California College of ASU
The Vibe Check
California College of ASU has a small, intimate, and artistically charged atmosphere where you are not a number but a member of a tight-knit creative cohort. The urban campus feels like a professional studio, focused intensely on practical arts training. It is a high-energy, hands-on environment for those who are deeply committed to their craft.
Academics & Majors
The college is a specialist powerhouse focused exclusively on Visual & Performing Arts, offering a conservatory-like education within an urban context. With a tiny enrollment of 149 students, you get direct access to faculty, but research opportunities are limited compared to a large university. The curriculum is designed to mirror the professional creative industries of Los Angeles.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Los Angeles
You are in the heart of the creative industry capital, with unparalleled access to museums, galleries, theaters, film studios, and concert venues. Students spend their free time networking at industry events, visiting the Getty or LACMA, catching indie shows in Silver Lake, or exploring the diverse food scene. The city itself is your campus and your playground.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($42,014):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in an urban setting typical of Los Angeles, so students should practice city awareness and secure personal belongings. While the campus itself is secure, students must be vigilant about their surroundings when traveling to and from classes and local venues.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Intimate class sizes and direct mentorship from faculty in the arts.
- ✓ Prime Los Angeles location offers unmatched industry access and networking.
- ✓ Highly focused curriculum allows for deep immersion in your art form.
Cons
- ✗ Extremely high cost for a specialized degree with modest median post-graduation earnings.
- ✗ Very low retention and graduation rates indicate a challenging student experience.
- ✗ No on-campus housing and very limited student life outside of the academic program.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
California College of ASU is known for its specialized, conservatory-style education in the Visual & Performing Arts, leveraging its location in Los Angeles to provide direct access to the entertainment and arts industries. It focuses on practical, hands-on training for aspiring artists in a small, intimate setting.
Admissions are not highly selective based on test scores, but acceptance is contingent on talent. The most important factor is the strength of your portfolio or audition. With a small enrollment of 149 students, the college seeks individuals who demonstrate serious artistic commitment and potential, not necessarily top academic credentials.
Campus life is intensely focused on academics and creative work, with a very small student body creating a tight-knit community. There are no traditional residential facilities or large-scale campus events; student life is deeply integrated with the cultural and professional opportunities of Los Angeles. You should expect a professional, studio-focused atmosphere rather than a traditional college social scene.
The value proposition is highly dependent on your career success. With an average net price over $30,000 and median earnings of $42,014, the financial ROI is lower than many other degrees. It is worth it if you leverage the LA location to build a strong network and launch a successful creative career, but it is a significant financial risk for those without a clear plan.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 462
- In-State Tuition $26,175
- Zip Code 90015
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a total cost of attendance exceeding $30,000 and median earnings of just $42,014 ten years after graduation, the financial return on investment is a serious consideration. The value lies in the specialized training and direct Los Angeles industry access, which can lead to higher earnings in creative fields, but it requires significant personal hustle post-graduation. For students needing to minimize debt, this is a high-cost route that demands a clear career plan.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.