Private nonprofit Institution

California College of the Arts — San Francisco, California

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Annual Tuition $57,946

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 73.4%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 1,004

Active Students

Avg. Salary $49,414

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location San Francisco, California

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"California College of the Arts stands as a pillar of higher education in San Francisco, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,004 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does California College of the Arts offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at California College of the Arts. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Visual & Performing Arts

55.2%

Enrollment Share

Communications Tech

16.5%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science

10.4%

Enrollment Share

Multi/Interdisciplinary

10.4%

Enrollment Share

Architecture

5.4%

Enrollment Share

Precision Production

1.4%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at California College of the Arts provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Communications Tech College

The Communications Tech program at California College of the Arts provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Multi/Interdisciplinary College

The Multi/Interdisciplinary program at California College of the Arts provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Architecture College

The Architecture program at California College of the Arts provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Precision Production College

The Precision Production program at California College of the Arts provides a comprehensive education...

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What is the acceptance rate at California College of the Arts?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 73.4%

Difficulty Low

California College of the Arts maintains an acceptance rate of 73.4%, reflecting its status as a moderately open institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 33%

Women Enrollment 67%

Open Pathway Confirmed

California College of the Arts follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to California College of the Arts's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does California College of the Arts cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $57,946

Out-of-State Tuition $57,946

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 24.7%

Median Student Debt $27,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $57,946, graduates see a median starting salary of $49,414, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can California College of the Arts graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $49,414

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 58.7%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $42,168

Median Salary (6yr) $38,308

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at California College of the Arts in San Francisco?

1,004 Students

Gender Comparison

33% Men

67% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

57.4%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.3%

Asian

15.8%

Black

3.5%

White

20.1%

Unknown

3.6%

Hispanic

16.4%

Two or More Races

6.2%

International

34.1%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 21

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First-Generation 24.4%

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Receive Pell Grant 65.9%

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Retention (Part-time) 100%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$73,343
Average Family Income	$65,802
Median Family Income	$38,844

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

44.3%

55.7%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the San Francisco Campus Environment

Located at 145 Hooper Street, California College of the Arts offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

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How does California College of the Arts compare?

Direct Comparison California College of the Arts vs Academy of Art University →

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Direct Comparison California College of the Arts vs California College →

Direct Comparison California College of the Arts vs California-San Francisco →

Common Questions about California College of the Arts

Is California College of the Arts a good college in San Francisco, California?

California College of the Arts is a recognized institution in San Francisco with an enrollment of 1,004 students. It is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in California based on Department of Education data.

Is California College of the Arts worth attending in 2026?

Yes, California College of the Arts offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $49,414. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does California College of the Arts cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at California College of the Arts is approximately $57,946. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $57,946. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of California College of the Arts after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending California College of the Arts for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 65.9% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is California College of the Arts good for Visual & Performing Arts and Communications Tech programs?

California College of the Arts is highly regarded for its Visual & Performing Arts and Communications Tech programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending California College of the Arts?

Graduates of California College of the Arts often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Visual & Performing Arts. With a median salary of $49,414, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for California College of the Arts?

California College of the Arts operates with a Moderately Open policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does California College of the Arts require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, California College of the Arts follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can California College of the Arts graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of California College of the Arts earn a median salary of $49,414 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is California College of the Arts a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

California College of the Arts stands out as a high-value investment in California. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is California College of the Arts located and what is the campus like?

California College of the Arts is located at 145 Hooper Street in San Francisco, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,004 learners.

Who typically attends California College of the Arts in San Francisco, CA?

The student body at California College of the Arts is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 24.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare California College of the Arts with other leading institutions in California across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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