Laguna College of Art and Design: 88.4% Acceptance Rate

88.4%Acceptance

$35,650Tuition

776Students

63%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,867Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Laguna College of Art and Design

This small Southern California art school has built a reputation for hands-on creative education since 1961. With just 776 students, Laguna College of Art and Design offers the intimate studio environment that serious artists crave. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your work personally. The college sits in the artistic haven of Laguna Beach, where plein air painting tradition meets contemporary digital arts.

Students face a hefty price tag with total costs reaching $56,045 annually. The average net price of $42,354 reflects minimal institutional aid, as only 15.59% of students receive merit grants averaging $11,841. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly payments of $286. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings of $47,867 provide modest returns on the investment. Art careers often start slowly, as shown by the $19,729 first-year median earnings.

Women make up nearly 75% of the student body, typical for art schools. The 63% graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of professional art training. With only 56 beds on campus, most students live off-campus in expensive coastal California. The 88% acceptance rate welcomes students ready for intensive creative work rather than academic prestige.

Academics & Faculty

This specialized art and design college focuses entirely on visual arts education, offering concentrated programs in illustration, animation, game art, painting, and graphic design. Students work closely with faculty in a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio that enables intensive studio critiques and personalized mentorship. The school's 63% graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of art education, where students often take longer to complete portfolios or pursue professional opportunities mid-program. Women comprise 75% of the student body, typical for art schools. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on studio work over traditional academics, preparing students for careers in entertainment, advertising, and fine arts rather than broad liberal arts education.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 11.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 63.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 63.0%
Retention Rate: 83.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,867

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Design and Applied Arts.	Bachelor	$29,685
Graphic Communications.	Bachelor	$21,234

View all 10 programs →

Campus Life

Art students congregate in hillside studios overlooking the Pacific Ocean, just 50 miles south of Los Angeles. With only 56 students living in campus housing and 776 total enrollment, most students commute from nearby beach towns or inland communities. The 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name and artistic style. Laguna Beach's year-round Mediterranean climate keeps temperatures between 60-75 degrees, so pack sunscreen instead of winter coats.

Weekends revolve around the town's famous art festivals and gallery walks, where students often showcase their work alongside established artists. With 74.87% female enrollment, the campus skews heavily toward women in fields like illustration and graphic design. The small campus size creates an intimate studio environment where critiques happen in converted beach cottages. Students frequently work late into the night on projects, taking breaks to surf at Main Beach or grab coffee in the village. The 83.48% retention rate reflects students who thrive in this close-knit artistic community perched above one of California's most picturesque coastlines.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 56 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1961

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 44°–68°F
July Avg: 60°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 12.7"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This small art college draws primarily California residents who value its intimate creative community. Women make up three-quarters of the 776 students, reflecting the strong representation of female artists in contemporary art and design fields. The student body spans diverse backgrounds, with significant Hispanic and Asian populations alongside white students. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the school attracts students from various economic backgrounds who are serious about pursuing art careers. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in this close-knit creative environment overlooking the Pacific Coast.

Men: 25.1%
Women: 74.9%
White: 43.9%
Black: 2.1%
Hispanic: 22.6%
Asian: 17.8%
In-State Students: 66.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 31.4%

Location

Laguna Beach sits 50 miles south of Los Angeles along California's Orange County coast. The college occupies a stunning clifftop campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean in this well-known artist colony. Laguna Beach draws millions of visitors annually for its pristine coves, art galleries, and the famous Festival of Arts. The town's population hovers around 23,000, creating an intimate setting where students often encounter working artists and gallery owners. The Mediterranean-style village features walkable streets lined with studios and cafes. Orange County's year-round temperate climate and proximity to both LA's entertainment industry and San Diego's design scene provide abundant internship opportunities. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Laguna College of Art and Design with similar schools in the region.

Address: Laguna Beach, California 92651

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,867
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,587
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 61.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Laguna College of Art and Design?

Laguna College of Art and Design accepts 88.37% of applicants. The school focuses on finding students passionate about art and design rather than maintaining highly selective admissions. This accessible acceptance rate reflects the college's commitment to nurturing creative talent from diverse backgrounds.

How much does Laguna College of Art and Design cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Laguna College of Art and Design is $42,354 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $36,856 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay closer to $45,712. Only 31.41% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating many come from middle to upper-middle class families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Laguna College of Art and Design?

Laguna College of Art and Design maintains a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio with just 776 total students. This intimate setting allows for personalized instruction crucial in art and design education. Students work closely with practicing artists and industry professionals in small studio environments.

How much do Laguna College of Art and Design graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $47,867 ten years after graduation, with an 87.6% employment rate. Early career earnings start at $19,729 one year after graduation, reflecting the competitive nature of creative industries. The school's location in Southern California's art scene provides networking opportunities that can boost long-term career prospects.

Does Laguna College of Art and Design have on-campus housing?

The college has very limited on-campus housing with capacity for only 56 students out of 776 total enrollment. Most students live off-campus in the expensive Laguna Beach area, where room and board costs average $18,071 annually. The small coastal town setting creates a tight-knit artistic community despite limited campus housing.

What is the gender distribution at Laguna College of Art and Design?

Women make up 74.87% of students while men comprise 25.13% of enrollment. This gender imbalance reflects broader trends in art and design education nationwide. The student body is ethnically diverse with 43.94% White, 22.55% Hispanic, and 17.78% Asian students, mirroring California's multicultural population.