Columbus College of Art and Design
Columbus, OH, USA

Reviews

Columbus College of Art and Design

Amanda from West Chester, OH

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I thought learning foundation classes would have been a hassle when I first came to the school. But after now finishing my first year I couldn't have been happier. Most of the basic information (such as color theory or art history) is really important and the teachers at this school make sure you're learning this information in the best way an artist can. That is by creating their lessons to suit the students creative minds.
Am enjoying being here
I love this school. The students, faculty, and artist are all inspirational and all so very kind. The atmosphere of this school is supportive and they want to make sure you are having the best experience you can at the school.
Bang for the buck
This school's tuition maybe costing you an arm and a leg. But with the education you're receiving, the experience, and the skills you are honing this school is giving you everything and more.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for future fashion, graphic, industrial, and interior designers. As well as fine artist, illustrators, photographers and animators.

Danielle from Columbus, OH

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The professors and being in class will only teach you so much. As is typical in an art major, you need to dedicate a large amount, if not all, of your time to practicing, doing your homework/projects, and researching techniques, methods, and materials. If you simply sit in class and wait for a lightning bolt of inspiration or talent to hit you, you'll never succeed in the visual art field. Especially in art, you need to be proactive about your own education.
Am enjoying being here
The school is what you make it out to be. Columbus College of Art & Design provides you with plenty of opportunities for extracurricular, clubs, and of course completing your schoolwork. If you sit around and don't move outside of your comfort zone by learning new art techniques by talking to fellow students or professors, you won't have a very good time at this school.
Bang for the buck
The school is somewhat expensive compared to regular state schools, however, all art schools are in this same above-average range. And compared to all other art schools in the country Columbus College of Art & Design is the cheapest school that is still accredited and taken seriously with a great reputation.
Tips for prospective students
Be ready to enroll yourself into a high-workload school. Although it is an intensive, rigorous school it will reward you with an above-average knowledge and specialization in the art world which is what in turn will get you an education. You have to realize that in the art world no one will care about your GPA like was typical in high school. You have to develop your portfolio and obtain connections in order to get a good job in this field. Being studious isn't enough.
Great for these types of students
Columbus College of Art & Design is an ideal school for hard workers, perfectionists, those that are artistically-minded, creative, outside-the-box, and unique individuals. If you're not 100% or above dedicated and serious about working in the visual art world, this school is most definitely not for you.

Makaylee from Meadville, PA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
I seen what the student can do there and it was all phenomenal!
Will enjoy being here
I went to the campus and felt like I belonged there. I can't wait to get started. :D
Bang for the buck
Every penny is worth it.
Tips for prospective students
There are many great art schools out there, I believe this is one of them. Check out their site at: www.ccad.edu to learn more. Trust me, I was blown away with what the students can do and how lively the campus is.
Great for these types of students
Artsy
Talkative
For the Great Thinkers
Expressives
Wild and Free
Many more!

DaMonte from Euclid, OH

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The way I can describe this school is on three things the faculty and staff, the dorm rooms, and the amount of chances you'll have to talk with famous artist. the facility is kind and supportive. the dorm rooms for the freshman and upperclassmen are great and well equipped for the seasons. The the amount of chances you'll get to meet artist from professions like Disney are great as well.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to ask for help from the upperclassmen here. Out of all the colleges I looked at to see which one would be best for me the teachers here where the first ones I met that were so friendly and willing to help you before you even became admitted. Also don't be afraid of a little critique nobody is gonna be mean on the work you create it helps you along in the long run. I'm not gonna lie it's challenging here in college and there are some freshman students that drop out because they don't think they can handle it, but I can assure you that if you work with the teachers here and don't give up you'll make your own name out there as an artist.
Academic Rigor
The students here are all serious about the work you do here and for new students and transfers you get to see a bunch a people using techniques you probably don't know yet. they students here are all willing to help and the teachers will recommend you to student aid with teachers that will look over your grades if your having a hard time and will work with you so you can pass.
Dorm Life
The dorms here are great the water is nice and hot to take showers in. in the dorms you have your own fridge for upperclassmen from sophomore to senior dorms their are individual rooms a common space a cooking area and two different bathrooms to share.
Food and Dining
The food here is great with their own meal plan to choose from. They have their own nutrition value and always ask the students what allergies they have and you can even ask them to make you something from the menu of the day. The staff as well as the chefs are always friendly and will always be there to help.
What to do for fun
They always send updates for the month to your ccad email for all the events and times that are happening for that month. And as well in the dorms the Ra's post their own little events for you to participate in.
Clubs and Activities
Their is a great amount of activities and the clubs they have suit everybody here. from animators to fashion designers the amount of clubs you can choose from rule.
Campus Safety
There are always security watching you 24/7 and their is an emergency button by every class building for you to press if anything goes wrong, and they teach self defense classes each month for you to participate in.

Jessika from Columbus, OH

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
It is a small school in the middle of city so you have a great sense of community and surrounded by a lot of opportunity. There are always school and student ran events and every teacher I've had here goes out of their way to make sure you are learning the material and creating to the best of your ability.
Tips for prospective students
Be open to a lot of different people and art techniques/ways of working. Be willing to explore the city or have a way to, several of your classes will involve this.
Academic Rigor
You will get stressed out, it is all art classes so you will have 2/3 big projects to work on a time so a time management is important, It is not that bad freshman year but 3 weeks into sophomore year and I am swamped.
Dorm Life
The dorms are really nice and you have your own bathroom which is a plus. You do have to live with 3 other people which can or can not be a problem, it is a lot more variables. Now the dorms are nice, but they also are not always in the best working order. The wifi is always sporadic at the start of the new school year too and can be frustrating.
Food and Dining
It eat off campus more even, there are a couple options around as well as a grocer behind the dorm building. But the food is not always great, sometimes there is good stuff there but most not.
What to do for fun
There is a park within walking distance as well as a lot of different clubs.
Greek Life
None
Campus Safety
There have been cases of people stealing bikes/bike parts but security is always everywhere on campus and are nice.

Kirsten from Columbus, OH

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Very upbeat, personal and inviting. The Faculty is by far one of biggest reasons I'm comfortable here. If you're dedicated to working hard, then you'll love it here.
Tips for prospective students
Do not take the assignments here as suggestions. You'll get out what you put into it so if you want to work hard and be challenged, CCAD is definitely right for you.
Academic Rigor
The academics were more than I expected. Freshman year could be harder and easier but it's really up to the student to make it happen.
Dorm Life
The dorms are split into quads with your own bathroom and common area. I love every minute of it! Having a shower in my room is so much better than having one down the hallway! I'd be lying if I said it wasn't part of my selling point.
Food and Dining
The dining here is good and has a lot of options. The only downside is they occasionally do not have gluten free options. But plenty of options and changes through out the week to keep the students interested especially around the holidays.
What to do for fun
Sitting out on the Quad and socializing is what a lot of the students here do. Going to the Short North is always a blast especially when it's gallery hop weekend!
Campus Safety
The ratings for our campus security is awesome! They are constantly watching out for the students and because it's a smaller school, they know who's who and who shouldn't be here during certain times.

Madison from Middletown, OH

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Great environment, and everyone is so crazy and wonderful. It's a lot of fun going here, but be prepared to work. This is not a push over school, but the education and job opportunities are totally worth the stress.
Tips for prospective students
Do NOT procrastinate! It is very easy to fall behind, just put in the work and you'll find out just how far you can go and then go farther.
Academic Rigor
I've only been here a semester, but I've already learned so much! Most of the teachers are amazing, After years of struggling on my own trying to learn perspective, I learned it in a matter of days!
Dorm Life
For the most part, I've had great roommates and have taken to spending most my time on our floor lobby with all my friends. If you have a problem with one of your mates, then just talk to the staff. They are here for you and will do their best to make sure you have the best dorm experience you can.
Food and Dining
It's either hit or miss with the chicken, but the mac n' cheese is divine. They have options for everyone, there's always something you'll enjoy. My only problems with it is that you can't use your swipes for other people and they close relatively early.
What to do for fun
There are so many school clubs you'll always have something to do. There are also plenty of get-togethers for activities and you can always just chill with friends on the floor lobbies.
Bang for the buck
Good lord is it expensive, but if you can survive the stress, sleep deprivation, and loans then go here. The education is top notch and there are lots of job opportunities awaiting you after graduation.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have an annual drag show, really the whole school is unique so I don't know what to consider as unusual traditions here.
Great for these types of students
The school helps you to get out of your shell and become confident in who you are if you aren't already. Everyone is super nice and welcoming.
Clubs and Activities
There is so much to do! Sketch club, animation, illustration, philosophy, gay/straight alliance, dodge-ball, comic club, yoga, zumba, game club, pretty much anything you can think of. And if it doesn't exist you can go create it.
Greek Life
None here.
Campus Safety
Security is always there for you making sure you are safe, on or nearby campus.

Jake

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Facilities are great, many resources for artists. Cafeteria food needs work, but they are trying to fix it. Teachers are lacking outside of Fine Arts and Fashion Design.
Tips for prospective students
Industrial Design is a few years away from getting back on it's feet. New teachers have recently come in. I would explore other options. This is definitely for PRODUCT design only. They do not deal with transportation or architectural design.
What to do for fun
Many great things to do in Columbus. Short North and Arena District do not disappoint. Must try Jeni's Ice Cream!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Some of the older facilities, like the AMF building are kind of run down.
Great for these types of students
Fashion Design, Fine Arts
Greek Life
There's a greek restuarant nearby. That's about it.
Campus Safety
Security is awesome at this college. They work hard, and even patrol a few miles outside the school.

Amanda from West Chester, OH

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I have completely enjoyed my first 2 years at CCAD. I have found the professors and staff at CCAD to be caring and strive to help me grow as an artist. Columbus College of Art and Design is the top school in the nation for arts studies...........now I know why.
Tips for prospective students
1) Prepare yourself early for this college. Take classes in painting, drawing and basic color theory.
2) Get a portfolio together early. Have many look it over. Have CCAD look it over early before your put your final portfolio through. It will not only help you get accepted but may also help in the scholarship process.
3) Stay on campus your first year. Also, try to stay on campus as much as you can. You need the time to work and the lab time in the workshops.
4) Go and visit many places and then visit CCAD. You will see the difference in many schools. And then you will know CCAD is the best fit for you.
5) Columbus is AWESOME! What a great town. No, it's not just about OSU BUCKS! It's really an artistic motivated town. Can't wait to live there one day!
Academic Rigor
You will work your tail off. You will also have to take all basic classes your first year. If you have an expertise in art, that's great. But get ready to learn more.
You may be great at computer art, but you WILL learn how to draw and paint. Count on it!
Dorm Life
I stayed in the Design apartments my first year. It was awesome and I would highly recommend getting a room there.
Food and Dining
Food is great for about 3 months. Then it gets old. Same. But lets face it....................sometimes home cooking gets boring to. Until you leave for college and realized how good home cooking can be.
What to do for fun
Oh wow................Gallery Hopping at North Shore. The book store in German village (and a trip to Schmidts).
Great restaurants to eat
Bang for the buck
Gallery hopping at North Shore...............the best. $10 and you have a night of fun for cheep.
Clubs and Activities
Not into clubs. The campus has alot of activities on campus to keep us busy. Pretty cool things are going on all the time.
Greek Life
none..............please. Your too busy being an artist!
Campus Safety
Safest campus around