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ArtCenter College of Design

Pasadena, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 18,828
  • Tuition Fee From$ 42,816
  • Country Rank-
  • Batch Strength1,737
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio-

Overview

About

ArtCenter College of Design is a world-renowned art and design institution located in Pasadena, California. Founded in 1930 by Edward A. "Tink" Adams, ArtCenter has since become a hub for creative education and a leading institution in the field of design.

 

ArtCenter offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of design disciplines, including advertising, entertainment design, graphic design, illustration, interactive design, product design, transportation design, and more. The school is dedicated to providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for successful careers in their chosen fields. The acceptance rate of the institution is 70%.

 

One of ArtCenter's key strengths is its faculty, which is composed of practising professionals who bring real-world experience and insights into the classroom. Many of ArtCenter's faculty members are award-winning designers and artists who have worked with some of the biggest names in their respective industries.

 

ArtCenter's curriculum is rigorous and demanding, with an emphasis on developing both technical and conceptual skills. Students are encouraged to explore their own creative vision while also learning the fundamentals of design theory and practice. The school also places a strong emphasis on collaboration, with many classes and projects designed to promote teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.

 

In addition to its academic programs, ArtCenter offers a range of resources and services to support its students. The school has state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped studios, computer labs, and fabrication labs. ArtCenter also offers career services, including job search resources, networking opportunities, and portfolio development assistance.

 

ArtCenter's alumni include some of the most accomplished and influential designers and artists in the world. Notable graduates include automotive designer J Mays, illustrator Chuck Jones, graphic designer April Greiman, and film director Zack Snyder.

Ranking

ArtCenter College of Design is widely recognized as one of the top art and design institutions in the world, and it has earned high rankings from various organizations and publications. Here are a few examples of ArtCenter's rankings:

 

QS World University Rankings: The college was ranked #3 in the world in the 2021 QS World University Rankings for Art and Design. This ranking is based on factors such as academic reputation, employer reputation, and research impact.

 

U.S. News & World Report - ArtCenter was ranked #2 in the Regional Universities West category in the 2022 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges rankings. This ranking takes into account factors such as academic quality, student outcomes, and student experience.

 

Design Intelligence - ArtCenter was ranked #2 in the United States in the 2020 Design Intelligence rankings for undergraduate industrial design programs. This ranking is based on surveys of design professionals and educators.

 

Bloomberg Businessweek - In 2019, the college was ranked #3 in Bloomberg Businessweek's list of the top undergraduate design schools in the United States. This ranking is based on factors such as recruiter feedback, alumni success, and student surveys.

 

Animation Career Review - ArtCenter College of Design was ranked #1 in Animation Career Review's 2020 rankings of the best animation schools in California. This ranking is based on factors such as academic reputation, admission selectivity, and career outcomes.

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

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Facilities

ArtCenter College of Design is a private college located in Pasadena, California, United States. The college offers a variety of facilities to its students, including

 

Academic Buildings: The college has several academic buildings, including the Hillside Campus and the South Campus. These buildings house classrooms, studios, labs, and other facilities that support students' academic work.

 

Library: The library is a state-of-the-art facility that offers resources and services to support student's academic work. The library has a large collection of books, journals, and databases, as well as study spaces and computer labs.

 

Design Studios: There are a variety of design studios, including those for product design, transportation design, graphic design, and environmental design. These studios are equipped with the latest technology and tools, providing students with hands-on experience in their respective fields.

 

Gallery Spaces: The college has several gallery spaces that showcase student work, as well as exhibitions by visiting artists and designers.

 

Fabrication Shops: The college has a variety of fabrication shops, including those for metalworking, woodworking, plastics, and textiles. These shops provide students with the tools and equipment needed to build prototypes and models.

 

Housing: ArtCenter College of Design offers on-campus housing for students, including apartments and dormitories. These housing options provide students with a safe and convenient place to live while attending college.

Notable Alumni

Michael Bay
Michael Bay
American Film Director
Yves Béhar
Yves Béhar
Swiss designer
Ralph McQuarrie
Ralph McQuarrie
American Designer

Courses

Admission

ArtCenter College of Design Entry Requirements

The application process at ArtCenter College of Design is moderately competitive, with requirements varying based on which programs the student chooses. Students can fill out the application form from the institution’s official website. Below are the basic requirements for admission at the university

  • A completed application.
  • Transcripts of high school and secondary education along with the transcripts of any other college or university attended
  • GPA score - 3.15
  • Applicants with a native language other than English are required to provide evidence of English proficiency.
  • Letters of recommendation to study in the US
  • A portfolio
  • A professional resume
  • Statement of purpose for the US,
  • Proof of finances

 

Accepted English proficiency test scores

  • TOEFL IBT - 100
  • IELTS - 7.0
  • Duo lingo English test - 120

 

ArtCenter College of Design Fees

The institution offers several programs at different levels. Listed below are the ArtCenter College of Design fees based on various courses

  • Bachelor Fine Arts - $42,816 /Year
  • Bachelor Interaction Design - $42,816 /Year
  • Master of Science [M.S] Industrial Design - $43,620 /Year
  • Bachelor Product Design - $42,816 /Year
  • Bachelor Illustration - Entertainment Arts - $42,816 /Year

 

Placements

ArtCenter College of Design has a dedicated Career and Professional Development (CPD) office that provides resources and support to help students and alumni prepare for careers in the design industry. Here are some of the resources and programs available to students and alumni at ArtCenter College of Design:

 

Career Counseling: The CPD office provides individualised counselling to students and alumni, helping them to explore career options, develop job search strategies, and prepare for interviews.

 

Internships: ArtCenter College of Design encourages students to participate in internships, which provide valuable work experience and help students make professional connections. The college has partnerships with many local and national businesses and organizations, and the CPD office can help students find internships that match their interests and career goals.

 

Job Fairs: ArtCenter College of Design hosts several job fairs throughout the year, giving students and alumni the opportunity to meet with employers and explore job opportunities.

 

On-Campus Recruiting: Many employers visit ArtCenter College of Design to recruit students for full-time jobs and internships. The CPD office can help students connect with these employers and prepare for interviews.

 

Professional Development Workshops: The CPD office hosts a variety of workshops and events throughout the year, including resume-writing workshops, portfolio reviews, and networking events.

Scholarship

Regardless of the program you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by the university as well as other organizations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can greatly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the ArtCenter College of Design through UniScholarz. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:


  • Merit-based scholarships

  • Need-based scholarships

  • Country-specific scholarships

  • College-specific scholarships

  • Student-specific scholarships

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the ArtCenter College of Design. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the ArtCenter College of Design. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.


UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Pasadena is a vibrant city in Southern California that is home to several educational institutions. Living in the city can be expensive in some cases. The cost of living in Pasadena is 67% higher than the national average. Expenses can vary based on what neighbourhood you live in as some areas are costlier than others. Students can choose shared accommodation or housing with utilities included in the rent to save money. Below is a list of the expenses that prospective students should keep in mind

 

Items

Cost

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$675

On-Campus Accommodation

$600

Transportation

$100

Food Cost

$600

Utility Cost

$187

Entertainment

$66

Groceries

$60

Clothes

$126

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

$1,894

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

$1,819

Annual Cost of Living

$21,828