ArtCenter College of Design

ArtCenter College of Design is a private nonprofit college in Pasadena focused on visual art, media, and industrial design. Its studio-centered teaching suits students who want to make work continuously and receive critique in a professional setting. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including pathways in film, illustration, graphic design, photography, entertainment design, transportation and product design, interaction design, and graduate programs in art, film, and design. Applicants apply directly to a major and should expect portfolio review to be central to the process.

Programs and choosing a major

ArtCenter’s undergraduate options include Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in film, fine art, graphic design, illustration, and photography and imaging, and Bachelor of Science programs in fields such as entertainment design, animation, interaction, product, spatial experience, and transportation design. Graduate study includes MFA programs in art, film, graphic design, and media design practices, along with master’s degrees in design and industrial or spatial design fields. The college also offers minors and an initial immersion option. Program names and degree availability can change, so use the current complete academic program directory to compare each curriculum, portfolio expectations, and career emphasis before applying.

Admissions and portfolio preparation

Undergraduate candidates apply to a specific program and submit a portfolio; the college’s admissions pages set out requirements, essays, deadlines, and transfer instructions. Graduate applicants follow requirements specific to the program. A useful preparation step is to compare your work with the portfolio guidance for that major rather than building one general portfolio for every application. ArtCenter’s undergraduate admissions guide provides the application steps; graduate applicants should begin with the graduate admissions section of the college site. Ask the department whether a portfolio review or visit is available before submitting.

Tuition, scholarships, and total cost

For Fall 2026 through Summer 2027, full-time undergraduate tuition is $28,681 per term and graduate tuition is $30,312 per term; each term also carries a $653 universal access fee. ArtCenter estimates a full-time undergraduate cost of attendance of $91,132 for fall and spring together, including tuition, fees, housing and food, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. Actual costs vary, and the health insurance plan may add to the bill. The college says it administers more than $22 million in scholarships annually and that 76 percent of students receive some form of financial aid. Entering U.S. students seeking ArtCenter scholarships should submit a FAFSA and completed application materials, including the portfolio, by the priority date—February 1 for fall and October 1 for spring. Awards depend on need, merit, and available funding; international students have a separate process. Review the current cost of attendance and financial aid information, then request a student-specific estimate before deciding how to finance the full program.

Two Pasadena campuses

ArtCenter operates two campuses, both in Pasadena. Hillside Campus, the main campus, is at 1700 Lida Street, Pasadena, CA 91103, above the Rose Bowl. South Campus includes 870 and 950 S. Raymond Avenue and 1111 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA 91105. The campus environment is part of the education: students use studio, lab, and critique spaces as they build projects. The college does not publish one general visitor schedule that applies to every office or building; call (626) 396-2200 or arrange a visit through the official campus page before traveling. The college’s currently listed main contact is (626) 396-2200. Check the campus visit information for directions and available tours.

Student perspectives and fit

Public student discussions often describe a demanding workload, long hours on assignments, and the expense of studying in Pasadena. Some students value the intensity, close peer critique, and access to specialized creative facilities; others say the pace can leave little time for outside work or a conventional campus social life. Experiences vary by major and cohort, so treat these comments as questions to investigate rather than a verdict. Ask current students in your intended department how many hours projects typically take, what materials and production expenses are additional, how faculty feedback works, and whether students commonly hold jobs while enrolled. Also compare the program’s published graduation and retention data with your own financial plan.