Art Center College of Design
Art Center College of Design has an acceptance rate of 74.5%, annual tuition of $54,170, average net price of $48,661, and a national rank of #980 (Grade B), with a 79.2% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 2,017 undergraduates, and median earnings of $74,009 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Art Center College of Design is a private nonprofit university in Pasadena, CA. Students most often pursue Design and Applied Arts and Graphic Communications.
Academically, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and 85.9% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 29.8%, roughly 20.1 points below typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Art Center College of Design Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Art Center College of Design graduates 79.2% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 77.8% and keeps 85.9% 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 Art Center College of Design'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 | $54,170 |
| Books and Supplies | $4,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $75,649 |
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 21.6% of Art Center College of Design 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 $39,645 to $61,144 depending on family income. Use Art Center College of Design's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $45,677/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $61,144/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $74,009
- 10-Year Median Earnings $71,958
- Average Years to Graduate 5.1 years
- Average Student Debt $31,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 69.7%
- Employment Rate 82.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Art Center College of Design 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.
Art Center College of Design vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Art Center College of Design's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Art Center College of Design's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Art Center College of Design graduates earn $74,009 median, the 29.8% 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 2,017
- Full-Time Students 88.6%
- Part-Time Students 11.4%
- Retention Rate 85.9%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 79.2%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 77.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Art Center College of Design
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Art Center College of Design 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 74.5%, Art Center College of Design 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 74.5% acceptance rate, Art Center College of Design 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 Art Center College of Design undergraduates. Design and Applied Arts, Engineering-Related Fields, and Film/Video and Photographic Arts draw the most students.
- Design and Applied Arts 48.8%
- Engineering-Related Fields 12.5%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 10.5%
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Techni 8.3%
- Graphic Communications 7.9%
- Architectural Sciences and Technology 4.8%
See more majors
- Computer Software and Media Applications 4.4%
- Fine and Studio Arts 2.8%
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. Design and Applied Arts $81,385
- 2. Graphic Communications $67,010
- 3. Engineering-Related Fields $66,860
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians $59,384
- 5. Film/Video and Photographic Arts $33,995
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Design and Applied Arts grads earn $81,385—139% more than Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($33,995). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Art Center College of Design. 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, 223 graduates)
- Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degree, 57 graduates)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 48 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degree, 36 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 (8 programs)▼
- Design and Applied Arts
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- Graphic Communications
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Fine and Studio Arts
Online Master's Degrees (7 programs)▼
- Design and Applied Arts
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- Fine and Studio Arts
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,017
- Full-Time Students 88.6%
- Part-Time Students 11.4%
- Male Students 40.3%
- Female Students 59.7%
- Caucasian 10.2%
- Asian 29.8%
- Hispanic 9.3%
- Black 1.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 21.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Art Center College of Design's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Art Center College of Design's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Art Center College of Design support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 Art Center College of Design, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Art Center College of Design has a diverse student body, with 10.2% identifying as White. About 21.6% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Art Center College of Design support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 Art Center College of Design, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Art Center College of Design offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 29.8% ROI. Ranked #980 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $48,661 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $74,009 median earnings. With 79.2% graduating within 150% of normal time and 85.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Art Center College of Design's Positioning
With a B grade and #980 ranking, Art Center College of Design competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $48,661 annually, Art Center College of Design charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 85.9% 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 $34,063 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 29.8% ROI and $74,009 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $38,661+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Art Center College of Design ranks #980 of 1947 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
- 79.2% graduation rate sits 16.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 85.9% first-year retention is 9.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 29.8% return on investment is 20.1 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $74,009 run about 23% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $48,661 is roughly $28,582 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 85.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 82.5% employment rate within three years sits 14.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $48,661 is about $28,582 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 21.6% trails the national share by 12.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Pasadena, CA, Art Center College of Design operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B from EDsmart. It appears at #980 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (A-), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (B+), 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.
About 85.9% of first-year students return; 79.2% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 77.8%. The reported ROI is 29.8%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $48,661 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $75,649.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,988 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $31,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 21.6% 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
Median earnings come in near $74,009 four years after graduation. That sits about 23% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 82.5%.
Plan around an ROI of about 29.8% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
74.5% 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 Art Center College of Design 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Art Center College of Design's acceptance rate?
Art Center College of Design's acceptance rate is 74.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Art Center College of Design cost?
At Art Center College of Design, listed tuition and fees are $54,170 per year, and the average net price after aid is $48,661. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Art Center College of Design's ranking?
Art Center College of Design ranks #980 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Art Center College of Design's graduation rate?
At Art Center College of Design, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 79.2% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 77.8%, and first-year retention is 85.9%.
What are Art Center College of Design's job outcomes?
Graduates of Art Center College of Design report median earnings of $74,009 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Art Center College of Design's student population?
Art Center College of Design enrolls about 2,017 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Pasadena, CA 91103
- Website www.artcenter.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$137.4M