California Institute of the Arts

The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is a private nonprofit arts university in Valencia, within the city of Santa Clarita. Its six schools cover Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, and Theater, bringing visual and performing arts together on a single residential campus. CalArts is designed for students who want studio practice, critique, experimentation, and sustained work in a chosen art form; it is a different kind of choice from a general university where arts study is one department among many.

Programs and admission preparation

CalArts awards BFA, MFA, MA, DMA, and certificate credentials across the six schools. Areas include fine art and photography, animation and film/video, acting and theater production, dance and choreography, music performance and composition, creative writing, and critical studies. Its BFA in Creative Computing launched for Fall 2026, connecting computation with digital art and creative practice. Program names, degree levels, and available start terms vary, and not all programs admit students every semester. Most applicants should plan for program-specific creative materials: portfolios, auditions, interviews, or writing samples, depending on the major. For Fall 2027, the preferred application deadline is December 1, 2026, and the regular deadline is January 5, 2027; the preferred date lowers the application fee and is not an early-decision commitment. The degree directory and application deadlines and materials help applicants build a program-specific plan.

Tuition, scholarships, and aid

For 2026–27, full-time BFA, MFA, advanced-certificate, and DMA tuition is $62,954 for the academic year, before fees, housing, food, materials, and personal costs. The MA in Aesthetics and Politics is listed at $50,407 for its first year and $25,207 for its low-residency second year. CalArts says tuition typically rises 4%–5% annually, so students should budget for the full program rather than only the first year.

Undergraduate merit scholarships start at $10,000 per year and, when awarded at entry, are retained annually for the degree under CalArts’ conditions. Need-based equity grants, Pell Grants, and California Cal Grants may also be available to eligible undergraduates; the maximum Pell award listed for 2026–27 is $7,395. Graduate students are considered for merit scholarships based on their admission portfolio or audition, and some programs may add teaching assistantships or work stipends. Graduate students do not receive Pell or Cal Grant awards through CalArts, but FAFSA can be used to seek federal work-study or an unsubsidized loan if eligible. Confirm your award and program-specific costs directly with the Financial Aid Office; the 2026–27 tuition schedule and financial aid information explain the available routes.

Accreditation and student experience

CalArts is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which lists its active main campus in Valencia. The school is recognized for cross-disciplinary arts training, but professional pathways and portfolio expectations differ widely among its programs. Ask the department how critique, production facilities, internships, alumni networks, and career advising operate in the specific field you plan to enter.

Student comments show why it is useful to speak with people in the exact program. Some describe an unusually creative peer community, close mentorship, experimentation, and opportunities to collaborate across art forms. Others report that value for tuition, facilities, or faculty and administrative support can feel uneven between departments; several reviewers also express concern about access to mental-health support. Those are individual accounts, not a uniform description of every student’s experience. Ask about current wellness services and program resources, and compare the net price after aid with the career outcomes you want. The student review page offers a range of firsthand perspectives.

Valencia campus and contact

CalArts’ 60-acre residential campus is at 24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355-2340. The main telephone number is (661) 255-1050; prospective students can reach admissions at (800) 545-2787. CalArts lists weekday office hours of 9 a.m.–5 p.m. during the academic year, with summer schedules varying. Arrange a visit or portfolio-related question with admissions before traveling. The institute’s official channels include Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X.