To be considered for admission to The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago a person must be a high school graduate or hold a General Education Development (GED) Certificate. An Assistant Director of Admissions will personally interview the prospective student. It is highly recommended that the interview take place on campus. However in circumstances where distance is a factor, the interview may be conducted on the telephone or via the Internet.  The purposes of the pre-admissions interview are to:

      1.    Explore the prospective student’s background and interests as they relate to the programs offered at the institution.

      2.    Assist prospective students to identify the appropriate area of study consistent with their background and interest.

      3.    Provide information concerning curriculum offerings and support services available at The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago. 

      4.    Assist in assessing whether the prospective student has a reasonable chance of successfully completing the appropriate program of study. 

If it is determined that a mutually beneficial situation exists, the prospective student will have the opportunity to complete an application for admission to the school. 

Scores on national exams such as the SAT or ACT exam may be considered for admission, but are not required. All applicants for admission will be required to submit an essay of 150 words (Associate’s degree and certificate programs) or 300 words (Bachelor’s degree programs) describing how an education at The Illinois Institute of Art–Chicago will help them attain their career goals.

Proof of high school graduation or equivalency is required for final admission to the school. A student will not be permitted to continue to their second quarter of instruction without a transcript showing high school graduation, GED scores, or a copy of their high school diploma. Financial aid eligible students will not receive financial assistance until documentation of high school completion is provided.  An applicant who holds an associate’s degree or higher may submit proof of that degree as evidence of satisfying the high school completion requirement. High school applicants who have not yet graduated should submit a partial transcript that indicates their expected graduation date in order to be evaluated for early conditional acceptance.

Applicants must also provide current immunization records. Individuals with portfolios or previous education are evaluated during the admission process for potential advanced placement. 

The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago is committed to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in admissions, employment, programs and activities in accordance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and The Americans with Disabilities Act. The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation or disability. Applicants requiring additional educational or tuition assistance will be referred to appropriate government agencies or other special educational institutions equipped to handle such situations. For information, please contact the Director of Admissions.

The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago reserves the right to request any additional information necessary to evaluate an applicant’s potential for academic success.

See AiPrograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees, other costs, median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, and other important info.