California College of the Arts, founded in the San Francisco Bay area in 1907 by a German cabinetmaker, this private, nonprofit institution offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fine arts, design, architecture and writing fields. Considered one of the top design and arts schools, California College of the Arts, or CCA, offers students an education that combines theory and practice, innovation and tradition.
Mission/Vision
Through its interdisciplinary education in architecture, art, design and writingm “the college prepares students for lifelong creative work by cultivating innovation, community engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.” California College of the Arts encourages students to “make art that matters” by using their creative works to positively impact society through furthering sustainability, social justice, diversity and community.
Campus Setting
California College of the Arts operates two campuses across the San Francisco Bay. Your major will determine the location where the majority of your classes will be held, though you will likely commute occasionally between the two sites for classes or other reasons. The school provides limited shuttle service between campuses and public transportation options. The San Francisco location is situated in the urban Potrero Hill neighborhood and houses the architecture, design and graduate programs, as well as the Furniture Program. This campus contains a number of studios and galleries in which students work in a highly interactive environment. The historic Oakland campus is home to most of the undergraduate fine arts programs. Located in the Rockridge district, the campus covers four landscaped acres, includes comprehensive fine arts studios, and provides a more traditional residential campus setting.
Academics
California College of the Arts offers 21 undergraduate majors, 12 graduate programs of study and several interdisciplinary special programs. Undergraduate students complete a number of required humanities and sciences classes to provide a breadth of knowledge beyond their particular major.
Athletics
The school has no sports teams or athletics department. However, there are several national and college sports teams in both cities. Students are encouraged to join one of the existing student-run organizations, which currently includes a skateboarding group, or to charter a new one.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition for full-time enrollment is nearly $40,000 per year, and graduate tuition ranges from $25,000 to nearly $42,000 annually depending on the degree being pursued. Additional campus, supplies and related fees are required. The college offers an array of financial aid opportunities, with more than 80% of first-year undergraduates receiving some form of financial assistance.
Accreditation
California College of the Arts is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the National Architectural Accrediting Board, and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
Admissions
Though California College of the Arts reviews applications on a rolling basis, priority consideration for admission, housing and financial aid are given to applications submiotted by the designated deadlines for the upcoming term. Undergraduate applications must include an application fee, transcripts, a personal essay, two references and a portfolio. Transfer, second-degree and international applicants have additional submission requirements. Personal interviews are not required but are highly recommended, as is participation in one of the National Portfolio Days.
Visit the school’s admissions website for answers to common questions, or contact the Enrollment Services Office for more information about admissions deadlines and policies.
Address postal mail to:
Enrollment Services Office
California College of the Arts
1111 Eighth Street
San Francisco CA 94107-2247
Send an email to:
enroll@cca.edu.
Phone: (800) 447-1ART or (415) 703-9523
Fax: (415) 703-9539
