The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), founded in 1961 through the merger of the Chouinard Art Institute and the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music, is a renowned institution for visual and performing arts, envisioned by Walt Disney as a space for artistic innovation.
Located in Santa Clarita, California, with an additional performance space (REDCAT) in downtown Los Angeles, CalArts offers over 70 interdisciplinary degree programs across six distinguished schools, fostering experimental and contemporary art practices. With a low acceptance rate, strong faculty-to-student ratio, and notable alumni in film, music, and animation, CalArts is internationally recognized for excellence in arts education and continues to expand its influence through online learning, community outreach, and specialized artistic centers.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) |
| Founded | 1961 (via merger of Chouinard Art Institute and LA Conservatory of Music) |
| Location | Santa Clarita, California, USA |
| Campus Size | 60 acres + REDCAT Theater in Los Angeles |
| Schools | Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, Theater |
| Degree Programs | BFA, MFA, MA, DMA |
| Number of Programs | 70+ undergraduate and graduate programs |
| Enrollment | ~908 full-time undergraduates |
| Faculty | ~150 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 7:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~26%–29% (2023) |
| 2023–24 Tuition | $56,724 |
| Net Price (Est.) | $57,288 |
| Notable Alumni | Tim Burton, John Lasseter, Don Cheadle, Ed Harris, Brad Bird, Ravi Coltrane |
| Special Centers | Center for New Performance, CAP, Center for Integrated Media, etc. |
| Online Courses | Offered via Coursera (Design, Animation, Filmmaking, etc.) |
| Global Rankings | QS #33 (2025); U.S. News #5 in Fine Arts (2025) |
| Known For | Animation, interdisciplinary arts, experimental education |
California Institute of the Arts: A Hub of Artistic Innovation
The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) stands as a pioneering institution dedicated to the visual and performing arts. Incorporated in 1961, it holds the distinction of being the first degree-granting institution of higher learning in the United States created specifically for students of both the visual and performing arts.
Born from the merger of the esteemed Chouinard Art Institute (founded 1921) and the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music (founded 1883), CalArts was envisioned by influential benefactors, including Walt Disney, to foster a unique environment for artistic development.
Location and Campus
Nestled in Santa Clarita, California, north of Los Angeles, CalArts boasts a 60-acre campus. Its commitment to the arts extends beyond the main campus with the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT) located in downtown Los Angeles, serving as a vibrant performance space and cultural hub.
Academic Excellence and Programs
CalArts is renowned for its rigorous and experimental approach to arts education. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Arts (MA), and Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA). The institute is structured around six world-renowned schools:
- School of Art
- School of Critical Studies
- School of Dance
- School of Film/Video
- School of Music
- School of Theater
Through these schools, CalArts provides over 70 comprehensive degree programs, emphasizing interdisciplinary study and allowing students to develop their own work, over which they retain full control and copyright. The institute’s mission is to enable professional artists who will transform the world through artistic practice, focusing on experimental, multidisciplinary, and contemporary arts practices.
Admissions and Financials
Admission to CalArts is highly selective, with acceptance rates ranging from approximately 25.95% (2023) to 29%. This competitiveness underscores the institution’s prestige. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition was approximately $56,724.00, with the net price around $57,288 per year. CalArts offers various lucrative scholarships, and all admitted students are considered for Merit Scholarships based on their admissions portfolio or audition.
The institute enrolls 908 full-time undergraduate students and has a faculty of 150, maintaining an impressive 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. International students are welcome, with 176 foreign students currently enrolled, and the institute accepts various English proficiency exams (TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, Duolingo) for admission.
Rankings and Reputation
CalArts consistently earns high praise in national and global rankings:
- U.S. News & World Report: Ranked #9 in 2016 and #5 in 2025 for “Best Graduate Fine Arts Programs.”
- QS World University Rankings by Subject: Ranked #33 in 2025 and recognized as a Top 25 Best art and design university in the world.
- Newsweek/The Daily Beast: Identified as a top college for students in the arts.
- Niche.com: Ranked #14 for Best Colleges for Design in America, #19 for Best Colleges for Music in America, and #21 for Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America.
The institute is particularly lauded for its animation programs, often considered the best in the United States, and has a reputation for “intensely training young artists to become working professionals.”
Notable Alumni and Impact
CalArts boasts over 60 notable alumni who have made significant contributions across various artistic fields. Prominent figures include filmmakers and animators such as John Lasseter (Pixar founder), Tim Burton, Brad Bird, Henry Selick, and Rich Moore; actors like Paul Reubens, Ed Harris, and Don Cheadle; and musicians like Ravi Coltrane. Many CalArts animation graduates have gone on to successful careers at major studios like Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar, shaping the landscape of contemporary animation.
Campus Life and Artistic Environment
Campus life at CalArts is characterized by a vibrant, eclectic, and multidisciplinary community that fosters experimentation, independent inquiry, and active collaboration. The environment is described as intellectually stimulating, encouraging discourse on a wide range of topics, including social issues and politics.
The institute champions a unique “CalArts Way” that emphasizes the full development of creative abilities and encourages students to explore and hone their craft freely.
Specialized Centers and Initiatives
CalArts extends its artistic reach through various specialized centers and initiatives:
- Center for Experiments in Art, Information, and Technology
- Center for Integrated Media
- Center for New Performance at CalArts
- Cotsen Center for Puppetry and the Arts
- Community Arts Partnership (CAP): A youth arts program that further integrates the institute with the broader community.
Online Learning Opportunities
In addition to its on-campus programs, CalArts offers a variety of online courses and specializations through platforms like Coursera. These offerings cover diverse areas such as Graphic Design, UI/UX Design, Game Design: Art and Concepts, Building Your Freelancing Career, and The Art of Filmmaking, making its unique educational approach accessible to a wider global audience.
The California Institute of the Arts continues to be a global leader in arts education, nurturing generations of transformative artists who impact the world through their creative practice.
FAQs about CalArts
What is CalArts known for?
CalArts is renowned for its experimental, interdisciplinary approach to arts education, especially in animation, film, music, and visual arts. It’s considered a leader in producing professional artists who push creative boundaries.
Where is CalArts located?
CalArts is located in Santa Clarita, California, just north of Los Angeles. It also operates the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT) in downtown LA.
When was CalArts founded?
CalArts was established in 1961, following the merger of the Chouinard Art Institute and the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music.
Who founded CalArts?
CalArts was created with support from Walt Disney and other benefactors, aiming to provide a progressive environment for the arts.
What degree programs does CalArts offer?
CalArts offers BFA, MFA, MA, and DMA degrees across a wide range of artistic disciplines, with over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs.
What schools are part of CalArts?
CalArts includes six schools: Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, and Theater.
Is CalArts hard to get into?
Yes, CalArts is highly selective with an acceptance rate between 26% and 29%, depending on the year and program.
What is the tuition at CalArts?
For the 2023–2024 academic year, tuition was approximately $56,724, with the average net price being around $57,288 per year.
Does CalArts offer financial aid or scholarships?
Yes, CalArts offers merit scholarships, need-based aid, and considers all admitted students for scholarships based on their portfolio or audition.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at CalArts?
CalArts maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, promoting personalized mentorship and collaboration.
How many students attend CalArts?
CalArts enrolls about 908 full-time undergraduate students, along with a robust graduate student population.
Are international students accepted at CalArts?
Yes, CalArts welcomes international students and accepts several English proficiency tests, including TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo.
What is CalArts’ global ranking?
CalArts ranks #5 in the U.S. News 2025 Fine Arts graduate programs and #33 globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Art & Design.
What famous people went to CalArts?
Notable alumni include Tim Burton, John Lasseter, Brad Bird, Henry Selick, Ed Harris, Don Cheadle, and Ravi Coltrane.
What careers do CalArts graduates pursue?
Graduates often work in film, animation, theater, music, fine arts, design, and related creative industries, frequently joining top companies like Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks.
Does CalArts offer online courses?
Yes, CalArts provides online learning opportunities through platforms like Coursera, covering subjects such as graphic design, UI/UX, filmmaking, and freelancing.
What is REDCAT?
REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater) is a performance and exhibition space in downtown Los Angeles affiliated with CalArts, supporting experimental work.
What is the “CalArts Way”?
The “CalArts Way” refers to the institute’s culture of fostering creative freedom, cross-disciplinary exploration, and self-directed artistic growth.
What makes CalArts different from other art schools?
CalArts emphasizes artistic autonomy, experimental learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to retain full control and copyright of their work.
What facilities does CalArts have on campus?
The campus features professional studios, theaters, editing suites, dance spaces, galleries, and performance venues, plus access to specialized centers for puppetry, media, and performance.
What is campus life like at CalArts?
Campus life is vibrant, diverse, and centered around creativity. Students engage in collaborative projects, performances, exhibitions, and intellectual discourse.
Are there youth or community programs at CalArts?
Yes, the Community Arts Partnership (CAP) connects CalArts with the broader Los Angeles community through free youth art programs and mentorship.
What types of art and performance are supported at CalArts?
CalArts supports a wide range of disciplines including visual arts, animation, film, dance, music composition and performance, theater, and digital media.
Does CalArts have graduate programs?
Yes, CalArts offers MFA, MA, and DMA programs in a variety of artistic disciplines with a strong focus on advanced, self-directed practice.
Can students collaborate across different schools at CalArts?
Yes, interdisciplinary collaboration is highly encouraged, allowing students from different schools to work together on creative projects.
Is CalArts accredited?
Yes, CalArts is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
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