Welcome to the College of Graphic and Performing Arts
CGPA is a four-year accredited arts college in Millhaven, Ohio, offering Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees across five disciplines: Graphic Design, Animation, Illustration, Photography, and Performing Arts. Founded in 1967 by a collective of working artists and educators, CGPA has grown from a small atelier program into a nationally recognized institution serving approximately 1,400 undergraduate students.
Our mission is to produce thoughtful, technically skilled artists and practitioners who are prepared for professional careers and sustained creative practice. Small class sizes, working-professional faculty, and close industry ties define the CGPA experience. All programs lead to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA); a select number of Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs are also available.
Programs at a Glance
| Program | Degree | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design | BFA, MFA | 120 | Typography, branding, digital interfaces, motion graphics, and visual communication. Industry-partnered senior projects. |
| Animation | BFA | 120 | 2D and 3D animation, character design, storyboarding, motion capture, and narrative filmmaking. |
| Illustration | BFA | 120 | Editorial illustration, book arts, sequential narrative, concept art, and digital painting. |
| Photography | BFA, MFA | 120 | Fine art and documentary photography, darkroom technique, digital imaging, and photojournalism. |
| Performing Arts | BFA | 128 | Theater, musical theater, and dance. Includes voice, movement, performance theory, and stage production. |
View all programs and curriculum details »
Admissions Overview
Admission to CGPA is portfolio- or audition-based, depending on the program. All applicants are evaluated on the strength of their creative work as the primary criterion, alongside academic records and a written statement of purpose.
- Visual Arts programs (Graphic Design, Animation, Illustration, Photography): Submit a portfolio of 12–20 pieces with brief artist statements.
- Performing Arts: Live or recorded audition required. Musical theater applicants submit a prescreen recording before scheduling an in-person audition.
- All applicants submit an application form, high school transcripts, and a 500-word personal essay.
- SAT/ACT scores are optional for Fall 2025 entry.
- Application fee: $55 (waivers available).
Fall 2025 deadline: March 1, 2025 (priority); rolling admission thereafter.
Full admissions information »
Portfolio requirements »
Audition guidelines »
News & Announcements
Faculty Spotlight
By the Numbers
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1967 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | ~1,400 |
| Student-to-faculty ratio | 9:1 |
| Average studio class size | 14 students |
| Degree programs | 5 BFA, 2 MFA |
| Accreditation | NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design) |
| Campus size | 38 acres, Millhaven, OH |
| Graduate employment rate (1 yr) | 87% |
Upcoming Events
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 5, 2025 | Spring Student Exhibition Opening | Maren Holst Gallery |
| Apr 11–13, 2025 | The Glass Menagerie — Mainstage Production | Hartwell Theater |
| Apr 19, 2025 | Spring Open House & Portfolio Review Day | Main Campus |
| Apr 26, 2025 | Animation Senior Thesis Screening | Cinema Lab, Levin Hall |
| May 10, 2025 | Commencement Ceremony, Class of 2025 | Millhaven Civic Pavilion |