The California College of the Arts (CCA)

California College of the Arts (CCA) Review

The California College of the Arts has two campuses in California.  One campus is in Oakland and the other is in San Francisco.  CCA, or California College of the Arts was founded in 1907 and is one of the leading art and design institutes, not only in the United States, but worldwide.

California College of Arts Programs

The California College of Arts has a wide array of programs and degrees in all things art and design.  There are over 20 undergraduate programs including, but not limited to:

  • Animation
  • Architecture
  • Ceramics
  • Fashion Design
  • Film
  • Furniture
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Industrial Design
  • Interior Design
  • Painting
  • Metal Arts
  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Photography
  • Sculpture
  • Writing and Literature

… And many more!

CCA also has an extensive graduate program in Architecture, Curatorial Practice, Design, Fine Arts, Design Strategy, Visual and Critical Studies and Writing.  CCA is a robust institution and offers extra classes and special programs including study abroad courses, the Young Artist Studio Program, and more.  See their website for more details on the programs and classes that California College of the Arts offers.

CCA Cost

The tuition cost of attending the California College of the Arts is approximately $36,960 per year for undergraduate students.  For graduate students, the cost is between $23,000 and $39,000, depending on the program you are in.  Additional fees for housing are applicable, depending on your current living situation.  Books and supplies are another $1500 per year for undergraduates and $2200 for graduate students.  All students are also charged $230 registration fee per year, and another $120 per year for a student activity fee.

Previous Students of the California College of the Arts

The reviews for the California College of the Arts are quite mixed from previous students.  Some students are very happy with their experience, while others feel it was expensive and pretentious and did not help them gain employment after graduating.  As most colleges, the program you choose to study will be better at some colleges and not as good at others.  Be sure to research your particular discipline to be sure that CCA has the right program for you.  Previous students agree that it is expensive.  They will also agree that the courses and faculty are top rate.  Some complaints from students include traffic, pretentious and unhelpful staff, money and employment after graduation.

As in any case, be sure to research all of your art school options to be sure that you are choosing a program that fits your scholastic needs, as well as financial needs.