California College of Music, established in 1998 in Pasadena, is a private institution specializing in contemporary music education. CCM offers associate and bachelor's degrees in performance, production, and songwriting through its industry-focused curriculum. The college's professional recording studios, performance spaces, and practice rooms provide hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment. CCM maintains a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio with instruction from working music professionals.
CCM's location near Los Angeles provides access to the global music industry and internship opportunities. The college's performance ensembles regularly play at major venues throughout Southern California. CCM's career development program connects students with industry mentors and job placement assistance. The intimate learning environment fosters creative collaboration while preparing graduates for sustainable music careers.
California College of Music Acceptance Rate
California College of Music is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of California College of Music is 47.37%. This means that 47 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
California College of Music Admission Requirements
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.
California College of Music 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.
California College of Music Profile
Name: California College of Music
City: Pasadena
URL: https://ccmla.edu/
State: California
Type: Private for Profit
Zip: 91106-2403
Campus: Main
Accredited by: National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
Can I Get Into California College of Music Without SAT Or ACT?: California College of Music 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 California College of Music Worth It?
Getting into California College of Music 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. California College of Music 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 California College of Music is USD: and unemployment rate is %.
How much does a degree from California College of Music Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at California College of Music is USD: 25816. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at California College of Music is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
7.14% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 14.29 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to California College of Music and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At California College of Music, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist California College of Music as your choice in the form.
Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About California College of Music Admissions
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $25816 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of California College of Music is 47.37 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 College of Music.
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.