QUICK ANSWER
The Kansas City Art Institute’s case for Korean families is price. KCAI tuition for 2026–27 is $45,000 a year, against $64,703 at Pratt and $62,348 at Parsons (two semesters at $31,174). It asks for a portfolio of at least 10 recent works, and every applicant must have a portfolio on file to be reviewed for a scholarship.
Two details help Korean students in particular: the English test can be waived after three years at a regionally accredited U.S. school, and the application fee is waived for first-year applicants who apply by February 1. KCAI is not a tracked line in our acceptance record, so we give no acceptance or award figure.
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KCAI at a Glance, 2026–27
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $45,000 a year ($22,500 a semester), 12–18 credits |
| Fees | Campus $900, technology $650, health and wellness $200 a year |
| Housing | Double room $10,250 for two semesters; dining plans $3,764–$4,190 |
| Portfolio | At least 10 recent works; sketchbooks welcome; uploaded through the applicant portal |
| Scholarships | Portfolio on file required for scholarship review |
| English | TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.0, PTE 53, Duolingo 105 |
| English waivers | SAT 950 or ACT 20; three years at a regionally accredited U.S. school; and others |
| Fee waiver | First-year applicants who apply by February 1 |
From KCAI tuition and fees, portfolio and international student pages, checked October 2026.
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How It Compares on Tuition
| School | 2026–27 tuition |
|---|---|
| KCAI | $45,000 |
| Pratt | $64,703 |
| Parsons | $62,348 (two semesters) |
| PNCA | $54,400 (two semesters) |
From each school’s 2026–27 tuition page; tuition only, before fees, housing and aid.
FOR KOREAN FAMILIES
Compare after aid, not before: a private school with a large award can cost less than KCAI’s sticker price. For fine art in particular, our record shows only 39 of 148 fine arts admits (26%) received an award. See PNCA and Otis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is KCAI tuition?
$45,000 a year for 2026–27, plus campus, technology and health fees.
How many works does KCAI want?
At least 10 recent pieces; sketchbooks and journals may be added.
Do I need a portfolio for KCAI scholarships?
Yes. KCAI reviews applicants for scholarships only if a portfolio is on file.
What TOEFL score does KCAI need?
79, or IELTS 6.0, PTE 53 or Duolingo 105, with waivers such as three years at a U.S. school.
Is there an application fee?
It is waived for first-year applicants who apply by February 1.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students at 95 schools. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From KCAI tuition and fees, portfolio and international student pages, and the 2026–27 tuition pages of Pratt, The New School and PNCA. Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026). Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: PNCA Guide · Otis Guide · Pratt for Korean Students · Debt and Art School · Royal Blue Results