Columbus College of Art & Design

Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) is a private art and design institution located in downtown Columbus, Ohio's Discovery District, situated within walking distance of cultural attractions and the city's business center. The campus spans several blocks and combines historic early 20th-century buildings with modern facilities, including specialized studios and design labs. Founded in 1879 as the Columbus Art School, CCAD maintains selective admission standards based on portfolio reviews and academic achievement, focusing exclusively on art and design education. The college offers undergraduate and graduate programs in areas including animation, fashion design, fine arts, advertising, industrial design, and illustration, with facilities that include professional-grade equipment and dedicated workspace for each major. Students reside in the college's downtown apartment-style residence halls, with immediate access to the campus creative studios and downtown Columbus's arts community.