College Preview
Dive into art school life and earn college credits.
Ready to experience college life as an art & design student? CCAD’s College Preview is a transformative pre-college summer program designed for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (grades 10-12) who are considering a future in art and design.
Set on our beautiful campus in thriving downtown Columbus, Ohio, this immersive summer program for high school students introduces them to the art and design school experience. You’ll customize your path by choosing a major and minor area of study—like animation, game art and design, fashion, or fine arts—and take part in college courses modeled after CCAD’s own curriculum. It’s a chance to earn college credit, get a taste of college life, and start building your portfolio, all before graduating high school!
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
| Important Dates & Deadlines | |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Application Opens | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 |
| Early Bird Registration Closes (waive the $250 registration deposit) | Monday, February 15, 2027 |
| Scholarship Application Closes | Tuesday, April 27, 2027 |
| Registration Closes & Scholarships Results Announced | Monday, May 10, 2027 |
| Tuition & Fee Balance Due | Monday, June 7, 2027 |
College Preview Program Majors
- Animation*
- Comics & Narrative Practice
- Illustration*
- Game Art & Design
- Fashion Design*
- Graphic Design*
- Interior Architecture & Design
- Fine Arts*
- Film & Video
*Available as a minor (Photography is also an offered minor)
$3000, Tuition & Program Fees
$600, Room & Board
$3600, Total
$250 Registration Deposit required at time of registration
A note about meals:
Residential students will receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays and brunch and dinner on weekends.
$3000, Tuition & Program Fees
$0, Room & Board
$3000, Total
$250 Registration Deposit required at time of registration
A note about meals:
Commuting students will receive lunch and dinner on weekdays and the option of receiving brunch and dinner on weekends.
TWO WEEKS. ONE TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE.
THE CCAD EXPERIENCE
Through college-level courses, collaborative projects, and independent studio time, you’ll build your skills with guidance from practicing artists and access to CCAD’s professional facilities.
Whether you live on campus or commute from home, you’ll get to know CCAD’s creative community and explore Columbus through local excursions, gallery visits, and time spent around our downtown campus.
At the end of the program, you’ll make your own mark on our artistic community by contributing to a public-facing exhibition in one of our professional galleries.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Merit- and Need-based Scholarships
CCAD offers merit- and need-based scholarships to help students finance their College Preview experience. Students may apply for either or both merit- and need-based aid. Scholarship requirements include:
- Portfolio with 3 images
- 300-500 word personal statement
- NACAC fee waiver
Central Ohio Scholastic Art Competition Scholarships
As the Central Ohio affiliate of the national Scholastic Visual Art Competition, CCAD is pleased to offer an automatic $750 College Preview scholarship to any 10th-12th grade student who receives a silver or gold key in the 2026-2027 Central Ohio regional Scholastic competition.
- Upon successful completion of College Preview, students will receive 3 non-major elective art credits and have their application fee to CCAD waived. They will also receive a certificate of completion presented at our convocation ceremony and have their work displayed in a public exhibition.
- “Successful completion” is defined by a student’s level of participation and completion of all assignments, a passing letter grade in their course, adherence to our program code of conduct, and proper attendance.
- How these credits transfer to outside higher education institutions is at the discretion of their registrar, and will vary on a case-by-case basis. Instructions on how to request transcripts from CCAD will be provided after conclusion of the program.
- A core tenet of the College Preview experience is creating a safe environment for students to grow and experience the independence of attending college. If you feel it necessary, you may visit your young artist outside of class time. We ask that you schedule your visit around our scheduled activities, as these events have already been supplied with a full student headcount in mind. Approved guests are welcome to spend time in common areas on campus, but are not permitted in residence halls or in studios.
- For commuter students: Students are required to remain on campus during class time and required studio hours. Commuter students will be released after scheduled activities for the day have concluded.
- Students with their own vehicles are not permitted to transport other students off-campus or leave campus during scheduled activities/classes without prior approval by College Preview staff and hearing approval from the other student’s parent/guardian. Parents/guardians should reach out to [email protected] with at least 24 hours notice to make arrangements.
- Similarly parents, guardians, friends or family members are not permitted to transport other students off-campus or leave campus during scheduled activities/classes without prior approval by College Preview staff and hearing approval from the other student’s parent/guardian. Parents/guardians should reach out to [email protected] with at least 24 hours notice to make arrangements.
- For residential students: Students are not allowed to leave campus without prior approval from College Preview staff. Students may be picked up from campus by a parent/guardian/family member for pre-approved medical appointments or family obligations. Parents/guardians should reach out to [email protected] with at least 24 hours notice to make arrangements.
We are excited to offer a commuter option for our central Ohio community. If your young artist lives within a 35-mile radius of our campus, they are welcome to commute for the duration of the program. If you live in central Ohio, but outside this radius, and would like to discuss options, please contact us at [email protected].
We're here to ensure your safety while you're at CCAD. That’s why campus security staff are available at all times. Designated College Preview staff will also be on call overnight in residence halls to assist with non-emergency situations. At College Preview Orientation, we’ll cover our CCAD Student Handbook, code of conduct, campus safety procedures, and other related information.
For more information, visit our Safety & Security page.
The major areas of study at College Preview are designed to give emerging artists and designers a taste of rigorous, college-level instruction in a supportive, empowering learning environment. During class, students will experience a mix of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on learning. While these classes are designed to challenge students, our College Preview instructors design their classes with a range of experience levels in mind and there will be time for one-on-one instruction. Major area classes are designed as survey courses, exploring a variety of projects and mediums within a given discipline. For example, a Fine Arts student may produce work in our painting, ceramics, and printmaking studios. An Illustration student may work in both traditional and digital mediums.
No. Due to the logistics of supply acquisition and class rosters, we do not allow students to change majors mid-program. CCAD prides itself on our highly trained teaching artists, who work hard to develop curriculum and request professional artmaking supplies before the session starts. If a student wishes to change majors before the start date of the program, please contact [email protected].
- Registration deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- A 100% refund of tuition balance less $250 non-refundable registration deposit is eligible if withdrawn by June 14, 2027.
- A 50% refund of tuition balance less $250 non refundable registration deposit is eligible if withdrawn by June 28, 2027.
- There are no refunds thereafter.
Please note that classes may be canceled due to low enrollment. Registrants with canceled sections will be offered an alternative class section for their young artist or a full refund of their class registration.
- A detailed checklist of items to bring will be sent to all residential students who have completed payment of their tuition before move-in occurs. Generally, we advise students to bring basic linens (towels, XL twin sheets, etc.), appropriate seasonal clothing, and any personal technology devices they feel they may need.
- All art supplies, materials, software, and technology that would be necessary for a student to complete their projects will be provided. All students, commuter and residential, are encouraged to bring personal sketchbooks and any of their favorite art supplies as well!
