Overview
Founded in 1932 as part of the Cranbrook Educational Community established by newspaper magnate George Booth in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Cranbrook Academy of Art quickly became a crucible of American modernist design under the direction of architect Eliel Saarinen. The Academy is celebrated for shaping mid-20th-century design and art through influential figures like Charles and Ray Eames, Florence Knoll, and Harry Bertoia, who studied or taught there, cementing its legacy in architecture, furniture design, and ceramics. Its campus, designed by Saarinen himself, is a National Historic Landmark and integrates art, architecture, and landscape into a unified aesthetic experience.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Bloomfield Hills, Michigan |
| Founded | 1932 |
| Total students | 150 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 7:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 30% |
| Graduation rate | 90% |
| Average starting salary | $45,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $36,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $36,000 |
| Room & board | $10,000 |
| Average financial aid | $20,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | January 5 |
Top Programs
- Architecture
- Ceramics
- Fiber
- 2D & 3D Design
- Metalsmithing
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.