Admissions Procedures
A Kentucky School of Art student must be accepted by Spalding University and have a final portfolio accepted by a KSA faculty member or admissions counselor.
- 1. Complete the application for admission online (spalding.edu) or in person.
- 2. Submit official transcripts from each school, college or university previously attended the Admissions Office.
Official transcripts are those sent directly to Spalding from the issuing institution. Any transcript marked “issued to student” or any transcript that is hand delivered by the student is not considered an official transcript.
- First Year Students (less than 24 hours of college coursework): Submit official high school transcript or present evidence of satisfactory scores from the test of General Education Development (GED) and ACT or SAT test score report(s). Test scores are not required of applicants who have been out of high school for five years or more. Submit official transcripts from each college and/or university previously attended (if applicable).
- Transfer Students (more than 24 hours of college coursework): Submit official transcripts from each college and/or university previously attended. No test scores are required.
- 3. Complete a portfolio review with a Kentucky School of Art representative.
A portfolio review is not final until it is digitally submitted.
The freshman portfolio for admission to KSA must contain around 10 to 15 original pieces that exemplify the student’s best and most recent work. We recommend having some pieces that are created from real life observation rather than pieces created from imagination or copies of other pieces (such as a drawing of a photograph).
Portfolios are reviewed on an individual basis. Your admissions counselor will help you build your portfolio so that it can be ready for a Final Submission. Your final portfolio will be submitted digitally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
You can apply online for free at spalding.edu/apply. You’ll also need to send us your high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores. If you have been out of high school for more than 5 years, you will not need to send in ACT/SAT scores. If you are transferring from another institution, you will need to send us transcripts from each college or university attended.
What needs to be in my portfolio?
Your portfolio should contain around 10-15 original pieces that showcase your best and most recent work. We recommend having some pieces that are created from real life observation and your imagination, rather than copies of other pieces (such as a drawing of a photograph.)
Should I wait to apply until I have a portfolio?
No, prospective students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. We understand that many high school seniors are still developing their portfolio throughout the school year. Your initial portfolio review can be scheduled even though you do not have 10-15 pieces. We encourage applicants to bring artworks in progress, as you will be given feedback from our faculty or admissions team. You should submit your final portfolio to us digitally, either on flash drive or CD.
What Scholarships are available?
Kentucky School of Art offers many private scholarship funds based on financial need, and/or your digitally submitted portfolio.
These include:
- Jean McCauley Brown Scholarship
- Alumni Scholarship
- Future Createives Scholarship
- Kentucky Minority Scholarship
- Student Art Supply Fund
For more info on how to apply, contact Mark Mentele at .
How large are your class sizes?
KSA’s class sizes average about 14 students per one faculty member.
Is Kentucky School of Art at Spalding University accredited?
KSA is regionally accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, please visit sacscoc.org.
What makes you different from other art schools or art programs?
Kentucky School of Art at Spalding isn’t just a place to receive an education, we also want to make sure you’re able to find employment upon graduating. In addition to classroom instruction, we provide a unique internship program that lets you build upon and enhance your skill sets. Our full-time faculty hold MFA’s from top-notch art schools, and are all current practicing and exhibiting artists. Through our visiting artists series and artist in residence program, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from nationally recognized artists. In addition, you’re right in the heart of a thriving, art-centered city. On top of all of that, every single student has a studio space to produce their very own creations. We encourage you to schedule a visit to meet our faculty, tour the school, and get to know more about what we have to offer.
Where are you located?
Kentucky School of Art is located on the corner of Breckenridge Street and 3rd Street in downtown Louisville, Kentucky.
What is your relationship to Spalding University?
Without Spalding University, there is no Kentucky School of Art. Kentucky School of Art is an independent art school within Spalding University.
Inquiry Form
Complete this form to receive information about KSA.