Private not-for-profit

Small

California Institute of the Arts SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate32.3%

Even at a test-optional arts school, CalArts’ 32.3% acceptance rate means your academic signals still matter. If your SAT or ACT is a clear strength in your application, submitting it can give admissions another reason to trust your readiness while your portfolio shows your creative fit.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

California Institute of the Arts facts and stats

Quick Facts

California Institute of the Arts is a small suburban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of about 870 students. CalArts has an 82% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 67% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 7:1.

Location

Valencia, CA

Undergrad Enrollment870

Freshman Retention82%

SettingSuburban

Student to Faculty Ratio7:1

Graduation Rate67%

Test PolicyTest-optional

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Key California Institute of the Arts application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 5

Early Action

—

Early Decision

—

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 15

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Because CalArts is test-optional, use this timeline only if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores. Plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year, then reserve the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes that could improve your score or superscore. For the January 5 Regular Decision deadline, the December SAT or ACT is typically the last retake whose scores are likely to arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

CalArts is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $58,996, and 52% of students receive aid. Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.

Tuition and Fees$58,996

Room and Board$18,889

Average Merit Award$6,250

Application Fee$65

Students on Aid52%

Average Aid Package$35,000

Average Debt at Grad$31,293

CalArts’ listed cost of attendance is about $77,885, including $58,996 in tuition and fees and $18,889 for room and board. About 52% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $35,000. The average merit award is $6,250, which can help reduce costs for some students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $31,293.