Otis College of Art and Design
Otis College of Art and Design has an acceptance rate of 81.8%, annual tuition of $56,488, average net price of $51,248, and a national rank of #1661 (Grade C), with a 66.3% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 1,223 undergraduates, and median earnings of $50,900 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Otis College of Art and Design is a private nonprofit university in Los Angeles, CA. Students most often pursue Visual and Performing Arts and Design and Applied Arts.
Academically, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and 74.5% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 22.1%, roughly 27.8 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 Otis College of Art and Design Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Otis College of Art and Design graduates 66.3% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 67.4% and keeps 74.5% 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 Otis College of Art and 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 | $56,488 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,062 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $20,784 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,213 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $75,861 |
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 33.6% of Otis College of Art and Design students receive Pell Grants — slightly 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 $44,731 to $60,718 depending on family income. Use Otis College of Art and Design's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $52,495/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $60,718/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $50,900
- 10-Year Median Earnings $58,152
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $27,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 69.4%
- Employment Rate 84.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Otis College of Art and 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.
Otis College of Art and Design vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Otis College of Art and Design's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Otis College of Art and Design's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Otis College of Art and Design graduates earn $50,900 median, the 22.1% 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 665-720
- SAT Math 600-675
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,223
- Full-Time Students 98.2%
- Part-Time Students 1.8%
- Retention Rate 74.5%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 66.3%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 67.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Otis College of Art and Design
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Otis College of Art and 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 81.8%, Otis College of Art and 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 81.8% acceptance rate, Otis College of Art and Design is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1265 and 1395 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Otis College of Art and Design undergraduates. Design and Applied Arts, Visual and Performing Arts, General, and Fine and Studio Arts draw the most students.
- Design and Applied Arts 51.5%
- Visual and Performing Arts, General 28.4%
- Fine and Studio Arts 14.2%
- Environmental Design 5.9%
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. Visual and Performing Arts, General $72,325
- 2. Design and Applied Arts $63,969
- 3. Fine and Studio Arts $24,402
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Visual and Performing Arts, General grads earn $72,325—196% more than Fine and Studio Arts ($24,402). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Otis College of Art and 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, 87 graduates)
- Visual and Performing Arts, General (Bachelor's Degree, 48 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degree, 17 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degree, 11 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 (4 programs)▼
- Design and Applied Arts
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Environmental Design
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,223
- Full-Time Students 98.2%
- Part-Time Students 1.8%
- Male Students 29.1%
- Female Students 70.9%
- Caucasian 24.9%
- Asian 18.7%
- Hispanic 23.4%
- Black 6.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 33.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Otis College of Art and Design's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Otis College of Art and Design's undergraduate population. Women make up 70.9% of the student body, while men represent 29.1%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Otis College of Art and Design support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Otis College of Art and Design, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Otis College of Art and Design has a diverse student body, with 24.9% identifying as White. Women make up 70.9% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Otis College of Art and Design support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Otis College of Art and Design, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Otis College of Art and Design offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 22.1% ROI. Ranked #1661 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $51,248 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $50,900 median earnings. With 66.3% graduating within 150% of normal time and 74.5% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Otis College of Art and Design's Positioning
With a C grade and #1661 ranking, Otis College of Art and Design competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $51,248 annually, Otis College of Art and Design charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 74.5% 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 $35,874 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 22.1% ROI and $50,900 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $41,248+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Otis College of Art and Design ranks #1661 of 1947 institutions, with 1735 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
- 66.3% graduation rate sits 3.8 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 74.5% first-year retention is 2.3 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 22.1% return on investment is 27.8 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $50,900 run about 16% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $51,248 is roughly $31,169 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 74.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.5% employment rate within three years sits 16.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $51,248 is about $31,169 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 33.6% trails the national share by 0.8 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 Los Angeles, CA, Otis College of Art and Design operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a C from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #1661 nationally Completion earns B, Support B+, 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 74.5% of first-year students return; 66.3% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 67.4%. The reported ROI is 22.1%, 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 $51,248 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $75,861.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $24,613 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $27,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 33.6% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $50,900 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 16% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 84.5%.
The ROI comes in near 22.1%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
81.8% 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 Otis College of Art and 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 Otis College of Art and Design's acceptance rate?
Otis College of Art and Design's acceptance rate is 81.8%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Otis College of Art and Design cost?
At Otis College of Art and Design, listed tuition and fees are $56,488 per year, and the average net price after aid is $51,248. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Otis College of Art and Design's ranking?
Otis College of Art and Design ranks #1661 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Otis College of Art and Design's graduation rate?
At Otis College of Art and Design, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 66.3% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 67.4%, and first-year retention is 74.5%.
What are Otis College of Art and Design's job outcomes?
Graduates of Otis College of Art and Design report median earnings of $50,900 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Otis College of Art and Design's student population?
Otis College of Art and Design enrolls about 1,223 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Los Angeles, CA 90045-3505
- Website www.otis.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$22.8M