California College of the Arts

School Overview

California College of the Arts is located in San Francisco, CA, 94107, set within a urban environment that shapes the daily student experience. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

California College of the Arts has an acceptance rate of 91%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.4. Applications are due by Aug. 19, so students should plan their materials well in advance.

With just 1,004 undergraduates, California College of the Arts provides an intimate academic setting where small class sizes and close faculty mentorship are central to the student experience. Approximately 98% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 48%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at California College of the Arts include Visual and Performing Arts (66% of students, median early-career salary: $62,146), Communications Technologies / Technicians and Support Services (18% of students, median early-career salary: $48,315), and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies (7% of students). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

The published tuition and fees are $61,764 per year. Room and board adds approximately $22,532. However, the average net price after financial aid is $35,076, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with California College of the Arts's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. California College of the Arts combines a diverse range of popular programs, meaningful financial aid to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether California College of the Arts is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.