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California Institute of the Arts

Santa Clarita, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 30,756
  • Tuition Fee From$ 50,850
  • Country Rank#1014
  • Batch Strength1,523
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio-

Overview

About

The California Institute of the Arts is a private art college located in Valencia, California, United States. It was established in 1961 by Walt Disney as a centre for interdisciplinary arts education and is known for its programmes in the visual, performing, and media arts. There are 6 schools through which it offers courses: 

  • School of Art
  • School of Critical Studies
  • School of Film/Video
  • The Herb Alpert School of Music
  • School of Theater
  • The Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance

 

CalArts offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in a range of disciplines, including art, music, film and video, dance, theatre, and writing. The college's curriculum is based on a philosophy of collaboration and experimentation, encouraging students to explore and combine different art forms in innovative ways. In addition to its academic programmes, the institute hosts a range of public events throughout the year, including performances, exhibitions, and lectures. 

 

It is known for its faculty of accomplished artists, including filmmaker John Lasseter, composer David Rosenboom, and dancer/choreographer Merce Cunningham. The college also has a strong network of alumni, including filmmakers Tim Burton and Don Hertzfeldt, actor Ed Harris, and musician Danny Elfman.

Ranking

CalArts is ranked as the 28th-best in Regional Universities in the West by US News in the year 2022. The college was also placed #57 among Top Performers on Social Mobility by the same publication. Additionally, the college is consistently ranked among the top colleges in the country and is well-regarded for its strong academic programmes and commitment to undergraduate education. Given below are rankings by major ranking leagues: 

  • #197 - Times Higher Education US College Rankings 2022
  • #5970 - Publication of Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities 2022
  • #927 - In the Country - Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities 2022
  • #57 - Best Colleges In Nation - College Factual 2023
  • #824 - In the United States - EduRank 2023

 

Course-wise rankings: 

This college has been recognized for the quality of its programmes by a number of organisations and publications. Given below is information regarding the same:

  • #8 - Art & Design QS World University Rankings By Subject 2022
  • #828 - For Fashion Design - EduRank 2023
  • #2391 - For Art & Design - EduRank 2023
  • #844 - For Photography - EduRank 2023

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

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Facilities

The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple theatres, performance spaces, art studios, and a digital media lab. Some of the prominent labs here are: 

 

The Ceramics Lab - Here students will find an exterior, courtyard-area workshop that is available to instructors, and staff at the university. Kiln firings, glazes, and equipment are only available after completing the Lab Orientation. There are two electric kilns, a few throwing wheels, and a dry chemical library in the Ceramics Lab. 

 

MacLab - The MacLab makes it easier to create digital and print-based work, as well as motion graphics and web design. There are a  variety of applications allowing editorial design, drawing, painting, picture manipulation, page layout, type design, UI/UX, 3-D rendering, motion graphics, and web design. The lab adds to the studio space and promotes student usage and the curriculum.  

 

Photo Lab - The Photo Lab is meant to support the Photography and Media Programme's curriculum by providing resources and amenities for both traditional and digital processes.

 

Print Lab & Media Lab - At the Print Lab & Media Lab there is Screen printing (including T-Shirt presses), intaglio, lithography, letterpress, and bookbinding. Several exposure technologies are available in the darkroom for the production of plates and screens. Students who have attended a primary orientation (in the Fall semester) and paid a security deposit may use an equipment checkout system to check out materials. 

 

Super Shop - The Super Shop is a resource centre that provides three-dimensional artwork facilities and technical teaching. It's a sculpture-focused workspace with full woodworking, metal fabrication, sewing, sand-blasting and spraying capabilities. The Tool Cage has a lending library of basic hand and power tools that can be borrowed.

Notable Alumni

Tim Burton
Tim Burton
American filmmaker
John Lasseter
John Lasseter
American film director
Alison Brie
Alison Brie
American actress

Courses

Admission

California Institute of the Arts Entry Requirements

Students trying to apply here have to note that the university maintains the same admission procedure for all its freshmen as well as returning students. The university has a mandatory application fee payment of USD 65 for undergraduates and USD 85 for postgraduates. International students need to have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.34 on a minimum average scale of 4.0. Each applicant must provide the following: 


 

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

The undergraduate programmes application has a number of prerequisites which need to be fulfilled by students to have their application submitted successfully. Given below is a list of those: 

  • Official Academic Transcripts of High School
  • Letter (s) of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • Minimum English Test Scores - TOEFL or IELTS 

 

Graduate Admission Requirements

Students wishing to fulfil their postgraduate studies at this university have to make sure that they have decent scores from a known university along with work experience certifications. Mentioned below are the other necessary requirements they will need:

  • Official Academic Transcripts of College
  • Letter (s) of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of financial support
  • Passport
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • CAS statement
  • Minimum English Test Scores - TOEFL or IELTS 
  • Test scores or GRE/ GMAT if asked by the university
  • Resume or CV showing work experience 

 

California Institute of the Arts Fees

CalArts has some well known undergraduate and graduate level courses whose fees are given below: 

  • Master of Fine Arts [M.F.A] Art and Technology - $50,850 /Yr
  • Master of Fine Arts [M.F.A] Graphic Design - $50,850 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts [B.F.A] Character Animation - $50,850 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts [B.F.A] Acting - $50,850 /Yr
  • Master of Fine Arts [M.F.A] Film and Video - $50,850 /Yr


 

Placements

The Institute's Centre for Life and Work helps students and graduates develop as artists. The centre routinely hosts workshops, internship programmes, information sessions, and other events to assist students with networking and job search. Internships provided by the institute can count towards academic credit. The institute provides job search assistance, including guidance for creating a résumé, CV, cover letter, artist bio, and portfolio. Compass is the institute's proprietary job board, which is open to both current students and graduates.

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 California Institute of the Arts 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 California Institute of the Arts. 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 California Institute of the Arts. 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

Valencia is a suburban city located in Los Angeles County, California, United States and is home to the prestigious California Institute of the Arts. It is known for its family-friendly environment and high quality of life. The city is home to several parks and recreational areas, including the Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park and the Valencia Country Club golf course. The city is also known for its well-planned neighbourhoods, bike trails, and hiking trails. Students have close access to the city of Los Angeles through public transit. Valencia is also home to several notable companies and business centres, including the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, Princess Cruises, and the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. The city is part of the Santa Clarita Valley, which is one of the fastest-growing business centres in the Los Angeles area. When it comes to the cost of living, it depends on these expenses:  

 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$1,542

On-Campus Accommodation

$1,262

Transportation

$112 

Food Cost

$371

Utility Cost

$187

Entertainment

$92

Groceries

$59

Clothes

$150

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

$2,593

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

$2,413

Annual Cost of Living

$28,956

FAQs