About California College of the Arts
California College of the Arts has shaped creative minds since 1907, building a reputation for breaking down barriers between artistic disciplines. The college enrolls just over 1,000 students in the heart of San Francisco, where famous alumni like actor-director Dennis Hopper and ceramic artist Robert Arneson launched their careers. With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, professors work closely with students across fine arts, design, and architecture programs. The college accepts about 76% of applicants who demonstrate artistic potential.
Students pay an average net price of $42,168 after financial aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $32,800. Graduates carry a median debt of $27,000 with monthly loan payments around $286. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $49,414. While art careers often start modestly, the college's interdisciplinary approach prepares students for diverse creative industries where long-term earning potential can grow .
The student body is predominantly female at 67%, reflecting trends in art education. About 40% of students come from California, while the rest bring perspectives from across the country. Campus housing accommodates 732 students, creating a tight-knit community where collaboration across artistic mediums is the norm rather than the exception.
Students pay an average net price of $42,168 after financial aid, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $32,800. Graduates carry a median debt of $27,000 with monthly loan payments around $286. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $49,414. While art careers often start modestly, the college's interdisciplinary approach prepares students for diverse creative industries where long-term earning potential can grow .
The student body is predominantly female at 67%, reflecting trends in art education. About 40% of students come from California, while the rest bring perspectives from across the country. Campus housing accommodates 732 students, creating a tight-knit community where collaboration across artistic mediums is the norm rather than the exception.
Academics & Faculty
California College of the Arts builds its reputation on interdisciplinary art and design education that breaks down traditional boundaries between creative fields. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship in studio-based learning. Programs in fine arts, graphic design, and architecture draw students nationwide, with only 39.79% coming from California. The school's approach encourages experimentation across mediums, from ceramics to digital media. However, the 58.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of art school and the reality that some students transfer or pursue alternative creative paths. Faculty includes working professionals who bring real-world experience into critiques and collaborative projects that mirror industry practices.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 22.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 65.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 58.7%
- Retention Rate
- 57.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,414
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $86,129 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Master | $77,536 |
| Architecture. | Master | $56,776 |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $50,231 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $39,860 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $35,060 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $34,467 |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $15,552 |
Campus Life
California College of the Arts spreads across two campuses in the Bay Area, with the main campus nestled in Oakland's active arts district and a second location in San Francisco. Only 732 students can live on campus out of 1,004 total enrollment, so most students rent apartments in Oakland's affordable neighborhoods or commute from across the Bay. San Francisco's fog rolls in during summer afternoons, making layers essential year-round rather than heavy winter coats.
The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your work intimately and critique sessions feel personal. Studios buzz late into the night as students perfect installations and design projects. With 67% women and strong diversity across ethnicities, the community challenges traditional art world hierarchies. Weekends often involve gallery openings in Oakland's burgeoning arts scene or trips to San Francisco's museums. The interdisciplinary approach means fashion students collaborate with architects and painters work alongside industrial designers. Students frequently showcase work at local venues, building professional networks before graduation.
The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your work intimately and critique sessions feel personal. Studios buzz late into the night as students perfect installations and design projects. With 67% women and strong diversity across ethnicities, the community challenges traditional art world hierarchies. Weekends often involve gallery openings in Oakland's burgeoning arts scene or trips to San Francisco's museums. The interdisciplinary approach means fashion students collaborate with architects and painters work alongside industrial designers. Students frequently showcase work at local venues, building professional networks before graduation.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 732 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1907
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 46°–57°F
- July Avg
- 54°–66°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 22.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
CCA draws creative students from across California and beyond, with about 60% coming from out-of-state to study in San Francisco's active arts scene. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in fields like fine arts and design where female participation traditionally runs higher. The diverse student mix includes significant Asian, Hispanic, and international populations who bring global perspectives to collaborative studio work. About a quarter receive Pell Grants, showing CCA attracts talented artists regardless of economic background to its intimate 1,004-student campus.
- Men
- 33.0%
- Women
- 67.0%
- White
- 20.1%
- Black
- 3.5%
- Hispanic
- 16.4%
- Asian
- 15.8%
- In-State Students
- 39.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.7%
Location
California College of the Arts sits in San Francisco, one of the nation's most expensive and culturally active cities. The campus draws from the Bay Area's thriving tech and creative economy, with 39.79% of students coming from in-state California. San Francisco's steep hills, diverse neighborhoods, and proximity to Silicon Valley create an ideal environment for aspiring artists and designers. The city's rich artistic heritage includes well-known museums, galleries, and a strong tradition of experimental art. Students pay $21,165 for on-campus room and board, reflecting the high cost of living in this major metropolitan area. The Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains provide natural beauty within reach. Students considering colleges in California may also compare California College of the Arts with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- San Francisco, California 94107-2247
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,414
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,348
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at California College of the Arts?
California College of the Arts accepts 75.69% of applicants, making it moderately selective for an top art school. The college prioritizes portfolio quality and creative vision over traditional academic metrics when evaluating prospective students.
How much does California College of the Arts cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $42,168 annually, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $32,800 on average. With total costs reaching $80,611, the school's location in expensive San Francisco drives up living expenses.
What is the student-faculty ratio at California College of the Arts?
The student-faculty ratio is 7:1, reflecting the intensive, studio-based learning model typical of top art schools. This small class environment allows for close mentorship and personalized feedback on creative projects across disciplines like fine arts, design, and architecture.
How much do California College of the Arts graduates earn?
Alumni earn a median of $49,414 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 85.6%. The school's interdisciplinary approach and San Francisco location provide strong connections to the Bay Area's thriving design and tech industries.
Where do students live at California College of the Arts?
The college houses 732 students on campus, serving its total enrollment of 1,004. Most upperclassmen live off-campus in San Francisco's active arts districts, immersing themselves in the city's rich creative community.
Is California College of the Arts diverse?
Women comprise 67.03% of the student body, reflecting broader trends in art education. The school draws students from across the country, with only 39.79% coming from California, creating a nationally diverse creative community.
