Laguna College of Art + Design

Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) is a small, nonprofit art college where studio practice is the center of the degree rather than one option among dozens of unrelated majors. In Laguna Beach, students train for careers in animation, illustration, game art, graphic design, drawing and painting, and other visual fields while building a portfolio through intensive studio work. The college’s focused setting can suit a student who already wants an art-and-design education; applicants should also weigh the concentrated curriculum, the cost of a private art college, and the practical experience of studying across several sites along Laguna Canyon Road.

Degrees, studios, and portfolio development

LCAD offers eight undergraduate BFA majors, including Animation, Drawing and Painting, Fine Arts, Game Art, Graphic Design and Digital Media, and Illustration, with specialized directions such as entertainment design and action-sports design. Graduate study includes MFA programs in Drawing and Painting. The college emphasizes direct studio work: the main campus houses painting, drawing, illustration, and sculpture studios, while campus facilities include fabrication, photography, sound, and computer labs. Students should compare each major’s portfolio expectations, required materials and software, critique format, internship support, and recent student work. Equipment-intensive programs can involve expenses beyond tuition, so ask for a complete materials list and realistic annual supply budget.

LCAD’s institutional accreditation is through WSCUC, and its current program listings include National Association of Schools of Art and Design accreditation for several art degrees and certificates. Check the college’s current academic program pages to confirm which majors and graduate options are accepting students for the term you want; the detailed pages explain the portfolio and application requirements.

2026–27 tuition, scholarships, and the real budget

LCAD lists 2026–27 full-time BFA tuition at $40,560 for the year, or $20,280 per semester; part-time enrollment is calculated at $1,690 per unit. Tuition is only one part of the budget. For a full-time student, the college’s published estimated total cost of attendance is $69,188 living on campus, $75,140 off campus, or $61,802 living with parents. These totals include estimated housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and other expenses. New students should also consider the separate laptop estimate, art materials, and Laguna Beach housing and travel costs; actual spending will depend on the program and living arrangement.

LCAD says most students receive an institutional merit scholarship, considered at admission based partly on the applicant’s portfolio and academic history. It also lists need-based access awards and donor-funded scholarships for particular circumstances, programs, or student groups; awards are not automatic for everyone and need-based aid requires FAFSA and annual reapplication. Federal and California grants, loans, work opportunities, and outside scholarships may also be relevant to eligible students. Ask admissions for a written award and net-price estimate, and confirm how scholarship renewal depends on enrollment and academic progress. The college’s financial aid and scholarship information describes the application process and available funds.

Campus sites and how to visit

LCAD’s main campus is at 2222 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651; main phone: (949) 376-6000. The 2025–26 campus facilities guide also lists Big Bend at 2825 Laguna Canyon Road, the Administration Building at 2265 Laguna Canyon Road, the Suzanne Chonette East Campus Studios at 2295 Laguna Canyon Road, the MFA Building at 263 Laguna Canyon Road, and student housing at 815 and 821 Laguna Canyon Road. These are college facilities in the Laguna Canyon area rather than separate city branches. LCAD has announced a future project to consolidate academic classes at the Big Bend site, with construction anticipated through 2028, so students should confirm which building hosts their major and classes for their start year.

The main business listing shows hours Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and closure Sunday. Prospective BFA students can schedule campus tours at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Monday through Friday by appointment; the tour schedule is separate from building hours. Use the college’s main campus page to request a tour or free portfolio review, or go to the BFA application page to begin applying.

What student comments suggest

Student comments often value the chance to spend most of the week making art, the access to focused studios, and the peer community formed around creative work. Some reviewers describe the small size and spread-out campus as limiting the social scene or making everyday logistics less convenient. Comments also vary sharply by major: the experience of a game-art student may differ from that of a painting or illustration student. Visit the specific studios, talk to current students in your intended major, and ask how the college supports internships, portfolio reviews, career placement, and access to equipment outside class before deciding whether the focused art-school experience is right for you.