California College of the Arts campus
California College of the Arts logo

California College of the Arts

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale City: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Small
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 761
Student to faculty ratio 8 to 1
Acceptance rate 78%
Students retention rate 82%
On-time graduation rate 65%

Located in San Francisco, California, California College of the Arts is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate of 78% indicates that California College of the Arts is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

California College of the Arts is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 8-to-1, California College of the Arts emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

California College of the Arts boasts an impressive student retention rate of 82% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 85% and 74%, respectively.


  • Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

77.6%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$52,312

Cost of attendance at California College of the Arts in 2022 for students from California.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $6,749
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$52,312

Cost of attendance at California College of the Arts in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

California's average $20,840
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 84 of freshman students at California College of the Arts received on average $28,928 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$28,928
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 41 21% $4,817 $197,506
Other Federal Grant 52 27% $5,739 $298,415
State Grant/Scholarships 19 10% $4,480 $85,116
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 161 84% $26,546 $4,273,872
Total Grant & Scholarships 161 84% $28,928 $4,657,403

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of California College of the Arts students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of California College of the Arts students is 65.4%. Female students graduated at a rate of 68.0%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 60.9%.

65.4%

  • asian 81.8% 36 students
  • African American 42.9% 6 students
  • white 47.9% 23 students
  • unknown 45.4% 5 students
  • hispanic 64.5% 20 students
  • International Students 72.5% 66 students

Service Offerings

California College of the Arts provides the following additional services to its students
  • Remedial services
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

California College of the Arts offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad

Veteran Services

  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)