About Art Center College of Design
The price tag reflects this focused training. Students pay an average net price of $50,209 per year, which stays consistent regardless of family income since only 24.50% receive financial aid. Graduates leave with a median debt of $31,000 but earn $71,958 ten years after graduation. That puts monthly loan payments around $329, which becomes manageable once careers take off. The investment pays off particularly well for those entering high-paying design fields.
Art Center admits 70.97% of applicants, but don't mistake this for easy admission. The school looks for artistic talent and commitment over perfect grades. With an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, you get direct mentorship from working professionals. The student body is 59.10% women and diverse, with 30.43% Asian students reflecting the school's strong connections to international design industries.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 23.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 79.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 82.6%
- Retention Rate
- 82.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $71,958
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $81,702 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $20,824 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Master | $11,851 |
Campus Life
Most of the 2,054 students commute since Art Center doesn't have traditional dorms. Instead, many live in nearby apartments or share houses in the surrounding neighborhoods. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll work closely with practicing professionals who critique your portfolio regularly. Studio spaces stay open 24/7, and it's normal to see students painting or building models at 2 AM.
Weekends often blur with weekdays since creative projects don't follow typical schedules. Students frequently visit LA's museums, attend gallery openings in downtown's Arts District, or head to the beach in Santa Monica. The intense workload creates tight bonds between classmates who understand the pressure of constant critiques and portfolio deadlines.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1930
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 45°–68°F
- July Avg
- 62°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 20.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 40.9%
- Women
- 59.1%
- White
- 9.4%
- Black
- 1.5%
- Hispanic
- 10.1%
- Asian
- 30.4%
- In-State Students
- 44.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.5%
Location
- Address
- Pasadena, California 91103
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $71,958
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $75,387
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $329/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $31,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Art Center College of Design?
Art Center accepts about 71% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a specialized design school. The school focuses heavily on portfolio quality over test scores, seeking students who demonstrate strong artistic vision and technical skills.
How much does Art Center College of Design cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $50,209 after aid, with tuition set at $51,640 regardless of residency. Only 24.5% of students receive federal Pell Grants, reflecting the school's wealthy student body despite the high costs.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Art Center College of Design?
The school maintains an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring intensive mentorship crucial for developing artistic skills. Art Center is well-known for its automotive and transportation design programs, which have shaped the look of modern cars for decades.
How much do Art Center College of Design graduates earn after graduation?
Graduates earn a median of $71,958 ten years after enrollment, with an 87.8% employment rate. The school has produced influential alumni like filmmaker Tim Burton and automotive designer Chris Bangle, reflecting its strong industry connections.
Where is Art Center College of Design located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Pasadena, California, drawing 44.6% of its 2,054 students from in-state. The campus attracts a diverse international student body, with Asian students comprising 30.4% of enrollment and women making up 59.1% of students.
What makes Art Center College of Design unique among art schools?
Art Center pioneered automotive design education and continues to dominate the field, with graduates designing for major car manufacturers worldwide. The school's 82.6% six-year graduation rate reflects its intensive, industry-focused curriculum that prepares students for immediate professional success.
Similar Schools
Concordia University-Irvine
Irvine, California
Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, California
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, California
Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, California
Everglades University
Boca Raton, Florida
The Master's University and Seminary
Santa Clarita, California