About Us

CCAD fosters a diverse community that educates students so they can unleash their creative power to shape culture and commerce.

Our Values

We value every member of our community and together we focus on student and institutional success.

Respect
Be respectful in tone and with people’s time, and offer constructive criticism. Be transparent by communicating directly, clearly, and in a timely manner.
Positivity
Be supportive and praise your peers. Assume positive intent and competency.
Inspiration
Model the behavior you want to see in others. Embrace change and innovative thinking.
Accountability
Be accountable to one another at all levels. Lead from every seat with a “we.”
Life feels different here.
CCAD is a community built for creative students. Here, being yourself isn't just accepted—it’s welcomed, with a campus and services that support you as both an artist and a human being.
Life at CCAD
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Celebrating Each Student

At CCAD, diverse voices and experiences come together in a welcoming community where everyone can feel supported and accepted.

60%
of students identify as LGBTQ+
30%
of students are people of color
40%
of students are the first in their families to attend college
25
U.S. states are represented by the students who call CCAD home

Our Future

We're working to create a transformational educational experience that serves our innovative campus community and drives the growth of the region's creative economy.

Read our strategic plan

Our Impact

Creativity drives change—and at CCAD, that change is visible across campus and throughout Columbus. From expanded scholarships to a growing downtown presence, we are preparing talented students for meaningful careers while contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of our community.

Read our President's Report

I chose CCAD over other colleges because it has the most positive community that allows for growth and development of skills in an understanding and safe environment.

Current CCAD Student
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The Investment of a Lifetime

We bring real life into the classroom. And that brings students face-to-face with their future and prepares them for what’s next.

190
projects with 91 learning partners, providing students with real-world experience in the classroom.
88%
of BFA graduates are employed or continuing their education one year post-graduation.
150,000
hours of real-world experiences with outside businesses and organizations in CCAD classrooms since 2019. 

CREATING SINCE 1879.

CCAD was founded by five women who envisioned a place where artists could learn and grow from one another. And from that point forward we’ve worked to make that vision a reality.

OUR HISTORY