Art Center College of Design
About Art Center College of Design
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Art Center College of Design is a private art and design school in Pasadena, California. It is one of the top design schools in the world, with acclaimed programs in transportation design, graphic design, film, and industrial design.
Founded
1930
Location
Pasadena, California
Students
2,287
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
74.5%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
79.2%
Near national average
Tuition
$54,170
Per year
Avg Net Price
$48,661
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$71,958
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
74.5 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$50
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
With a 74.5% acceptance rate, Art Center College of Design admits most students who meet the academic standards. Focus on putting together a complete, thoughtful application.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
79.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
85.9%
4-Year Grad
30%
6-Year Grad
76%
Teaching Quality
8:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
19.1%
$/Student
$26.6K
Class Size
Small
The 30% graduation rate is below average, but 85.9% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$54,170
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$4,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$75,649
After Financial Aid
$48,661
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$39,645
Receive Grants
21.6%
Take Loans
33%
Tuition is $54,170/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $48,661.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Art Center College of Design fund their education.
While in School
21.6%
Get Grants
Free money
33%
Take Loans
Must repay
$30,283
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$31,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$329/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $31,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $72K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Art Center College of Design.
Gender
59.7%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,017
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
270
Graduates
24.3%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
15.6%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 24.3% are first-generation college students. 44.1% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
2,017
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Art Center College of Designearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$71,958
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Design and Applied Arts
$47K
245 grads
1yr Earnings
Graphic Communications
$67K
79 grads
1yr Earnings
Engineering-Related Fields
$67K
51 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
$59K
50 grads
1yr Earnings
Film/Video and Photographic Arts
$23K
41 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Software and Media Applications
—
20 grads
Earnings grow steadily here: $54K at six years, $61K at eight, and $72K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Art Center College of Design
What is the acceptance rate at Art Center College of Design?▾
How much does Art Center College of Design cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Art Center College of Design?▾
How much do Art Center College of Design graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.