Housing

AAC's campus is a cultural cornerstone in the Over-the-Rhine community and a home-base for creative pursuits this historic neighborhood. Forget dorm life - AAC housing is urban loft living. Our two housing options are located just a block or two away from campus, on streets lined with cafes, unique shops and the best restaurants in Cincinnati.

All first-year students who reside outside the Cincinnati area are required to live in the Art Academy's Residence Halls. Freshmen living within Greater Cincinnati may choose to reside in the residence hall or commute from home. Priority placement in the residence hall is given to traditional first-time freshmen and then to all other students at the Art Academy, in each case in the order in which residence hall deposits are received.

For students interested in off-campus housing, the AAC will assist in providing recommendations and contact information for other options.

The Harper Lofts - Google Street View
Located one block west of AAC at 5 W. 12th St. above The Taste of Belgium restaurant, the Harper Lofts house 27 students and 1 Resident Assistant in 12 loft-style suites. The suites vary in size and can accommodate from one to five students. Each unit is equipped with:

  • A full kitchen: refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, disposal
  • Bathroom with shower stall
  • Washer and dryer combo
  • Movable wardrobes
  • Utilities included - Wifi internet, electricity, water

Ruthven Suites - Google Street View
Located two blocks northeast from the AAC at 126 E.13th St. above Indigo Hippo (Non-profit creative reuse center, and gallery). Ruthven Suites houses 11 students and 1 Resident Assistant in two suite-style floors. Each floor contains:

  • 6 private bedrooms with individual half baths
  • Common kitchen: refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, disposal, microwave
  • Common living room
  • Full bath with two common showers
  • Coin laundry
  • Utilities included - Wifi internet, electricity, water

2019-20 Housing Fees for Incoming Students:

  • $7,200 - $7,600 for a Single Unit (depending on location)
  • $6900 for Double Units
  • $6600 for Triple Units
  • $6400 for Quad units and all rooms at the Ruthven Suites
  • $6200 for a 5-person unit
  • $6000 for a 6-person unit

  • Half of the academic year housing fee is charged for each semester. A Housing deposit of $250 secures a student's spot in Art Academy Housing and is part of the first semester's fee. In addition to the Housing Fee, there is a $600 damage deposit charged to the student, refundable at the end of the year if no damage is assessed to the student.

Housing Questions should be directed to Director of Student Services, Kelsey Nihiser.

Reserve your spot!

More Information

  • Suggested Residence Hall Supply List
  • Art Academy residence halls have locked entrances, monitored by 24-hour security personnel, who are available for escort services to the main building and to parking facilities. Access to the Harper Lofts is controlled with a security ID card. Access to the Ruthven Suites is controlled by hard key. A Resident Assistant lives in each residence hall. The buildings are equipped with smoke detectors and a fire alarm/sprinkler system.
  • For students living on campus for the summer Master of Arts in Art Education (MAAE) degree, housing is a flat fee of $1700 plus a $400 damage deposit, which is refundable at the end of the term if no damage is assessed to that student. MAAE students will be placed in the Harper Lofts.

Please contact Kelsey Nihiser at [email protected] for the MAAE Housing License Agreement.

Any questions about housing and residence life can be directed to Kelsey Nihiser, Director of Student Services.

Parking

Parking is available in the AAC parking lot on Walnut Street, located immediately behind the main AAC building. Students can reserve a parking pass for the academic year or specific semester at these rates:

  • Academic year parking pass - $850
  • Semester parking pass - $425

Passes are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students can reserve a pass at the link below. Please direct any questions to Alexandria Tellez at [email protected]

Kaldi's Cafe in the Commons

Kaldi's Cafe offers affordable food service to AAC students, including fresh brewed coffees and breakfast food items are such as bagels, breakfast burritos and sandwiches, fresh baked scones, muffins and fresh fruit. Lunch at Kaldi's Cafe offers soup, sandwiches, wraps, burritos, fresh cut fries, and Kaldi's signature grilled cheese sandwich. Kaldi's menu also offers a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan foods from which to choose.

Kaldi's Cafe Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
513-562-6264
[email protected]