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California's Visual and Performing Arts programs span a remarkable $43,583 price gap, from Santa Monica College's $3,600 net cost to CalArts' $47,183. The state's entertainment industry, centered in Los Angeles, generates over $130 billion annually and employs hundreds of thousands in film, television, music, and digital media production. UC San Diego graduates earn $26,353 median salary while carrying just $19,968 in debt, making it a standout value among research universities offering arts training.
6
Programs
$3,600 – $47,183
Net Price Range
$26,353
Avg. Program Earnings
72.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

6 Visual and Performing Arts, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,600 $1,156 35.8%
2 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
3 $14,013 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
4 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
5 $31,198 $56,134 69.0% 87.9%
6 $47,183 $56,724 64.2% 24.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Santa Monica College such an affordable starting point for arts students?

Santa Monica College charges just $1,156 in-state tuition with a net cost of only $3,600 after aid. The community college offers transfer pathways to four-year programs and maintains a 35.80% graduation rate for its two-year programs.

How do UC schools compare for Visual and Performing Arts affordability?

UC San Diego offers the lowest net cost at $11,750 among the UC campuses, followed by UCLA at $14,013 and UC Davis at $15,288. All three maintain graduation rates above 85%, with UCLA leading at 92.70%.

Does California Institute of the Arts justify its $47,183 net cost?

CalArts accepts only 24.76% of applicants, reflecting its specialized focus and industry connections. However, its 64.20% graduation rate trails significantly behind the UC schools despite the much higher price point.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.