, my experience was just not something I'd wish upon anyone.
Did learn a lot It could have just been the luck of the draw, but in my main foundations class, I learned almost nothing. I did not feel that it was worth my time being there. My liberal arts classes were okay; I only felt like one was stupendous.
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Brent from Kansas City, MO
01/01/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 3 of 17
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students looking for a thorough art education in a great city will love KCAI. It's a great experience for an art student and even though there are very few clubs, there is always something to do.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you get as much financial help as possible. This school is going to cost you. My choices for schools with my major were very limited and I'm loving this school overall but I was not prepared for the extra little prices they'd be throwing in. I was able to keep my head a float but just be prepared.
Bang for the buck I'm enjoying the experience but there is no doubt in my mind that this school is over priced. Students are constantly getting nickel and dimed and sent out to buy more of their own supplies. Considering how pricey the tuition already is, I can't help but feel that a lot of these costs should already be taken care of.
Am enjoying being here I love the atmosphere and student body. Though this obviously doesn't apply to every member of the student body, most people I've encountered on campus have been generally open and friendly. The campus is a bit small but active and is in a prime location that gives students the chance to interact with the surrounding city.
Am learning a lot My education has been very thorough. KCAI's foundations program is great at pounding in the basics and getting you prepared for the years ahead. Teachers truly care about your work as they will give in depth critiques and suggest tips to improve your pieces.
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B from Kansas City, MO
01/04/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 4 of 17
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Hard working, inspired, put their futures before parties.
Tips for prospective students Be ready to work, the school has a fairly high drop rate because kids don't expect to have to work.
Bang for the buck Freshmen get their moneys worth in wisdom, not supplies and work spaces.
Am enjoying being here The campus is beautiful, plus being next to the Nelson Atkins Museum is a huge plus.
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Daiana from Miami, FL
02/08/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 5 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety campus security is just a phone call away and always there to keep you safe. there really isn't many cases of violence or robberies here.
Greek Life does not exist here.
Clubs and Activities there really aren't many clubs or activities here besides a sculpture club, print club, christian club, bacc club, and a few outside activities every now and then. there are lectures every week, though, and they are pretty interesting.
Great for these types of students this is a great school for people wanting a serious, focused art education. it is also a good place for those wanting to go into ceramics.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus art kids do weird things...
Bang for the buck the environment really sold it for me. it is located in a nice, quiet place where you can take in nature and enjoy the surroundings.
What to do for fun most of us live in studio, but there are quite a lot of parties nearby. there is also an art district of town where there are tons of galleries you can go to. there is an outdoor plaza with shops and restaurants within walking distance, but it can be difficult to do many other things if you do not have a car.
Food and Dining the cafeteria could definitely use a lot of improvement. eating the same thing every week gets tiring. there are just not enough options, and the food usually doesn't taste very good anyway.
Dorm Life the dorms are pretty standard. small rooms with a central communal bathroom. kcai seems to be really good at matching you with the perfect roommate for you, though!
Academic Rigor the classes are challenging for those not accustomed to an environment that focuses on art all the time.
Tips for prospective students be serious about your artwork and come in with the intention of working hard and learning as much as you possibly can. open your mind to new ways of thinking and making art.
In three sentences kansas city art institute provides an intensive education in the visual and liberal arts. the foundations program is great because you are able to take classes in a variety of different departments and explore tons of medias and processes so you can figure out what you love to do and what you want to major in. the environment is very friendly and small, so it feels like a family.
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Sydney from Kansas City, MO
02/14/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 6 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety there is always a security officer in the dorm lobby at night, as well as patrolling guards across campus. they are always there if you need help, but there is little to no crime on campus.
Greek Life there is none!
Clubs and Activities there are only a handful of clubs on campus, but the existing clubs are highly involved. there are always a number of unofficial campus activities, like soccer on the quad, or different outings. the school is small enough that it is easy to develop a sense of community without clubs.
Great for these types of students this school is perfect for critical thinkers, hard workers, and people passionate about art!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus the foundations building is a warehouse- like space with arrangeable walls, built to change with different projects and classes. it is a great, creative space meant to inspire!
Bang for the buck although the school is very generous with financial aid, supply costs add up! this school is expensive to attend, but in exchange you get great one on one time with professors.
What to do for fun check out the westport music scene, or do lunch and shopping in the plaza.
Food and Dining the food is decent. there are always many options, but it is cafeteria food.
Dorm Life the dorms are small, with about 30 people per floor. there are a variety of living options, and the dining hall is conveniently located downstairs in the lobby.
Academic Rigor expect to be in the studio for two to six hours a night. i have never been to a place more academically stimulating.
Tips for prospective students be ready to work hard and make sure you save up money for supplies!
In three sentences it is a rigorous and creative environment. it pushes the students to be creative and resourceful while developing their skills. it is a small, bustling community.
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Cali from MO
04/07/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 7 of 17
Categories Comments Food and Dining From what I've heard, the food is horrible in the cafeteria.
Dorm Life Eh, it seems pretty decent. The only thing I've heard from others is that there is some kind of weird noise at night that keeps you up or something like that.
Academic Rigor Heard that it's rough but manageable. Only if you're up to the challenge.
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JKS from Hutchinson, KS
04/08/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
8 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety Pretty good. There are sketchy neighborhoods close by. There are occasional hold ups and car break ins, but it's not on a regular basis.
Greek Life None
Clubs and Activities Not a lot, but a few possibilities.
Great for these types of students If you are truly committed to a creative lifestyle this is the place for you.
What to do for fun There are unlimited opportunities--art museums, theatres, bars, museums. The school is in a great part of town
Food and Dining Not great, but passable.
Dorm Life Depends on your roommate and placement.
Academic Rigor Very tough
Tips for prospective students Be prepared to be challenged in every way.
In three sentences The faculty is great--supportive and dynamic. The program is rigorous--you will work you butt off. Great atmosphere for artists.
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West Palm Beach, FL
05/16/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
9 of 17
Categories Comments In three sentences I really want to go see the campus. I learned a lot when one of the teachers come to my school!
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Ashley from Kansas City, MO
06/26/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
10 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety A few cars get broken into off of the streets, but security is walking on campus 24/7 and personal safety is nothing to fear.
Bang for the buck Tuition is a bit pricy and you will be spending a bit extra during the semester on supplies, but it will influence your work positively
What to do for fun Short distance from fun night scenes like Westport and the Power and Light District. Always an active art city with events like First Friday Gallery openings and open mic nights on campus for students.
Food and Dining Food in the Kansas City area is worth a thousands words.
Dorm Life Typical dorm experience, Living off campus is recommended
Academic Rigor This school will challenge you mentally and skillfully.
Tips for prospective students Work hard and never give up, if you need help, someone will help you no matter what. You will never regret trying your best and you will never regret asking for advise, and this school is good for it.
In three sentences A very open minded and attentive school focused on the achievement and success of the students. A full staff with as much desire as experience to guide the future of local artists and the community. This school is one of the best art undergraduate schools in the country.
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Kitt from Kansas City, MO
06/27/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
11 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety The security officers on campus are pretty well rounded. The school is in kind of a rough area, so sometimes incidents happen, but if you're smart then you've got nothing to worry about.
Greek Life Umm...?
Clubs and Activities There aren't many serious clubs, but the kitchen-staff will sometimes play kickball, and on occasion the school will take select kids to Royals Games.
Great for these types of students Rich students, People who want to do art and little else, vegetarians, and artists hoping to grow.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus It's kind of an unusual school, so all of it is pretty far out. The Nelson Atkins Lawn in the Winter is the best, though.
Bang for the buck I don't always feel that it's worth the money, but if you're in the right department it is. The teachers are pretty well worth it, though.
What to do for fun There isn't a whole lot of down time with assignment due-dates, but the location of the school makes a night on the Plaza easily accessible (Or Westport, if you're old enough).
Food and Dining I really enjoyed the food selection in the cafeteria. It comes with Room and Board, and you can buy a separate meal plan if you're off campus. And the food is delicious!
Dorm Life Living in the dorms was a treat. It's on campus, right near Freshman studios, and the food court is just downstairs (so is the art store and mail room). Roommates are a situation that varies for everyone.
Academic Rigor The school's academic policies are unrealistic and a pain, but good for you if you can keep up. Being punished for attendance like high school is a little rough, and maintaining GPA is difficult, but if you can do that, the reward is worthwhile.
Tips for prospective students Freshman year may seem intensive, but stick through it. Just tell yourself, over and over again, you're worth this effort. And when your instructor tells you drawing boxes 2000 times will help you in the years to come, don't argue: It does.
In three sentences As good a school as can be, it blurs the lines between tradition and nontraditional in the realm of art. It opens doors to a variety of opportunity, and the teaching staff is usually top notch. It's expensive, but for many, it's worth the price.
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Taylor from Kansas City, MO
09/29/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
12 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety One of the most friendly security departments ever.
Greek Life There isn't any, and nobody minds.
Clubs and Activities Lots of various arts clubs and extracurriculars to keep you busy if you somehow miraculously have time outside of studio to do anything.
Great for these types of students Hard. Working.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus First Fridays: every first friday of the month all the cities' galleries open their doors for free.
Bang for the buck Totally worth it, I'd reccomend this school to any hardworking artists ready and willing to improve themselves.
What to do for fun Clubs, city life, and the local arts and music scene make for a college experience unique to Kansas City.
Food and Dining Coming from a boarding high school where dormies got to enjoy the luxuries of over-salted meat patties and lukewarm carrots on a daily basis, this cafeteria has many delicious options for meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike.
Dorm Life Sometimes gross, but what college dorm isn't? Depending on the floor/tower you get placed on, dorm life can either be hermit-living, or a social experience. I live on a very bubbling, sociable floor, where people always have doors open, and are having fun, whether that means the occasional grilled cheese/waffle party, study sessions, or movie nights.
Academic Rigor Studio classes aren't you're run-of-the-mill high school art intro courses; they're rigorous, demanding, and sometimes infuriatingly difficult. Professors will have you working your rear off to finish assignments in time, as well as teaching you valuable art lessons ,all the while improving your personal artistic style as a whole.
Tips for prospective students Prepare a well-rounded application portfolio that exhibits your technical abilities as well as conceptual works. Don't be afraid to contact KCAI's financial aid office for tips on how to save money, earn scholarships, and get student loans before applying, because, let's face it, art school is expensive and you're going to want to leave the school in the least amount of debt as humanly possible.
In three sentences Studio classes are make it or break it; they will redefine your work ethic and build you into a better artist. The people are some of the most friendly, accepting, and interesting individuals you will ever come to know (I've only been here for two months and I've already made lifelong friends). The professors are amazing, not only for their extensive knowledge on subjects not limited to the one's they instruct, but also for their willingness to help pupils develop their interest in art/art history/writing.
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Mary from Davenport, IA
09/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
13 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety There are security guards at the dorms and the foundations building at night and they can even escort you home if you ask for it. I feel very safe here but it's also your responibility to stay safe, meaning you probably shouldn't leave campus at night.
Clubs and Activities There are plenty of clubs and activities to be involved in such as: the Black Lungs soccer team, ArtPlay, the Art Space Student Advisory Committee Council, Quiltbag and much more.
What to do for fun There are plenty of good bands that come to play in Kansas City. The Plaza is a great place to walk around and shop as well as the Westport district. Usually there are people outside on the greenspace of the school playing games or doing yoga.
Food and Dining The cafeteria is either a hit or miss. They have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options but the food isn't always great.
Dorm Life I live on a coed floor and it can be really dirty but interesting when your floormates skateboard down the hall. Usually people stay up pretty late.
Academic Rigor The first year it depends on who your professor is. My professor is a little more lenient than others but it's still a lot of work. With foundations you also have to balance 2 other liberal arts courses which can be really tough. You are expected to hand everything in at your best, on time.
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Angelina from Hickory, NC
12/17/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
14 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety Safety on campus is very important. Starting at 8 p.m. there is always a person at the desk in the living center and by 11 p.m. there's a security police at the desk. There are always campus security around to help or to make sure the area is safe. After 1 am, if a student wishes they can be escort from the studios to the dorms or to their apartments.
Clubs and Activities There's a lot of clubs that are mainly student organized. There's the printmaking club, art play (for charity work and community service), quiltbag (a club for discussions of sexual orientations), a bakery club where you taste pastries, a club for football, a club that enables you to learn new mediums and techniques, a club that allows you to expand your business knowledge.
Great for these types of students Hard working, passionate students that have an enjoyment for art. And those who wish to expand their minds and skills set.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Hedge jumping. There are hedges at the Nelson-Atkins Museum and at night you jump over one hedge after another until you reach the end. Hill Rolling. By the Roxy Payne silver tree at the Nelson-Atkins Museum you can roll down the hill. Thirsty Thursdays are celebrated every Thursdays. There's a lot of restaurants that support live bands and belly dancing. First Fridays are held every first Friday of every month, all the galleries open with new work in the crossroads and there are street performances as well as discounts on food and thrift stores.
Bang for the buck The experience at KCAI helps you find yourself, for lack of better terms. It helps you create yourself and helps you realize what is truly important in your life. The school provides adequate learning techniques and you'll get a lot of experience with new things.
What to do for fun The student life center will obtain free tickets to the movie theater, ballet center, Renaissance Festivals, zoo, and other activities. Limited tickets though so first come first serve. A five minute walk will take you to the plaza where there are stores and tourist attraction sites. Westport is a fifteen minute walk and there are many different restaurants and bakeries. The school is sandwiched between two amazing fine arts and contemporary arts museums. There's a basket ball court on campus as well as a tennis court by the plaza.
Food and Dining The food and dining has greatly improved with the new supervisor and food administrator. The staff has now been taking suggestions from the students. There is many choices of vegan, vegetarian, and glutton-free foods as well as meat foods. There's a salad bar and a potato bar. The deserts are great! There's tea and coffee and everyday serves different main dishes for lunch and dinner.
Dorm Life The dorm life's experience is dependent on which floor you are assigned to and who your RA is. But typically, it's a very decent and fulfilling experience. Usually students are very respectful to one another and to the bathrooms as well as the lounge area. Respecting others and the school's property is taken very strictly. If something were to happen that is considered inappropriate, a meeting would be held and the Resident Administrator will speak to the students about the issue. This helps us to be informed about what is going on around campus and around our living area. This is a community and not just your typical dorm life.
Academic Rigor You have two choices of academic classes, art history and creative writing. But under these broad subjects are sub groups of classes that are available to you. The rigorousness of these classes vary depending on your professor. The art classes are extremely rigorous. Here, art is taken very seriously and it is up to the student to work hard with passion and enjoyment.
Tips for prospective students Work hard. Explore your passions and experiment with different mediums and ideas, thoughts. Get to know your peers and your professors. And especially go to the museums that are just one minute from campus. The city is a colorful place for inspiration so don't be afraid to go out and see the city. And most importantly, don't be afraid to fail sometimes, take risks, it'll help you grow and improve.
In three sentences KCAI is an insightful school. You realize a lot of things about yourself and others. The professors are extremely helpful as long as you take the incentive to ask. They will talk with you about your personal problems, worries, successes, ideas.
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Tyler from Kansas City, MO
01/03/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
15 of 17
Categories Comments What to do for fun The city is amazing. Visit the Crossroads on First Fridays
Tips for prospective students Kansas City has a great arts community that has many jobs in the arts
In three sentences Great school to really get the best education in the art and design. The great faculty and professors give valued knowledge that promotes health learning. The school to go to if your passionate about art.
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Brandon from Overland Park, KS
03/05/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
16 of 17
Categories Comments Food and Dining They do not have a meal plan.
Dorm Life Is amazing
Academic Rigor 12 hrs a week.
In three sentences The school is amazing. I wish i would of came here sooner. i love my professors there great.
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Kyrsten from Foley, MO
04/14/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
17 of 17
Categories Comments Campus Safety Everyone seems friendly and open at the Art Institute, but you never know when something may happen; college is just as safe as high school.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Compared to the Art Institute in Nashville, the one in Missouri is small: Definitely needs more space!
What to do for fun Anything cheap and doesn't involve too much physical/mental labor is fun when you're a college student.
Food and Dining Food and Dinning is great when you get the chance, but with college expenses and everything else outside of school, it's more like what am I going to do with my ramen noodles tonight?
Dorm Life Dorm life can be fun, but it can also be like hell. The dorm life really depends on the people you house with and how it interferes with your schedule. I've went through it for a few months, and I had to move out of there!
Academic Rigor School work is overwhelming and very stressful, but I try my hardest to get all As, or at least get my homework done and turned in on time... and if all else fails at least I tried. So far I have all As and Bs.
Tips for prospective students With expenses, school work, a job, and a decent social life; school is stressful. Try not to worry about the small things, and most importantly do not procrastinate: it makes everything easier in the end. I know everyone likes to have fun, but work first play later: it turns out better in the long run.
In three sentences The Art Institute here is good, but the one in Nashville is so much better. The school could use more space, and though it's new, the staff should be more aware and informative for their students (especially the new students). On a scale from one to ten, ten being the best (leaving Art Institute of Nashville at nine), I rate the Art Institute of Missouri a six.
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