California College of the Arts
California College of the Arts is a private nonprofit university in San Francisco, CA ranked #1626 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, enrolling about 990 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 91.1%. Students most often pursue Human Computer Interaction and Architecture.
Day to day, students benefit from a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, 86.7% first-year retention, and 61.2% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $53,909, about $36,911 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -82.2%, roughly 167.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $38,308. That's about $5,380 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
California College of the Arts has an acceptance rate of 91.1%, annual tuition of $60,226, average net price of $53,909, and a national rank of #1626 (Grade C), with a 61.2% six-year graduation rate, about 990 undergraduates, and median earnings of $38,308 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is California College of the Arts Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
California College of the Arts graduates 61.2% of students within six years and keeps 86.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use California College of the Arts's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $60,226 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $22,099 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,798 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $79,776 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 25.1% of California College of the Arts students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $61,407 to $56,394 depending on family income. Use California College of the Arts's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $46,060/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $56,394/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $38,308
- 10-Year Median Earnings $38,308
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 63.4%
- Employment Rate 77.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for California College of the Arts graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
California College of the Arts vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how California College of the Arts's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes California College of the Arts's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While California College of the Arts graduates earn $38,308 median, the -82.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 990
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 86.7%
- Graduation Rate 61.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 8:1
How to Get Into California College of the Arts
1. Meet Academic Requirements: California College of the Arts requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 91.1%, California College of the Arts is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 91.1% acceptance rate, California College of the Arts is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among California College of the Arts undergraduates. Design and Applied Arts, Fine and Studio Arts, and Graphic Communications draw the most students.
- Design and Applied Arts 44.2%
- Fine and Studio Arts 15.6%
- Graphic Communications 12.7%
- Human Computer Interaction 9.6%
- Architecture 7.4%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 7.4%
See more majors
- Woodworking 2.3%
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies 0.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Human Computer Interaction $101,801
- 2. Architecture $89,575
- 3. Design and Applied Arts $62,146
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Graphic Communications $48,315
- 5. Fine and Studio Arts $34,104
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Master's Degree) $140,876
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $94,345
- 3. Architecture (Master's Degree) $80,251
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Architectural Sciences and Technology (Master's Degree) $76,381
- 5. Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degree) $54,366
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Human Computer Interaction grads earn $101,801—199% more than Fine and Studio Arts ($34,104). Graduate: Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management programs lead with $140,876 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for California College of the Arts. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 156 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 55 graduates)
- Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degree, 45 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degree, 44 graduates)
- Human Computer Interaction (Bachelor's Degree, 34 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (9 programs)â–¼
- Design and Applied Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Graphic Communications
- Human Computer Interaction
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Woodworking
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
Online Master's Degrees (9 programs)â–¼
- Design and Applied Arts
- Human Computer Interaction
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Graphic Communications
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 990
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 32.6%
- Female Students 67.4%
- Caucasian 20.8%
- Asian 15.7%
- Hispanic 16.5%
- Black 4.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 25.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects California College of the Arts's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of California College of the Arts's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does California College of the Arts support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at California College of the Arts, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: California College of the Arts has a diverse student body, with 20.8% identifying as White. Women make up 67.4% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does California College of the Arts support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at California College of the Arts, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
California College of the Arts offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -82.2% ROI. Ranked #1626 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $53,909 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $38,308 median earnings. With 61.2% graduating within six years and 86.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: California College of the Arts's Positioning
With a C grade and #1626 ranking, California College of the Arts competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $53,909 annually, California College of the Arts charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 86.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $37,736 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -82.2% ROI and $38,308 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $43,909+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: California College of the Arts ranks #1626 of 6101 institutions, with 1679 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 61.2% six-year graduation rate sits 1.3 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 86.7% first-year retention is 9.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -82.2% return on investment is 167.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $38,308 run about 12% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $53,909 is roughly $36,512 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 86.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 77.2% employment rate within three years sits 9.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $53,909 is about $36,512 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 25.1% trails the national share by 14.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
California College of the Arts, a private nonprofit university in San Francisco, CA, secures a C grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #1626 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support A-, Career Outcomes C+, and Affordability D-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
86.7% of learners come back after year one while 61.2% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -82.2%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $53,909 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $79,776.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $25,867 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 25.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $38,308 six years after entry. This is roughly 12% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 77.2% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -82.2%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
91.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the California College of the Arts admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other California campuses you might consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What is California College of the Arts's acceptance rate?
California College of the Arts's acceptance rate is 91.1%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does California College of the Arts cost?
At California College of the Arts, listed tuition and fees are $60,226 per year, and the average net price after aid is $53,909. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is California College of the Arts's ranking?
California College of the Arts ranks #1626 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is California College of the Arts's graduation rate?
At California College of the Arts, the six-year graduation rate is 61.2%, and first-year retention is 86.7%.
What are California College of the Arts's job outcomes?
Graduates of California College of the Arts report median earnings of $38,308 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is California College of the Arts's student population?
California College of the Arts enrolls about 990 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address San Francisco, CA 94107-2247
- Website www.cca.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$39.7M