Kansas City Art Institute

Johnson County Community College Transfer Program to the Kansas City Art Institute Julia Welles, Sr. Admissions Specialist
816-802-3302
TRANSFER INFORMATION jwelles@kcai.edu
Academic Year 2025-2026 www.kcai.edu

DESCRIPTION

Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) is a private, independent four-year college of art and design located at 4415 Warwick Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111 in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri. Known for its rigorous studio-based programs, KCAI offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in a variety of disciplines, including animation, graphic design, illustration, sculpture, painting, and more. With small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a vibrant arts community, KCAI provides students with a supportive environment to explore their creative potential and prepare for professional careers in the visual arts.

TRANSFER ADMISSION PROCEDURES/QUALIFICATIONS

Application: 

  • Apply online to complete the KCAI admission application.  
  • No application fee is required.
  • Request official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities. Students who have earned fewer than 24 college credits are required to submit a high school transcript or GED.
  • Application deadline: March 1. After March 1, admission is rolling depending on availability of space. 

Personal Statement: 

  • Approximately 500 words statement indicating the students background in art, artistic goals, and career goals.

Letters of Recommendation: 

  • One letter of recommendation is recommended from teachers, professional artists or employers who are familiar with your work and work ethic.
  • Forms are provided but not required for recommendation.

Portfolio Evaluation:

  • Portfolio review and course evaluations will be determined by an Admissions Committee.
  • Visit KCAI portfolio webpage for specific submission requirements.   

Transfer Qualifications:

  • Minimum recommended cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

ACT/SAT Scores:

  • ACT/SAT test scores are Not required for admission.

Campus Visits: 

TUITION/FEES/EXPENSES 

Tuition/Fees: 

$44,000 (12-18 credits) 

$22,000 Per Semester 

Books and Supplies:

Estimated: $1000 Foundation students/$800 all other majors

Campus Fee: 

$850

Technology Fee:

$650

Health and Wellness Fee:

$174

Room and Board: 

  • Double Room: (two semesters)- $10,050
  • Non-Refundable Application Fee - $50

Wylie Dining Resident Food Plans

  • 19 meals per week plan: $4,050
  • 14 meals per week plan: $3,640

Est. Additional Expense:

$5,874 (personal and transportation) 

FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS 

Application Deadline: March 1 – priority scholarship deadline

TRANSFER CREDIT/GRADING POLICIES

Application of Credit:

  • No specific limit, but placement is based on portfolio review and number of studio credit hours. A maximum of 63 credit hours may be transferred.

GPA Calculation:

  • Calculation of GPA for the bachelor’s degree includes those grades from course work taken at KCAI only.

Pass/Fail: 

  • Accepted, provided a Pass grade is equivalent to a “C” or higher.

“D” Grades:

  • Not acceptable.

Time Limit on Credit: 

  • No time limit on age of credit earned.

Credit Given For: 

  • Department proficiency exams, AP test in liberal arts administered through College Board Tests, CLEP (up to 15 hours).

SPECIAL PROGRAMS 

  • Internships are available through all departments in areas across the country.
  • Foreign study available in junior year to several countries and domestic exchanges available through AICAD, which includes over 35 independent art and design colleges throughout the United States, four affiliated Canadian colleges, and select colleges in Singapore, China and the UK.
Last Approved Mon Jul 14 14:06:11 2025