FAQ
Welcome to the PAIER College of Art Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page! Here, we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions we receive from prospective students, current students, parents, and art enthusiasts alike. Our aim is to provide you with essential information about our institution, programs, admission process, financial aid, and more. If there is a question we haven’t answered here, please feel free to reach out to our admissions office or any department that can best assist you.
Browse our FAQ categories below to find the answers you're looking for:
We hope you find this resource helpful and are looking forward to having you join the PAIER College of Art community!
What’s required for applying?
Embarking on an exciting journey in the world of arts? To help guide you through the admission process, we’ve compiled a list of essential requirements.
For matriculated status, the items needed are:
*Completed application form
*High school and, if applicable, collegiate transcripts (credits are transferable only at the discretion of the receiving institution)
*Scores from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) of the College Entrance Examination (degree status only)
*At least two letters of recommendation from an art teacher, counselor, employer, or working artist who can evaluate the applicant’s character and artistic abilities
*$25 application fee
*Applicants are to submit written proof of immunization against measles and rubella. Applicants who graduated from a Connecticut high school in 1999 or later do NOT need to submit proof of immunization. See specific guidelines listed in the Measles/Mumps/Rubella/Varicella Immunization Record Request form in the back of the Catalog or download a form.
For non-matriculated status:
*Application
*High school transcript
*$10 application fee are required
Good luck, and we look forward to celebrating success in the world of arts!
Does the department only admit students in the top 10% of their class?
We have a completely holistic review process. When considering students for our programs, we look at applicant portfolios, high school transcripts, admissions essays and test scores. If you are a Studio Art or Visual Art Studies applicant, one of the most important parts of your application is your portfolio.
Is a portfolio required for all areas of study?
No. For programs requiring a portfolio submission, you must include portfolio items as part of your application before submitting. The programs **REQUIRING **a Portfolio submission with the application are:
- Fine Arts
- Illustration
- Graphic Design & New Media
- Photography & Digital Imaging
The programs which DO NOT require a Portfolio submission are:
- Interior Design
- Industrial Design
- Marketing
- Digital Marketing Communications
- Mass Communication
- Web & Mobile Application Design
- Graduate Degrees
Can I minor or double-major?
You can only apply to one major at a time. You can declare a second major or minor once you are admitted. Students are able to obtain a minor or a simultaneous second major in colleges across the college. To double-major, students should begin in their first-choice major, and once they have acquired 30 credit hours at PAIER (sophomore year), they can then apply to the program of their desired “second” or simultaneous major. Students must have a competitive GPA, and it is entirely at the discretion of the other college/school within the university to admit students into programs. PAIER offers numerous opportunities for students to enhance their educational experience. We encourage you to explore the Minors & Certificates page to learn about academic opportunities beyond your major.
How can I arrange a tour of the campus?
We encourage prospective applicants to visit campus and our department to get a sense of our programs, student body, and the work/projects that our students are producing and are part of. Information Sessions and Tours are held regularly. Please review the Plan a Visit page for more information.
When visiting campus, where should I park?
See the Maps & Parking page for more information.
Does the PAIER College offer scholarships?
See the Tuition & Financial Aid page for information about undergraduate costs, as well as scholarships and other options for financial support
Helpful Resources
Net Price Estimator
Paier College participates in the Federal Student Aid program. Dollars made available through programs offered by the federal government are often referred to by the title of the legislation that supports them: “Title IV”. Our goal is to provide students with the necessary resources needed to make informed decisions about how they will fund their education. Whether these resources come in the form of federal student aid, private funds, or alternative sources like scholarships and grants, our Financial Aid team is committed to supporting prospective students and families throughout this process.
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