Paier College: 95.5% Acceptance Rate

95.5%Acceptance

$26,400Tuition

183Students

57%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private forprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About Paier College

Paier College trains artists in a hands-on environment that feels more like a working studio than a traditional campus. The school enrolls just 183 students in Bridgeport, Connecticut, focusing exclusively on fine arts, illustration, graphic design, and interior design. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, professors work closely with students on developing their artistic skills and professional portfolios. The college accepts 95% of applicants, making it accessible to students who show artistic passion regardless of traditional academic metrics.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $31,000 annually after aid, with total attendance costs reaching $47,100. However, graduates earn a median of just $17,919 one year after graduation and $39,686 five years out. Nearly 92% of students take federal loans to finance their education, and only 59% successfully repay those loans. The economics work better for students from lower-income families, who pay around $27,000 net price.

The student body reflects Connecticut's diversity, with 44% white students, 22% Black students, and 23% Hispanic students. Two-thirds of students are women, typical for art schools. The 60% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to complete their degrees, though 85% find employment after graduation.

Academics & Faculty

Paier College operates as a specialized art institution focused on fine arts, illustration, graphic design, and interior design programs. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate studio environment where professors can provide intensive, hands-on guidance. With only 183 students enrolled, classes function more like artist workshops than traditional lectures. The 60% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of creative programs that often require portfolio development and real-world project experience. Students work closely with practicing artists and designers who understand industry standards. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills alongside artistic theory, preparing graduates for careers in commercial art, freelance illustration, and design studios.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 60.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 57.1%
Retention Rate: 63.6%
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Design and Applied Arts.	Bachelor	$16,786

View all 9 programs →

Campus Life

Paier College sits in Bridgeport, Connecticut, about 60 miles northeast of New York City. The small campus houses just 183 students, creating an intimate art community where everyone knows each other. With only 150 beds available, roughly 82% of students commute from home since 95% come from Connecticut. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors work closely with each student in specialized studios for fine arts, illustration, graphic design, and interior design.

Students bundle up for Connecticut winters with heavy coats and boots, while spring brings mild weather perfect for outdoor sketching. The diverse student body is 66% women, reflecting the school's strong programs in visual arts. Weekends often involve trips to nearby New York galleries and museums, taking advantage of the proximity to one of the world's art capitals. On campus, students gather in studios that stay open late for project work. The tight-knit community means study groups and critiques happen organically, though the 64% retention rate suggests the intensive art focus isn't for everyone.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 150 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–38°F
July Avg: 67°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.1"
Annual Snowfall: 33.6"

Student Demographics

Paier College draws students who are serious about pursuing art careers, with two-thirds being women reflecting the gender patterns typical of art programs. The school serves a diverse student body where nearly half are students of color, particularly Black and Hispanic artists. Most students come from Connecticut and surrounding areas, showing the college's strong regional reputation in creative fields. The high percentage receiving Pell Grants indicates Paier opens doors for lower-income students who might otherwise struggle to access specialized art education.

Men: 33.9%
Women: 66.1%
White: 43.7%
Black: 22.4%
Hispanic: 23.0%
Asian: 4.9%
In-State Students: 95.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 66.4%

Location

Paier College sits in Bridgeport, Connecticut's largest city with over 148,000 residents. The campus is located about 60 miles northeast of New York City, making weekend trips to Manhattan easily accessible by train. Bridgeport anchors the southwestern Connecticut region along Long Island Sound, where students can reach nearby beaches and coastal towns. The city has been rebuilding its downtown core in recent years, though it still faces urban challenges typical of post-industrial New England cities. With 95.12% of students coming from Connecticut, most are already familiar with the area's mix of suburban and urban settings. Students considering colleges in Connecticut may also compare Paier College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bridgeport, Connecticut 06606

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (5 years): $39,686
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 59.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Paier College?

Paier College admits 95.45% of applicants, making it highly accessible for aspiring artists. The small art school focuses on building practical skills in fine arts, illustration, graphic design, and interior design rather than selective admissions.

How much does Paier College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Paier College is $30,982, with 66.36% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $27,275, while the sticker price reaches $47,100 including room and board.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Paier College?

Paier College maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 183 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for personalized instruction in studio-based art programs where hands-on mentorship is essential.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Paier College?

Paier College graduates 60% of students within four years, and 85% find employment after graduation. However, median earnings start low at $17,919 one year after graduation, reflecting the challenging economics of creative careers.

Where do students live at Paier College?

Paier College houses up to 150 students on campus, though with only 183 total enrollment, most students likely commute. The school draws 95.12% of its students from Connecticut, creating a tight-knit local community in Bridgeport.

Does Paier College have a diverse student body?

Paier College enrolls 66.12% women and maintains notable racial diversity with 43.72% white students, 22.95% Hispanic students, and 22.40% Black students. This demographic mix reflects both the gender patterns typical in art education and Bridgeport's diverse urban population.