Otis College of Art and Design (Otis Parsons) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 83.29%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Otis College of Art and Design Admission Requirements
Otis Parsons GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Otis Parsons is 3.31. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 3.01 and 3.31, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Otis Parsons GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Otis Parsons utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.31, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.31 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.11 – 3.30 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.91 – 3.10 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.90 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Otis Parsons, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Otis College of Art and Design (Otis Parsons) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
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.
Otis College of Art and Design Average SAT Score: 1245
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Otis College of Art and Design is 1245 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Otis College of Art and Design SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1245 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (0 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Otis College of Art and Design allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 0, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Otis Parsons. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Otis College of Art and Design SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Reading | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SAT Composite | 1245 | 0 | 0 |
It means that if you have scored less than 0 then you are below most of the admitted students at Otis Parsons and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 0 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1250
Can I get into Otis College of Art and Design (Otis Parsons) with a 0 SAT?
With a 0 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Otis College of Art and Design (Otis Parsons) are good but the admission staff at Otis Parsons tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Otis Parsons Profile
Name: Otis College of Art and Design (Otis Parsons)
City: Los Angeles
URL: www.otis.edu/
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 90045-3505
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from Otis Parsons Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Otis College of Art and Design is USD: 68808. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Otis College of Art and Design is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
32.08% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 41.44 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Otis Parsons and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Otis College of Art and Design, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Otis Parsons as your choice in the form.
How much a Otis Parsons Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the Otis Parsons graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 58152. An average Otis Parsons 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
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Otis College of Art and Design. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Otis College of Art and Design, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1218 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1227 | 26 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1229 | 25 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1218 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | University of Redlands, CA | 1215 | 28 |
| Whittier College | Whittier College, CA | 1231 | 27 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CO | 1199 | 26 |
| University of Hartford | University of Hartford, CT | 1201 | 26 |
| Quinnipiac University | Quinnipiac University, CT | 1216 | 27 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Otis College of Art and Design. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Otis College of Art and Design, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1246 | 27 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1250 | 27 |
| Eckerd College | Eckerd College, FL | 1238 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL | 1237 | 26 |
| University of South Florida | University of South Florida, FL | 1235 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Otis College of Art and Design. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1291 | 27 |
| The University of Alabama | The University of Alabama, AL | 1304 | 27 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1292 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1278 | 28 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1316 | 29 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Design and Applied Arts
- Environmental Design
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
Masters Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Otis College of Art and Design Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $58152 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for Otis College of Art and Design?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $68808 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 Otis College of Art and Design?
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 Otis College of Art and Design?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Otis College of Art and Design is 83.29 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students at Otis College of Art and Design?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.31. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission to Otis College of Art and Design?
Answer: The minimum GPA required for admission is typically around 3.01, though this can vary depending on other factors such as test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
Question: What are my chances at Otis College of Art and Design with a 3.01 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.01 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays.
Question: Can I apply to Otis College of Art and Design if my GPA is below 2.91
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.31, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for Otis College of Art and Design?
Answer: Admission to Otis College of Art and Design is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1245 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 0-0
Question: Is it possible to transfer to Otis College of Art and Design from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to Otis College of Art and Design 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 Otis College of Art and Design?
Answer: The campus culture at Otis College of Art and Design 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 Otis College of Art and Design?
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 Otis College of Art and Design.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.