California College of Music: 69.2% Acceptance Rate

69.2%Acceptance

$18,830Tuition

7Students

80%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private forprofit2-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About California College of Music

California College of Music operates as a tiny music conservatory with just 7 students enrolled. This for-profit school focuses on contemporary music education and performance training, offering hands-on instruction in a city setting in Pasadena. The 1:1 student-faculty ratio means you get individual attention that larger music programs simply cannot provide. With a 69% acceptance rate, the school is selective but not impossible to get into.

The financial picture tells an interesting story. Students pay about $18,922 after aid, which is the same as the sticker price of $18,830 since only 7% receive financial aid. Most students (86%) do receive institutional grants averaging $7,515, but few qualify for need-based aid like Pell Grants (7%). The 80% graduation rate is solid for a two-year program, though with only 7 students total, that represents just a handful of people completing their studies.

The student body is 57% male and diverse, with 57% Black students and 29% White students. The quarter system moves quickly, and with such a small enrollment, you would know every other student personally. This setup works well for serious musicians who want intensive, personalized training but may feel limiting if you prefer a traditional college experience.

Academics & Faculty

California College of Music focuses entirely on contemporary music education, training students for careers in modern music performance and production. With just 7 students total and a 1:1 student-faculty ratio, every student gets individual attention that's impossible at larger schools. The quarter system moves quickly through intensive coursework in areas like audio engineering, music business, and performance. About 80% of students graduate within six years, which is solid for a specialized music program where students often leave early for industry opportunities. The school attracts serious musicians who want hands-on training in today's music industry rather than traditional classical conservatory education.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 1:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 80.0%

Campus Life

California College of Music operates with just 7 students, creating an incredibly intimate learning environment where you'll get personal attention that's impossible at larger schools. The 1:1 student-faculty ratio means you're getting private conservatory training. Pasadena sits about 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, putting you close to the music industry's heart while living in a quieter college town. You'll need sunscreen more than winter coats here, with sunny 70-degree weather most of the year.

With such a tiny student body (57% men, 43% women), daily life revolves around intensive music training rather than traditional college social activities. The quarter system keeps the pace fast, and most students spend their time in practice rooms, recording studios, and one-on-one lessons. Weekends often mean gigs, open mic nights, or trips to LA's music venues on Sunset Strip. The school draws a diverse group, with 57% Black students and 29% White students. At $18,830 tuition, 86% of students receive institutional grants averaging $7,515, making this specialized training more affordable than you might expect.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 47°–68°F
July Avg: 64°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 21.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

California College of Music draws a small, tight-knit group of aspiring musicians with just 7 students total. The student body is mostly male and predominantly Black, reflecting the school's focus on contemporary music styles like jazz, hip-hop, and R&B that have strong roots in Black musical traditions. Students come from diverse economic backgrounds, though most pay close to full tuition since only 7% receive need-based aid. The tiny enrollment creates an intimate conservatory atmosphere where every student gets personalized attention from faculty in their musical development.

Men: 57.1%
Women: 42.9%
White: 28.6%
Black: 57.1%
Hispanic: 0.0%
Asian: 0.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 7.1%

Location

California College of Music sits in Pasadena, just 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. This puts students right in the heart of the nation's entertainment capital, where the music industry thrives. Pasadena itself is a mid-sized city of about 140,000 people, known for the Rose Bowl and its historic downtown area. The school's location gives music students direct access to recording studios, concert venues, and industry professionals throughout the greater LA area. With only 7 total students enrolled, the college operates more like a boutique conservatory than a traditional campus. Students considering colleges in California may also compare California College of Music with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pasadena, California 91106-2403

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at California College of Music?

California College of Music accepts 69.23% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school maintains an intimate learning environment with only 7 students enrolled, allowing for highly personalized instruction in contemporary music.

How much does California College of Music cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $18,922, which is the same regardless of family income level. About 85.71% of students receive institutional grants averaging $7,515, though only 7.14% receive need-based federal aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at California College of Music?

The student-faculty ratio is an exceptional 1:1, meaning each student gets private instruction. This conservatory model focuses on intensive contemporary music education and performance training with highly individualized attention.

What is the graduation rate at California College of Music?

The 6-year graduation rate is 80.00%, which is strong for a specialized music program. As a 2-year institution, the school prepares students for careers in contemporary music performance and related fields.

Where is California College of Music located?

The school is located in Pasadena, California, a mid-sized city known for its arts scene. The location provides access to Los Angeles' music industry while maintaining a more intimate college town atmosphere.

Does California College of Music have a diverse student body?

The student body is 57.14% Black and 28.57% White, with men comprising 57.14% of enrollment. This small conservatory of just 7 students creates a tight-knit community focused on contemporary music genres.