Cost Details
- In-State Tuition
- $56,724
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $56,724
- Average Net Price
- $47,183
- Students Receiving Financial Aid
- 22.1%
- Room & Board (On Campus)
- $12,820
- Room & Board (Off Campus)
- $18,600
- Books & Supplies
- $938
- Total Cost of Attendance
- $70,482
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.5%
- Students Taking Federal Loans
- 34.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.1%
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education
| Family Income | Average Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 – $30,000 | $33,802 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $37,082 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $35,788 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $44,448 |
| $110,001+ | $59,106 |
Cost Estimator
Cost Overview
Families earning under $30,000 typically pay $33,802 per year at CalArts, while those making over $110,000 pay $59,106. The full sticker price of $70,482 rarely applies since most students receive some form of aid. Over four years, costs range from $135,000 to $236,000 depending on family income. This reflects CalArts' reputation as an top arts conservatory where talent often matters more than ability to pay full freight.
Graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000, translating to monthly payments of $265. With median earnings of $41,198 ten years out, loan payments consume about 8% of income. The 66% loan repayment rate suggests some struggle financially after graduation. Students from lower-income families get the best deal here, with net prices below the median debt load. CalArts remains expensive, but financial aid helps talented artists from diverse economic backgrounds access this strong animation and experimental arts training.
Graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000, translating to monthly payments of $265. With median earnings of $41,198 ten years out, loan payments consume about 8% of income. The 66% loan repayment rate suggests some struggle financially after graduation. Students from lower-income families get the best deal here, with net prices below the median debt load. CalArts remains expensive, but financial aid helps talented artists from diverse economic backgrounds access this strong animation and experimental arts training.
Official Net Price Calculator
Get a personalized cost estimate from California Institute of the Arts:
Visit Official Net Price CalculatorThis links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.