California Institute of the Arts Overview

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is a private art and design university located in Valencia, California. Founded in 1961, CalArts is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to the arts, offering programs in visual arts, performing arts, and digital media. The institution fosters a creative environment where students can develop their artistic talents and engage in innovative practices across various disciplines.

California Institute of the Arts Offered Programs

  • Undergraduate Programs:
    • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art
    • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance
    • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film and Video
    • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Music
    • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theater
    • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Critical Studies
  • Graduate Programs:
    • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Art
    • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance
    • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film and Video
    • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Music
    • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theater
    • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Critical Studies
    • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Integrated Media
    • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Experimental Sound Practices
    • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Collaborative Keyboard
    • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in African American Improvisational Music

California Institute of the Arts Tuition Fees

Program LevelEstimated Annual Tuition (USD)
Undergraduate$58,318
Graduate$58,318

Note: Tuition fees are the same for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

California Institute of the Arts Required Documents and Admission Requirements

  • Completed application form
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Portfolio showcasing artistic work
  • Letters of recommendation (2 required)
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Interview (required for some programs)
  • SAT or ACT scores (not required)
  • Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) for international students

California Institute of the Arts Deadlines

Application StageDeadline
Application OpensSeptember 1
Application DeadlineJanuary 5
Notification DateApril 1
Registration Start DateAugust

Note: Deadlines may vary; applicants should verify with the university.

California Institute of the Arts Scholarships Offerings

CalArts offers various scholarships to support students financially. These include:

  • Institutional awards based on academic merit
  • Federal and state grants for eligible students
  • Federal student loans
  • Merit-based scholarships for incoming students

Note: The average institutional award is approximately $19,304 per recipient.

California Institute of the Arts Rankings

Ranking OrganizationNational RankRegional RankGlobal Rank
U.S. News & World Report34th in Regional Universities West
Niche14th in Best Colleges for Design in America
Niche19th in Best Colleges for Music in America
Niche21st in Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America

California Institute of the Arts Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at CalArts is approximately 25%, indicating a competitive admissions process.

California Institute of the Arts Student Campus Life

CalArts provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for student engagement. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including performance spaces, galleries, and studios. Students can participate in various clubs, organizations, and events that foster creativity and collaboration.
Accommodation options include:

  • On-campus housing in dormitories
  • Off-campus housing in nearby Valencia and Santa Clarita areas

California Institute of the Arts Cost of Living

Living costs in Valencia and the surrounding Santa Clarita area are moderate compared to other parts of California. Students should budget for housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

Expense CategoryEstimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Housing$800 – $1,200
Food and groceries$300 – $500
Transportation$100 – $200
Personal expenses$100 – $200

California Institute of the Arts Contact Informations

Phone Number: +1 661-255-1050
Email Address: admissions@calarts.edu
Address: 24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355, USA

California Institute of the Arts Online Application

Prospective students can apply online through the university’s official website by submitting the application form, uploading required documents, and paying the application fee. International applicants should ensure they meet additional requirements, such as visa and language proficiency.