
145 Hooper Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA


California College of the Arts holds accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission, which is a regional accrediting body recognized for evaluating institutional quality and effectiveness. This accreditation ensures that the college meets established standards of academic rigor and institutional integrity, providing confidence to prospective students regarding the quality of education they will receive. Additionally, various individual programs within California College of the Arts may have specialized accreditations pertinent to their professional fields, further underscoring the institution's commitment to maintaining relevant educational standards.
Prospective students aiming to enroll at California College of the Arts must have completed a General Educational Development (GED) credential or an equivalent high school diploma. Submission of a secondary school record and a minimum grade point average are mandatory components of the application.
Letters of recommendation and demonstration of relevant competencies are also required. While admission test scores are not strictly mandatory, their submission is recommended, including standardized language exams such as the TOEFL for non-native English speakers.
The institution does not operate under an open admission policy, nor does it allow dual credit or offer credit for college courses prior to enrollment. However, it does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits.
Applicants must have access to a computer, either owned or leased, as part of the application and enrollment process.
The California College of the Arts charges an application fee for prospective students submitting their materials. This fee is a standard part of the admissions process intended to cover administrative costs involved in reviewing each application.
The institution offers fee waivers to certain applicants who demonstrate financial need or meet specific eligibility criteria. These waivers are designed to reduce barriers to applying for students from diverse economic backgrounds, aiming to ensure equitable access to the college's programs.
Applicants interested in obtaining a fee waiver should check the college's admissions website or contact the admissions office directly to understand the documentation requirements and procedures necessary to qualify.
California College of the Arts does not host its own Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) branch unit directly on campus. Instead, students interested in ROTC programs typically participate through a cooperating host institution that maintains the ROTC branch unit. This arrangement allows students to engage in ROTC training and activities off-site while being enrolled at California College of the Arts.
California College of the Arts welcomes transfer students in the fall and spring terms, providing opportunities to continue studies without significant interruption. The institution accepts transfer credits, which can facilitate a smoother transition for students moving from other colleges or universities. While detailed information about standardized credit acceptance such as CLEP or DANTES exams is not specified, the college maintains flexibility by permitting transferred academic credits.
California College of the Arts offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic and cultural experience of its students. The institution facilitates participation in international programs that emphasize art, design, and architecture, aligning closely with the college's core disciplines. Students can engage in semester-long exchanges, summer sessions, or short-term intensive workshops at partner institutions around the world.
The programs focus on immersive learning, allowing students to gain first-hand insight into global artistic practices and contemporary design trends. Collaborations with international universities enable access to specialized courses and unique studio environments not available on campus. These experiences aim to deepen students' creative perspectives and professional networks by exposing them to diverse cultural contexts.
Additionally, California College of the Arts supports individual research or project-based study during time abroad, encouraging exploration of personal artistic goals within an international framework. The college typically provides advising services to help students select programs that best match their academic objectives and career aspirations.
High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
YesComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RequiredAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring