CalArts Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements (2025)

California Institute of the Arts is one of the renowned universities in the USA. It is very competitive to get admission to. The acceptance rate of California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is 24.76%. This means that only 25 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.

How Competitive are California Institute of the Arts Admissions?

Highly Competitive: Applicants need strong academics and extracurriculars.
GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

California Institute of the Arts Admission Competitiveness

With one of the lowest acceptance rates in the US, you need to be excellent in every area to get selected. However, since the acceptance rate is not below 10%, you still have a chance if your GPA is not perfect. You can make up for a GPA deficiency by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses. Meeting California Institute of the Arts\'s GPA and standardized test (SAT/ACT) requirements is crucial, as failing to do so may prevent your application from moving forward. These requirements act as automatic filters, so meeting them is vital; failing to do so makes your chance of getting in nearly zero.

Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.

California Institute of the Arts Admission Requirements

Can I Get Into CalArts Without SAT Or ACT?: California Institute of the Arts does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) SAT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.

CalArts Profile

Name: California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

City: Valencia

URL: https://www.calarts.edu/

State: California

Type: Non-Profit Private

Zip: 91355-2397

Campus: Main

Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into California Institute of the Arts

Boost Your Test Scores: Retake the SAT/ACT if needed. Use resources to improve your score.

Focus on Academics: Maintain a high GPA and take challenging courses.

Extracurricular Activities: California Institute of the Arts values well-rounded students who make meaningful contributions to their communities. Here’s how to showcase your strengths:

Highlight long-term commitments, and unique accomplishments.
Leaderships: Demonstrate clear leadership experience. This is not only true for California Institute of the Arts but also other schools. If you cannot demonstrate strong leadership qualities, your chances of acceptance will be low. Work on your weak areas, and improve your communication and interpersonal skills. Also, include your work experiences where you were given leadership responsibilities, and write down your achievements and how you were able to contribute as a team leader and team member.
Community Service: Show how you have influenced change in the community and have a strong desire to do so in the future. Also, if you are planning to apply for California Institute of the Arts, participate in relevant activities. Work for social welfare and look for opportunities where you can make an impact. Start with your school or student council. Those having positions like president, secretary generals etc… in students councils have better chances. Network with notable people and develop your social media profile accordingly.
Passion Projects: Whether it’s starting a club, publishing research, or excelling in the arts, show what sets you apart. Example: If you’ve founded a nonprofit or won a national competition, make sure it’s prominently featured in your application.
Align your goals with California Institute of the Arts’s mission. Carefully read the objectives and mission of California Institute of the Arts on their official website and plan accordingly for each specific point. See how well your profile matches their objectives and goals, and work on the areas where you are lacking.
Secure Strong Recommendations: Get letters from professors or employers who know your abilities well. Share your achievements and goals with them for a stronger, more personalized recommendation. If personal statement and recommendations align, your chances of success will be higher.
Build a Strong Network: Engage with California Institute of the Arts Alumni and current students. Ask them how they planned their scholarship journey, what challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. Learn about the key factors behind their success and how they secured their selection.
Craft Strong Essays: Tell your story authentically and highlight what makes you unique. College Essay is a very important document. Unlike your transcripts, which just show your numbers or grades, the essay reflects your true personality as a human being. Take considerable time to refine and craft your statement of purpose. Here are the detailed guidelines for writing a winning College Essay form our experts.

Does a degree from CalArts Worth It?

Getting into CalArts can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. CalArts offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at CalArts is USD: 74875.2 and unemployment rate is 3.86%.

How much does a degree from CalArts Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at California Institute of the Arts is USD: 75865. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at California Institute of the Arts is much less than this.

How can I get a scholarship?

21.45% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 35.23 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CalArts and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At California Institute of the Arts, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CalArts as your choice in the form.

How much a CalArts Graduate make?

The average annual salary of the CalArts graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 41198. An average CalArts graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595

Degree Programs

Bachelor Degree Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About California Institute of the Arts Admissions

Question: What is the average salary of a graduate from California Institute of the Arts?

Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $41198 annually, especially in non-technical fields.

Question: What is the tuition fee for California Institute of the Arts?

Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $75865 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.

Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at California Institute of the Arts?

Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.

Question: What is the acceptance rate for California Institute of the Arts?

Answer: The acceptance rate of California Institute of the Arts is 24.76 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

Question: Is it possible to transfer to California Institute of the Arts from another university?

Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to California Institute of the Arts each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.

Question: What is the campus culture like at California Institute of the Arts?

Answer: The campus culture at California Institute of the Arts is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.

Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into California Institute of the Arts?

Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.

Full list of All degree programs offered by California Institute of the Arts.

Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.