California Institute of the Arts
CalArts
Valencia, California 91355-2397
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Close-knit campus
California Institute of the Arts is a private suburban institution in Valencia, California. Admission is competitive.
A small campus of 881 undergraduates with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
64% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $41,198 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $47,183.
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History CalArts CalArts was originally formed in 1961, as a merger of the Chouinard Art Institute (founded 1921) and the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music (founded 1883).
- •To keep the educational mission of the schools alive, the merger and expansion of the two institutions was coordinated; a process which continued after Walt's death in 1966.
- •In 1965, the Alumni Association was founded as a separate organization.
- •The ground-breaking for CalArts' current campus took place on May 3, 1969, as part of the Master Plan for a new planned community in the Santa Clarita Valley of Los Angeles.
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
66.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.7%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$16,994
Programs (26)
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
86%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
5
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
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 + suburban adjustment