California College of the Arts
The Vibe Check
California College of the Arts feels like a creative sanctuary where art and technology constantly collide. The campus hums with a DIY, studio-centric energy, and the fog rolling in from the bay serves as a daily reminder that you're in a city of innovation. It's a place for the self-motivated artist who thrives in a collaborative, gritty, and inspiring urban environment.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Optional
This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
CCA is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to blend traditional studio practices with cutting-edge fields like computational practices. The faculty are working professionals and artists who provide mentorship rather than just instruction, with access to state-of-the-art facilities like the hybrid shop and digital fabrication labs. Research here is less about traditional labs and more about collaborative studio projects and public exhibitions.
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 San Francisco
Student life is deeply integrated with San Francisco; you can spend weekends exploring street art in the Mission, catching indie shows, or visiting world-class museums like SFMOMA. The city offers endless inspiration for creatives, from the tech culture of Silicon Valley to the historic counterculture of Haight-Ashbury. However, social life often revolves around studio work and class projects, so balance is key.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($49,414):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus itself is located in the vibrant Mission District and is generally considered safe, with campus security present. However, like much of San Francisco, students should be aware of their surroundings and take standard urban precautions when traveling off-campus, especially at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Located in the heart of San Francisco with access to the tech and art scenes.
- ✓ Strong interdisciplinary programs blending art, design, and technology.
- ✓ High acceptance rate makes it accessible for a specialized art school.
Cons
- ✗ High cost of attendance relative to the post-graduation earnings.
- ✗ Low retention rate (57.4%), indicating potential issues with student satisfaction or support.
- ✗ Small enrollment size limits the breadth of social circles and course offerings.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
CCA is known for its rigorous programs in visual and performing arts, particularly painting, illustration, and architecture. It is also highly regarded for pioneering the integration of technology and art through its Computational Practices and Digital Craft labs. The college emphasizes a multidisciplinary curriculum that encourages students to cross traditional boundaries between fine arts, design, and craft.
No, CCA is not considered highly selective with an acceptance rate of 73.4%. While you still need a solid academic record and a strong portfolio to be competitive, the admissions process is more accessible than top-tier art schools like RISD or CalArts. The key differentiator is the quality of your artistic submission and how well it fits the college's interdisciplinary ethos.
Campus life is studio-centric, with students spending a significant amount of time working on projects in the various specialized labs and studios. The small enrollment of roughly 1,000 students fosters a close-knit community where you know your peers and professors well. Social life is heavily influenced by the surrounding San Francisco culture, with students frequenting local galleries, cafes, and music venues.
This depends heavily on your major and financial aid package. While the tuition is high, the college offers substantial aid, and the location provides unique internship opportunities in the Bay Area. For students pursuing high-demand fields like Computer Science or Architecture alongside arts, the ROI can be strong, but for pure fine arts majors, the financial burden requires careful planning.
Similar Universities
Top Employers
Next Steps & Tools
Make the best decision with our free planning tools.
Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 1,217
- In-State Tuition $57,946
- Zip Code 94107
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a sticker price over $57,000 and a net price around $42,000, CCA is a significant investment typical of private art colleges. However, the 10-year median earnings of $49,414 suggest a slow initial ROI, which is common for fine arts careers. The value lies in the specialized skills and network gained, but prospective students should aggressively pursue scholarships and the 24.7% Pell Grant availability to minimize debt.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.