Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Private Nonprofit4-year

California College of the Arts

San Francisco, California Β· City: LargeOfficial Website β†—

#2042
Nationally
#246
In California
91%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$57,096
Annual Tuition
per year
63%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
1,063
Undergrad Enrollment
1,000–4,999
Overall Score & Rankings
50/100
Good
#2042 nationally
#246 in California
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes63
πŸ’°Affordability42
🎯Selectivity40
πŸ“šAcademic Environment50
πŸ”¬Program Breadth56

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

California College of the Arts is a private nonprofit four-year university located in San Francisco, California. With 1,063 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 91%, the institution is considered accessible. Annual tuition is $57,096, significantly above average for private colleges. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay an average net price of $29,280 after grants and scholarships β€” reflecting aid availability at the institution. The six-year graduation rate is 63%, which is good compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate91%↓ Below avg
National avg: 70%
2,685
Applied
2,444
Admitted
189
Enrolled
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual Tuition$57,096/yr
Room & Board$22,665/yr
Total Cost of Attendance$80,611/yr
Tuition vs National Avg$57,096↓ Below avg
National avg: $38,768
Net Price After Aid by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants & scholarships, by family income

$0 – $30,000$29,280
$30,001 – $48,000$35,316
$48,001 – $75,000$34,816
$75,001 – $110,000$37,923
Over $110,000$53,405
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate63%Near avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
1,063
Total Undergrads
66% F / 34% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 21%
Hispanic 16%
Black 3%
Asian 16%
Two or more 6%
International 34%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Open admissions policy (91% acceptance rate) β€” accessible to a wide range of students
  • βœ“Small campus environment (1,063 students) β€” more personal attention and close-knit community
Consider
  • Β·Tuition ($57,096/yr) is above average β€” factor in aid eligibility
  • Β·Net price for families earning under $30K is $29,280/yr β€” explore all aid options before applying
  • Β·Room and board costs ($22,665/yr) add significantly to the total cost of attendance
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for students seeking an accessible path to a college degree, and students who prefer smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPrivate Nonprofit
LocationSan Francisco, California
SettingCity: Large
Size1,000–4,999
Affordability Spotlight
$29,280
avg net price/yr for families earning under $30K

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships β€” not the sticker price. File the FAFSA every year to maximize your aid package.

State Ranking
#246
in California out of 7+ colleges
#2042
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.