California Institute of Arts & Technology: $15,390 Tuition

$15,390Tuition

14Students

70%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private forprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About California Institute of Arts & Technology

This tiny specialized institution serves just 14 students in San Diego's suburban landscape. The school focuses intensively on arts and technology programs with an ultra-small learning environment. Students work closely with faculty in a 10:1 ratio that ensures personalized attention. The institution maintains a 91.18% retention rate, suggesting students find what they're looking for once enrolled. The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $34,183 regardless of family income level. Graduates earn a median of $52,372 one year after completion, with typical monthly loan payments of $235. The school provides institutional grants averaging $6,189 to every single student. The student body skews heavily male at 71.43% and reflects significant diversity, with 50% Black students and 21.43% White students making up the largest groups. The 69.90% six-year graduation rate falls below national averages for private institutions. With 80% of graduates finding employment, the school delivers on job placement despite its unconventional structure and small scale.

Academics & Faculty

This tiny institution enrolls just 14 students and focuses on arts and technology programs in an intimate setting. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally and can provide intensive mentorship. With a 64% four-year graduation rate, students face real challenges completing their programs despite the personalized attention. The school serves a diverse student body where 50% are Black students and 71% are men, reflecting its appeal to underrepresented groups in tech fields. All students receive institutional grants averaging $6,189, though the net price remains high at over $34,000. The 80% employment rate suggests graduates find work, likely in creative technology sectors where arts meets digital innovation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate (4-year): 64.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 69.9%
Retention Rate: 91.2%

Campus Life

This tiny San Diego campus houses just 14 students, creating an intensely intimate learning environment. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll know every classmate and professor personally. The suburban setting sits about 15 minutes from downtown San Diego, where year-round temperatures hover in the 70s and you'll need sunscreen far more than a winter coat.

The student body is 71% male and diverse, with 50% Black students and 21% White students. Campus social life revolves around small group activities since traditional college experiences don't exist here. Students often head to nearby beaches or explore San Diego's active neighborhoods on weekends. The 91% retention rate suggests students find community despite the unconventional size.

As a for-profit technical institution, the focus stays strictly professional. Students graduate with median debt of $22,209 but earn $52,372 within a year of graduation. The 80% employment rate reflects the hands-on training approach. Don't expect football games or Greek life. This is career preparation in an almost tutorial-style setting.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Other

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	0	0	0	2
Robbery	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–67°F
July Avg: 64°–74°F
Annual Precipitation: 9.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This tiny San Diego technical college draws a predominantly male student body, reflecting its focus on technology and engineering programs. Half of the 14 students come from California, while the other half travel from out of state for specialized training. The school serves a diverse population, with Black students making up the largest racial group at 50%. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the institution attracts working-class students seeking practical technical skills. The small size creates an intimate learning environment with intensive, hands-on instruction in specialized fields.

Men: 71.4%
Women: 28.6%
White: 21.4%
Black: 50.0%
Hispanic: 14.3%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 50.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 31.3%

Location

California Institute of Arts & Technology sits in San Diego, one of the country's eighth-largest cities with over 1.4 million residents. The campus operates in a large suburban setting about 120 miles south of Los Angeles. San Diego's year-round Mediterranean climate attracts students who want consistent 70-degree weather. The city combines beach culture with a thriving tech industry, offering internship opportunities in biotechnology and defense contracting. Half of the school's 14 students come from in-state, drawn by the coastal lifestyle and proximity to major employers like Qualcomm and General Atomics. Students considering colleges in California may also compare California Institute of Arts & Technology with similar schools in the region.

Address: San Diego, California 92108-3822

After College

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

Monthly Loan Payment: $235/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,209

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body size at California Institute of Arts & Technology?

The school enrolls just 14 students, making it one of the smallest colleges in the country. This micro-campus environment creates an extremely intimate learning experience where students work closely with faculty and peers.

How much does California Institute of Arts & Technology cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $34,183 annually, despite tuition being set at $15,390. Every enrolled student receives some form of institutional grant averaging $6,189, though the high net price suggests significant additional costs beyond tuition.

What is the student-faculty ratio at California Institute of Arts & Technology?

The school maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, which combined with the tiny enrollment creates an almost tutorial-style academic environment. This intensive structure supports the school's focus on arts and technology training.

What are the graduation rates at California Institute of Arts & Technology?

About 64% of students graduate within four years, rising to 70% within six years. The 91% retention rate shows students generally stay enrolled, suggesting the intimate environment works well for those who choose it.

Where do California Institute of Arts & Technology graduates find employment?

About 80% of graduates find employment, earning a median of $52,372 in their first year after graduation. The school's location in San Diego's large suburban market provides access to both tech companies and creative industries.

Is California Institute of Arts & Technology diverse in its student demographics?

The student body is 50% Black and 71% male, creating a unique demographic profile among arts and technology schools. Only half the students come from California, showing the school draws from a national pool despite its small size.

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About This Data

Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.