Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.2%
- Retention Rate
- 86.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $41,198
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $49,840 | |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Master | $32,563 | $109,180 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Master | $25,194 | $96,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $23,456 | |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $22,420 | $27,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $27,000 |
| Music. | Master | $20,140 | $44,150 |
| Dance. | Bachelor | $15,182 |
Outcomes Overview
CalArts graduates earn a median of $41,198 ten years after graduation, reflecting the financial realities of creative careers. With median debt of $25,000 and monthly payments of $265, graduates spend about 7.7% of their income on loans. This debt-to-income ratio of 0.61 is reasonable for an arts education. The 87.6% employment rate shows strong job placement despite industry challenges. Many graduates pursue freelance work in animation, film, and experimental arts where income varies . Alumni like Tim Burton and John Lasseter demonstrate the school's pipeline to major studios, though most graduates build careers in smaller creative firms. Despite modest starting salaries, CalArts offers an average return on investment for serious artists seeking industry connections.