Creative Pathway
Talent. Tuition. Taken Care Of.
You can earn a tuition-free CCAD degree, pursue your passion, and launch a successful creative career right here in Central Ohio.
Ready to turn your creativity into a career without the financial worry?
The Creative Pathway represents CCAD’s bold investment in local creative talent, offering students the unprecedented opportunity to earn a world-class art and design education debt-free. As creative industries continue to grow, CCAD equips graduates with exceptional portfolios, real-world experience, and the market-ready skills that drive meaningful careers. Start shaping your future, check your eligibility and join the Creative Pathway.
Eligibility Requirements
If you’re looking for an art college in Columbus that offers meaningful local scholarships and real CCAD tuition assistance, the CCAD Creative Pathway program was built for you. Designed to open doors for emerging artists across Central Ohio, this opportunity supports qualified students who meet key eligibility requirements.
- Must be a Franklin or Delaware County resident and a graduate of a high school in those counties.
- Must enroll at CCAD directly from high school (Fall 2026 start).
- FAFSA required by CCAD's priority deadline (March 1, 2026).
- Must have a family AGI of $100,000 or less (verified by FAFSA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Reach out to us for more information.
To join the CCAD Community, students must complete their admission application; and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1, 2026
You’re eligible if you graduate in 2026 from a Franklin or Delaware County high school and have a family AGI of $100,000 or less. Just apply and submit your FAFSA by March 1, meet CCAD’s admission requirements, enroll right after high school, and stay full-time.
The CCAD Creative Pathway is a program that closes the tuition gap by covering last-dollar expenses after state and federal aid. Just submit a FAFSA each year to stay eligible.
Pell Grants aren’t required, and the award applies to tuition only, not fees, housing, or food.
Students must apply to CCAD and complete the FAFSA by March 1, 2026.
CCAD requires first-year students to live on campus, but there are a few exceptions, such as living close to campus. If you’re in the Creative Pathway program, you can request a housing exemption after you submit your enrollment deposit.
Yes, students eligible for the Creative Pathway program as incoming Freshmen will maintain this award for 4 consecutive years, 8 semesters, while maintaining a 2.0 GPA.
Yes, a submitted FAFSA is required to determine eligibility each year.
No. However, we encourage all students with questions about scholarships or financial aid to stop by Student Central to speak with Financial Aid or schedule an appointment via the CCAD Student Portal.
Creative Pathway News
CCAD’s Creative Pathway program covers tuition costs for eligible Franklin and Delaware county students, expanding affordable access to a top-tier art and design education in central Ohio.
