California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), founded in 1961 through the merger of professional art schools, is a world-renowned college for visual and performing arts. Located in Valencia, CalArts offers programs in art, dance, film, music, theater, and creative writing through its six schools. The institute's experimental approach encourages boundary-pushing work across disciplines. CalArts' faculty includes leading artists like Academy Award-winning animators and Grammy-winning musicians.
The institute's 'critique' pedagogy fosters rigorous artistic development. CalArts' REDCAT theater in downtown Los Angeles provides a professional venue for student work. Alumni include Pixar filmmakers, avant-garde composers, and contemporary artists who shape global culture. CalArts' blend of technical training and conceptual exploration continues its legacy as an incubator for artistic innovation.
California Institute of the Arts Acceptance Rate
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 is 25.95%. This means that only 26 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2-3 key extracurricular activities.
While academics are a primary focus, CalArts considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
California Institute of the Arts Admission Requirements
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California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
CalArts Profile
Name: California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
City: Valencia
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)
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 2 to 3 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.
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: 78425. 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?
22.13% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 34.04 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 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
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Dance
- Design and Applied Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Graphic Communications
- Music
- Visual and Performing Arts
Frequently Asked Questions About California Institute of the Arts Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $41198 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $78425 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 ?
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?
Answer: The acceptance rate of California Institute of the Arts is 25.95 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 from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
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.
Last Updated: Saturday February 07, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.