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California Institute of the Arts

PrivateSuburb: Large

About California Institute of the Arts

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

California Institute of the Arts is a private university in Valencia, CA. It has a 24.8% acceptance rate and a 63.8% graduation rate, serving approximately 931 students.

Founded

1961

Location

Valencia, California

Students

1,269

Institution

Private

Known For

AnimationFilmPerforming ArtsArt & Design

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

32.3%

Selective

Graduation Rate

66.7%

Near national average

Tuition

$58,996

Per year

Avg Net Price

$46,080

After financial aid

SAT Average

Not Considered

Test-blind. Grades and essays decide

Median Earnings

$41,198

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
32.3%

Very Selective

32.3 out of 100 applicants get in

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Blind

Application Fee

$65

Early

N/A

Deadline

Jan 5

California Institute of the Arts is moderately selective at 32.3%. Meeting the academic requirements puts you in a good position to be admitted.

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
66.7%

Average

66.7% complete their degree within six years

Retention

82.4%

4-Year Grad

61%

6-Year Grad

72%

Teaching Quality

7:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

44.7%

$/Student

$34.7K

Class Size

Small

While 61% finish in 4 years, 82.4% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$58,996

Annual Tuition

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$14,134

Books & Supplies

$1,062

Total Cost of Attendance

$77,560

After Financial Aid

$46,080

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$26,686

Receive Grants

24.2%

Take Loans

36.2%

The total cost of attendance runs about $77,560/yr, including $14,134 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $46,080.

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 Institute of the Arts fund their education.

While in School

24.2%

Get Grants

Free money

36.2%

Take Loans

Must repay

$55,256

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$25,000

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$265/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $41K 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 Institute of the Arts.

Gender

60.4%

Female

/

40%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

32.1%
25.7%
17.2%
9.4%
7.2%
5.4%
White
International
Hispanic
Asian
Multiracial
Black

Enrollment

860

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

409

Graduates

15.7%

First-Gen

21 yrs

Avg Age

10.7%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 15.7% are first-generation college students. 25.7% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
Suburb: Large

Suburb: Large

Campus Quick Facts

860

Students

private

Institution

Small

Campus Size

Master's

Classification

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

No

Teacher Cert

No

ROTC

No

Evening College

No

Online Programs

No

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of California Institute of the Artsearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$41,198

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$28K
6yr
$43K
8yr
$41K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Music

$19K

43 grads

1yr Earnings

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

$23K

36 grads

1yr Earnings

Graphic Communications

35 grads

Film/Video and Photographic Arts

$28K

28 grads

1yr Earnings

Fine and Studio Arts

$29K

19 grads

4yr Earnings

Dance

13 grads

Graduates earn about $28K six years out, growing to $41K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about California Institute of the Arts

What is the acceptance rate at California Institute of the Arts?
California Institute of the Arts has an acceptance rate of 32.3%. California Institute of the Arts is moderately selective at 32.3%. Meeting the academic requirements puts you in a good position to be admitted.
How much does California Institute of the Arts cost?
Tuition at California Institute of the Arts is $58,996 for in-state students and $58,996 for out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance runs about $77,560/yr, including $14,134 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $46,080.
What is the graduation rate at California Institute of the Arts?
California Institute of the Arts has a graduation rate of 66.7%. While 61% finish in 4 years, 82.4% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
How much do California Institute of the Arts graduates earn?
The median earnings for California Institute of the Arts graduates is $41,198 ten years after enrollment. Graduates earn about $28K six years out, growing to $41K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

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.