California College of the Arts Admissions

Costs, Financial Aid, Graduation Rates & More

California College of the Arts
California College of the Arts. Edward Blake / Flickr
by Allen Grove
Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.
Updated May 23, 2019

California College of the Arts Admissions Overview:

Since CCA is an art school, an applicant must be prepared to submit a portfolio for consideration as part of his/her application. About one out of every three applicants will not be accepted; CCA is a fairly selective school. Students don't need to submit scores from the SAT or ACT, but they are required to fill out an application, and submit a writing sample, letters of recommendation, and high school transcripts. Interested students should check out the school's website for more information.

Admissions Data (2016):

California College of the Arts Description:

CCA, California College of the Arts was founded in 1907 by a German cabinet maker during the height of the Arts and Crafts movement in America. Formerly known as the California College of Arts and Crafts, it was renamed in 2003 to reflect the broadening of its programs and offered disciplines. Located in San Francisco with a campus in nearby Oakland, CCA has a vibrant and energetic community perfect for students interested in all forms of art.

With an impressive student/faculty ratio of 9 to 1, CCA offers students a personalized and immersive college experience. The College offers 21 undergraduate and 13 graduate majors, ranging from architecture, animation, glass work, painting, writing, and fashion design. CCA also offers summer and continuing education (non credit) programs for adults and children, allowing anyone to explore and create art.

Enrollment (2016):

  • Total Enrollment: 1,983 (1,528 undergraduates)
  • Gender Breakdown: 36% Male / 64% Female
  • 95% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

  • Tuition and Fees: $45,466
  • Books: $1,500 (why so much?)
  • Room and Board: $12,220
  • Other Expenses: $3,450
  • Total Cost: $62,636

CCA Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 82%
  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
    • Grants: 80%
    • Loans: 42%
  • Average Amount of Aid
    • Grants: $21,474
    • Loans: $7,782

Academic Programs:

  • Most Popular Majors: Illustration, Graphic Design, Painting, Fashion Design, Architecture, Animation, Photography

Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates:

  • First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 81%
  • Transfer-out Rate: 19%
  • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 41%
  • 6-Year Graduation Rate: 60%

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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