
24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355-2340, USA


California Institute of the Arts provides a limited athletics program compared to larger universities. The institution focuses more on its strong arts and creative programs rather than competitive sports. However, students interested in physical activity and wellness have options for intramural sports and recreational clubs, allowing for engagement in diverse athletic experiences without the pressures of varsity-level competition.
While there are no extensive intercollegiate sports teams, CalArts encourages student participation in fitness and wellness through various campus resources. These opportunities promote physical health alongside the school's core artistic mission. Prospective students should consider that athletics plays a complementary rather than central role in campus life at CalArts.
California Institute of the Arts offers a variety of student groups and associations that cater to a diverse range of interests. Among these are the Student Council, FISK - Graphic Arts Club, Soccer Club, Korean Bible Study, and the Black Student Union. These organizations provide students with opportunities for leadership, creative collaboration, athletic participation, cultural engagement, and community building.
The student body at California Institute of the Arts comprises a modest number of new entrants each year, with approximately 177 freshmen and 57 transfer students joining the institution annually. These intake figures place the school in a lower percentile range compared to broader benchmarks, with freshmen enrollment ranking in the bottom 35% and transfer admissions near the bottom 40%. Overall, the student influx is considered average but leans toward the smaller side relative to many other institutions.
Age distribution reflects a predominantly young undergraduate population. Most undergraduates are aged between 18 and 21, with 252 students in the 18-19 age bracket and 334 students aged 20-21. The numbers slightly decline for older age groups, with several dozen students between 22 and 29 years old. Graduate students tend to be older, especially concentrated between 22 and 39 years, highlighting a mature cohort pursuing advanced studies.
California Institute of the Arts serves a diverse demographic in terms of ethnicity. Hispanic students number 133, while White students represent the largest reported group with 291 individuals. Asian students contribute to the campus diversity with 78 students, and African American students account for 41. Other ethnic groups, including Native American and Pacific Islander students, form smaller populations. Many students identify as belonging to two or more races or are of unknown ethnicity, adding further complexity to the campus makeup.
The ethnic representation figures suggest that while the institute's diversity metrics are classified as average, the proportions frequently place the institution in the lower percentiles nationally, generally within the bottom 35% to 40%. This indicates that prospective students seeking a broadly representative student body will find a moderate degree of diversity at California Institute of the Arts, balanced among several groups without any single ethnicity overwhelmingly dominant.
Student life at California Institute of the Arts includes a range of artistic and wellness opportunities that cater to creative pursuits and personal well-being. Performing arts are well represented with campus programs such as drama, radio, and chorus, providing students avenues to engage in theatrical productions, broadcasting, and vocal performance. While there is no campus band or television station, the available outlets encourage a vibrant creative atmosphere.
Health and psychological services are accessible to students, with a health clinic and counseling services on campus supporting their physical and mental health needs. However, some services like legal assistance and a women's center are not offered.
The institute does not have a campus newspaper, which may influence the flow of campus news and peer communication. There is no information indicating involvement in major athletic associations or varsity sports, suggesting a focus more aligned with the arts than competitive athletics.
Staffing levels reflect a moderately sized community, with a total of 403 full-time and 195 part-time staff members supporting the campus and student body. The student-to-faculty ratio is notably low at 7 to 1, which can provide students with more personalized attention and close interaction with faculty.
Enrollment numbers indicate a relatively small student body of 1,353, with a modest proportion of full-time degree-seeking students. This smaller community size can contribute to a more intimate campus experience.
Students at California Institute of the Arts have access to the Division of Library and Information Resources, the institution's main library facility. The university operates one library with physical facilities available, complemented by digital access options.
While the collection size is moderate, the library holds approximately 138,874 printed books and 238,155 ebooks, with the number of ebooks considered low relative to other institutions. Subscriptions include 1,432 print or other subscriptions and a larger digital subscription collection totaling 9,931.
The library maintains an average offering of 51 databases, which supports a variety of research needs. Staff members are trained to assist students, and access to shared collections provides additional resource opportunities beyond the immediate holdings.
Overall, the library resources at California Institute of the Arts are positioned in the lower 30 to 45 percentile range compared to other universities, indicating a modest but functional collection and support system for student needs.
Total enrollment
1353Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
176Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
403 full time, 195 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Division of Library and Information ResourcesNumber of libraries on campus
1Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes