From the College
The Art Institute of Charlotte prepares students to pursue entry-level employment in the creative arts. Students learn through programs of study that reflect the needs of a changing job market. Courses are taught by faculty members who have professional experience in their fields of expertise. The school offers seven bachelor’s degree programs, five associate degree programs, and two certificate programs.
Students come to The Art Institute of Charlotte from throughout the southeastern United States and abroad. The student population includes recent high school graduates, transfer students, and those who have left a previous employment situation to study and train for a new career. Students are creative, competitive, and open to new ideas. They place great value on an education that prepares them for an exciting entry-level position in the arts.
Student housing options include apartments that comfortably accommodate 4 students in two-bedroom, two-bath units complete with living room, dining area, and full kitchen. Students submit a roommate preference form and are assigned to apartments by the housing staff. The apartments are located close to The Art Institute of Charlotte and shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.
Students enrolled in The Art Institute of Charlotte can get involved in student-led activities through the Student Affairs Department. Activities stimulate cultural awareness, creativity, and social and professional development. Students enrolled in the Interior Design Program may join the Interior Design Student Association. In addition, academic departments regularly organize trips to the International Home Furnishing Market in High Point, North Carolina, as well as to local museums and galleries.
Services are available to assist students with resume writing, networking, and keeping aware of what employers are looking for in job applicants.
The Art Institute of Charlotte is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certificates. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Location
Charlotte mixes the characteristics of a large urban center with the charm of suburban life. With a mild climate and central location, Charlotte residents are only 2 hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains and 3 hours from the Atlantic coast. Charlotte is known for its arts community, sports, shopping, and restaurants. More than 300 Fortune 500 companies have offices in Charlotte, the nation’s second-largest banking center. The city is the nation’s fifth-largest urban region, with 6.3 million people living within a 100-mile radius.
Programs of Study and Degrees
Bachelor’s degree programs are available in culinary arts management, digital filmmaking & video production, fashion marketing & management, graphic design, interior design, photography, and Web design & interactive media.
Associate degree programs are offered in culinary arts, fashion marketing, graphic design, interior design, and Web design & interactive media.
Certificate programs are available in residential design and Web design.
Academic Programs
The Art Institute of Charlotte operates on a year-round, four-quarter system.
Academic Facilities
The Art Institute of Charlotte facility has computer labs for student use. Additional computers are available in the library. Studios, classrooms, and meetings rooms are available for students and faculty members.

Costs
Tuition cost varies by program. Prospective students should contact the school for current tuition costs. Other charges include a starting kit for all first quarter students. Kits vary in price depending on the program of study.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Students who require financial assistance should first complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet with a financial aid officer.
Faculty
Faculty members at The Art Institute of Charlotte are experienced instructors, many of whom have professional experience outside of the classroom. There are full- and part-time faculty members at the school.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must be high school graduates or have a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. A 150-word written essay is required, as are high school transcripts and any records from other academic institutions attended. All interested students are interviewed in person or over the phone. Following this interview, prospective students complete an application for admission and submit the enrollment fee. Applicants who have taken the SAT or ACT are encouraged to submit their scores to the Admissions Office for evaluation. There is a $50 application fee.
For the most recent information regarding admission requirements, please refer to the current academic catalog.
Application and Information
To obtain an application or make arrangements for an interview or tour of the school, prospective students should contact:
The Art Institute of Charlotte
Three LakePointe Plaza
2110 Water Ridge Parkway
Charlotte, North Carolina 28217-4536, United States
Telephone:
704-357-8020
800-872-4417 (toll-free)
Fax:
704-357-1133
World Wide Web:
http://www.artinstitutes.edu/charlotte
Footnotes
The Art Institute of Atlanta®; The Art Institute of Atlanta®–Decatur; The Art Institute of Austin℠, A branch of The Art Institute of Houston; The Art Institute of California℠–Hollywood; The Art Institute of California℠–Inland Empire; The Art Institute of California℠–Los Angeles; The Art Institute of California℠–Orange County; The Art Institute of California℠–Sacramento; The Art Institute of California℠–San Diego; The Art Institute of California℠–San Francisco; The Art Institute of California℠–Sunnyvale; The Art Institute of Charleston℠, A branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta; The Art Institute of Charlotte®; The Art Institute of Colorado®; The Art Institute of Dallas®; The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale®; The Art Institute of Houston®; The Art Institute of Houston–North®; The Art Institute of Indianapolis℠*; The Art Institute of Jacksonville℠, A branch of Miami International University of Art & Design; The Art Institute of Las Vegas®; The Art Institute of Michigan℠; The Art Institute of New York City®; The Art Institute of Ohio℠–Cincinnati**; The Art Institute of Philadelphia®; The Art Institute of Phoenix®; The Art Institute of Pittsburgh®; The Art Institute of Portland®; The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham℠; The Art Institute of Salt Lake City℠; The Art Institute of Seattle®; The Art Institute of Tampa℠, A branch of Miami International University of Art & Design; The Art Institute of Tennessee℠–Nashville, A branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta; The Art Institute of Tucson℠; The Art Institute of Vancouver℠; The Art Institute of Washington℠***, A branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta; The Art Institute of York–Pennsylvania℠; The Art Institutes International–Kansas City℠; The Art Institutes International Minnesota℠; The Illinois Institute of Art®–Chicago; The Illinois Institute of Art®–Schaumburg; Miami International University of Art & Design℠; The New England Institute of Art®.
*The Art Institute of Indianapolis is regulated by the Indiana Commission on Proprietary Education, 302 W. Washington St., Rm. E201, Indianapolis, IN 46204, AC-0080.
**The Art Institute of Ohio–Cincinnati, 8845 Governors Hill Drive, Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH 45249-3317, OH Reg. #04-01-1698B.
***Certified by the State Council of Higher Education to operate in Virginia.