types of students

Full-time Students

Students are considered full-time when they carry 12 credit hours per semester. Students who plan to graduate within four years must take six semesters with a 15-credit load and two semesters carrying 18 credits. International students with F-1 or J-1 status are required to carry 15 credits, since falling below full-time status will cause that student to be classified "Out-of-Status" under SEVIS regulations.

Part-time Students

Students are considered part-time if they are enrolled in fewer than 12 credits per semester. While students are able to pursue a College of Visual Arts degree on a part-time basis, the college's small size does not allow classes to be offered exclusively during evening hours. Financial aid is adjusted for part-time students according to their course load. The college strongly encourages students to attend full-time in order to benefit from, and fully immerse themselves in, CVA's artistic and academic community.

Non-degree Students

Students who do not plan to pursue a College of Visual Arts BFA degree may enroll in classes on a space-available basis and with permission from the appropriate department chair. Non-degree students need to complete general admissions procedures. Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid and are subject to the same tuition structure as part-time, degree students. Non-degree seeking students must meet their prerequisite courses or receive approval from the appropriate department chair.

Second-degree Students

CVA frequently enrolls students who have already completed a bachelor's degree at other institutions. Second-degree students come to CVA from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds, including persons with considerable professional experience, as well as individuals with limited art and design experience. Second-degree students are subject to the same policies as degree seeking students and must meet all standard admissions criteria. Second-degree students are eligible for limited financial aid and most available financial aid will be in the form of loans.