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Colleges / CA / Valencia
California Institute of the Arts logo

California Institute of the Arts

Private nonprofit Valencia, CA · Suburban · Far West · 93% data reported · Agent Insights
65%
Graduation Rate
$41,198
Earnings (10yr)
$46,080
Net Price
32%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

California Institute of the Arts has an acceptance rate of just 32%, attracting a selective group of 860 students who are passionate about the arts. This small, vibrant community is dedicated to visual and performing arts, making it a unique environment for creativity and collaboration.

Graduates from CalArts earn a median income of $41,198 ten years after enrollment. While there’s no specific mobility rate available, the school’s focus on arts education often leads to diverse career paths. Students can expect a challenging yet rewarding experience that fosters individual growth and artistic expression.

The net price to attend is $46,080, with a median debt of $25,000. Financial aid is available, with 24% of students receiving Pell Grants. Students who thrive here are typically those with a strong commitment to their craft and a desire to push the boundaries of artistic expression.

How California Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation65%Earnings 10yr$41KNet Price$46KRetention82%Median Debt$25KPell Grant Rate24%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$27K$0-30K$41K$30-48K$52K$48-75K$59K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%802.8%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1175.7%MOBILITY94.38%

Cost & Financial Aid

$58,996
In-State Tuition
$58,996
Out-of-State
$46,080
Avg Net Price
$25,000
Median Debt
24%
Pell Grant Rate
36%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$26,686
Family Income $0–$30K
$40,899
Family Income $30K–$48K
$51,847
Family Income $48K–$75K
$58,873
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$28,018
6 Years After Entry
$36,250
8 Years
$41,198
10 Years
0.61x
Debt-to-Earnings
53%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$28,018 6yr $36,250 8yr $41,198 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

94.38%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1175.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
802.8%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$108,700
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.82
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.03
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
10.2%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 32%
Retention Rate 82%
Full-Time Faculty 45%
Faculty Salary (mo) $10,095
Diversity Index 0.78
First-Gen Students 16%

Top Programs

Visual & Performing Arts 70%
Computer Science & IT 5%

Quick Facts

Setting Suburban
Region Far West
Accreditor Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Predominant Degree Bachelor's

Student Body

Female
53%
White
32%
Hispanic
17%
Black
5%
Asian
9%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

Our methodology →