
California Institute of Arts & Technology, commonly referred to as CIAT, is a career-focused institution in National City, California, with an emphasis on computing and information technology. Its present-day academic offerings are more useful to applicants than an unverified account of its founding or earlier names.
Prospective students comparing older records with current materials should confirm that the institution name, campus address, accreditor, and program all refer to the same school. That matters particularly if a program has changed its name or credential over time.
CIAT concentrates on technology education rather than a broad range of arts and sciences faculties. Reported fields of study include computer programming, computer and information technology administration and management, and computer engineering technologies.
Applicants should compare specific programs by credential, curriculum, delivery format, and required equipment. A program in programming may prepare students for different work than one centered on network administration or computer hardware, even when both are described as technology programs. Confirm the exact credential awarded in the current academic catalog before applying.
CIAT is located in National City, in the San Diego metropolitan area. Students considering in-person classes should assess the commute to the specific teaching location listed for their program, rather than assume that every course meets at the same site.
The surrounding region offers access to San Diego-area employers and public transportation, but the usefulness of either depends on class schedules, transit connections, and where a student lives. Applicants considering online or hybrid study should check which activities, if any, require an in-person visit.
CIAT's academic focus is career-oriented technology training. Its concentration in computing-related programs distinguishes its educational purpose from that of a comprehensive university.
A stated commitment to career preparation is not, by itself, evidence of a particular employment result. Students can evaluate how that purpose is carried out by reviewing the current catalog for hands-on coursework, general education requirements, certification preparation, and the requirements for the credential they intend to earn.
Name of the institution
California Institute of Arts & TechnologyLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Suburb: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, not primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Two-year collegeMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
OtherFoundation year
2008California Institute of Arts & Technology is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degreeData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.