PrivateUrbanArt Center College of Design
Pasadena, California 91103
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Strong graduate outcomes
Art Center College of Design is a private urban institution in Pasadena, California. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A mid-sized campus of 2.1K undergraduates with a 8:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
83% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $71,958 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $50,209.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History ArtCenter College of Design was founded in 1930 in downtown Los Angeles as the ArtCenter School.
- •Archer founded the photography department, and Ansel Adams was a guest instructor in the late 1930s.
- •The school began granting Bachelor's and Master's degrees in arts in 1949, and was fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 1955.
- •In 1965, the school changed its name to Art Center College of Design.
- •The school expanded its programs, including a film program in 1973.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
64.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$26,000
Programs (15)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
82%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
16
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average + city premium