The Modern College of Design: 99.1% Acceptance Rate

99.1%Acceptance

$30,548Tuition

189Students

62%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,187Earnings

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

About The Modern College of Design

The Modern College of Design specializes in preparing students for creative careers in a hands-on environment. With just 189 students enrolled, this small art school offers an intimate learning experience where everyone knows each other. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors can provide personalized attention to help develop your artistic skills. Nearly all applicants get in, with a 99.13% acceptance rate reflecting the school's open-door approach to creative education.

Students face a steep financial commitment, with tuition set at $30,548 regardless of residency. The average net price climbs to $34,709 after aid, though only 15.87% receive institutional grants. Graduates earn a median of $42,187 ten years after finishing, which creates a challenging return on investment. The typical debt load of $12,000 is manageable, requiring monthly payments of just $127. Most students take federal loans, with 83.71% borrowing to cover costs.

Women make up nearly three-quarters of the student body at 73.54%, typical for art and design programs. The 96.7% employment rate shows graduates find work in their field. However, the 61.90% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. Those who do finish often start with modest salaries of $27,980 in their first year out.

Academics & Faculty

The Modern College of Design focuses exclusively on creative disciplines, training students for careers in graphic design, interior design, and related visual arts fields. With a student-faculty ratio of 8:1, students work closely with industry professionals in small studio classes. The college's 58% four-year graduation rate reflects the intensive, project-based curriculum that some students need extra time to complete. Nearly 97% of graduates find employment in their field, demonstrating strong industry connections. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through real client projects and portfolio development. Students build professional networks through internships with local design firms and marketing agencies throughout the Dayton metropolitan area.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 36.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 58.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 61.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,187

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Design and Applied Arts.	Associate	$31,821

View all 2 programs →

Campus Life

Just 189 students attend this intimate design school where three-quarters are women pursuing creative careers. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and work style from day one. Kettering sits about an hour northeast of Dayton, placing you in Ohio's rust belt where winters demand heavy coats and snow boots through March.

The small enrollment creates a tight-knit studio culture where design projects dominate daily conversations. Students spend long hours in computer labs and critique sessions, with 96.7% finding employment after graduation. Weekend social life revolves around Dayton's arts district or Cincinnati's museums, both accessible by car. The for-profit structure means fewer traditional college amenities and campus traditions. With 67.65% of students from Ohio, many commute from nearby areas rather than living on campus. The semester system allows for intensive project-based learning, though the $30,548 annual tuition and 61.90% six-year graduation rate reflect the challenges many creative students face balancing artistic development with degree completion.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–36°F
July Avg: 65°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 41.7"
Annual Snowfall: 12.3"

Student Demographics

This small design school draws primarily from Ohio and surrounding states, building its reputation through strong local industry connections. Women make up nearly three-quarters of the student body, reflecting the appeal of creative fields like fashion design, interior design, and graphic arts that historically attract female students. About half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle and working-class families seeking practical design careers. The predominantly white student population mirrors the demographics of southwestern Ohio, though the school attracts some diversity from urban areas like Dayton and Cincinnati.

Men: 26.5%
Women: 73.5%
White: 76.2%
Black: 5.8%
Hispanic: 6.9%
Asian: 1.1%
In-State Students: 67.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.2%

Location

The Modern College of Design sits in Kettering, Ohio, just south of Dayton in the Miami Valley region. About 55 miles northeast of Cincinnati and 70 miles west of Columbus, the school operates in a small city environment that blends suburban comfort with access to larger metropolitan areas. Kettering itself is known for its well-planned neighborhoods and proximity to major employers like General Motors and Kettering Health Network. The 189 students benefit from Ohio's central location and the region's mix of automotive industry, healthcare, and technology sectors. With 67.65% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from Ohio's creative talent pool. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare The Modern College of Design with similar schools in the region.

Address: Kettering, Ohio 45440

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,187
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,599
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 73.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at The Modern College of Design?

The Modern College of Design accepts 99.13% of applicants, making admission nearly guaranteed for students who apply. This reflects the school's focus on building a creative community rather than exclusivity. The small enrollment of 189 students creates an intimate learning environment for aspiring designers.

How much does The Modern College of Design cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $34,709 annually despite the listed tuition of $30,548. Only 47.19% of students receive financial aid, and the median debt upon graduation is a relatively low $12,000. The school offers institutional grants averaging $4,639 to just 15.87% of students.

What are the academics like at The Modern College of Design?

The college maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in design studios and workshops. The school operates on a semester calendar system and focuses specifically on creative disciplines. This specialized approach helps explain why 58.37% of students graduate within four years.

What do graduates of The Modern College of Design earn after college?

Alumni earn a median salary of $42,187 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 96.7% employment rate. Starting salaries average $27,980 in the first year post-graduation. The school's focus on practical design skills helps students find work in Ohio's growing creative economy.

Where do most students at The Modern College of Design come from?

About 67.65% of students come from Ohio, while the rest travel from other states to attend this specialized design college. The student body is predominantly female at 73.54%, which is typical for creative arts programs. The college draws students to Kettering, a small city in the Dayton metropolitan area.

Is The Modern College of Design worth the investment for design students?

With monthly loan payments averaging just $127 and a 73.21% loan repayment rate, graduates typically manage their debt successfully. The school's 61.90% six-year graduation rate shows that most students complete their programs. As a for-profit institution specializing in design, it serves students seeking hands-on creative training rather than a traditional liberal arts experience.