College Of Visual Arts In St. Paul To Close

ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- The College Of Visual Arts (CVA) announced Wednesday that it will cease operation and close its doors at the end of the spring semester, citing the inability to raise funds and students' difficulty paying tuition.

The private four-year college that specializes in Fine Arts degrees will close after nearly a century of operation.

"Although CVA's tuition is one of the lowest in the state," said Ann Ledy, president of CVA, "students have found it more and more difficult to pay their way. With declining federal and state financial aid support, and the challenges surrounding private loans, students cannot afford the college of their dreams."

The CVA experienced a 21 percent decline in its enrollment in the last year.

CVA Students will be able to finish their degrees at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

"We are saddened by the closing of CVA and what a loss it will be for the Twin Cities art and design community," said Jay Coogan, president of MCAD. "MCAD stands ready to assist CVA students in finishing their educations and launching their creative careers."

CVA was founded in 1924 and is located in the urban residential areas of Summit Avenue and Ramsey Hill in St. Paul.