California College of the Arts
About California College of the Arts
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
California College of the Arts is a private university in San Francisco, CA. It has a 75.7% acceptance rate and a 72.2% graduation rate, serving approximately 1,134 students.
Founded
1907
Location
San Francisco, California
Students
1,294
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
91.1%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
61.2%
Near national average
Tuition
$60,226
Per year
Avg Net Price
$53,909
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$49,414
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$70
Early
N/A
Deadline
Not accepting
California College of the Arts is closing. The college announced in January 2026 that it will wind down and shut permanently at the end of the 2026-27 academic year, and it is no longer accepting or reviewing applications for any future class. Vanderbilt University is buying the San Francisco campus and plans to run its own art and design programs there. Students already enrolled are finishing their degrees, but you cannot apply here. The acceptance rate on this page is from the last year CCA admitted students.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
61.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
86.7%
4-Year Grad
44%
6-Year Grad
65%
Teaching Quality
7:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
22.4%
$/Student
$24.1K
Class Size
Small
The 44% graduation rate is below average, but 86.7% 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
$60,226
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$22,099
Books & Supplies
$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$79,776
After Financial Aid
$53,909
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$61,407
Receive Grants
25.1%
Take Loans
48%
The total cost of attendance runs about $79,776/yr, including $22,099 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $53,909.
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 California College of the Arts fund their education.
While in School
25.1%
Get Grants
Free money
48%
Take Loans
Must repay
$38,844
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$27,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$286/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $27,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $49K 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 California College of the Arts.
Gender
67.4%
Female
33%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
990
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
304
Graduates
24.4%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
11%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 67% of the student body. 24.4% are first-generation college students. 31.9% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
990
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Special Focus
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of California College of the Artsearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$49,414
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Design and Applied Arts
$29K
84 grads
1yr Earnings
Graphic Communications
$26K
46 grads
1yr Earnings
Fine and Studio Arts
$18K
45 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Software and Media Applications
—
29 grads
Human Computer Interaction
$102K
29 grads
1yr Earnings
Film/Video and Photographic Arts
—
26 grads
Graduates earn about $38K six years out, growing to $49K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California College of the Arts
What is the acceptance rate at California College of the Arts?▾
How much does California College of the Arts cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at California College of the Arts?▾
How much do California College of the Arts 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.