California College of the Arts (CCA): Top Art and Design School in San Francisco

California College of the Arts (CCA), founded in 1907 and now located solely in San Francisco, is a leading institution in art, design, architecture, and humanities education, known for integrating theory with hands-on practice. Originating from the Arts and Crafts movement, CCA has evolved through multiple campus expansions and rebrandings, culminating in a unified San Francisco campus as of 2022.

Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs—including BFA, MFA, MBA, and MA degrees—CCA emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, small class sizes (average 12 undergraduate, 9 graduate), and global diversity, with international students making up nearly 40% of its 1,400–1,850 enrollment.

Accredited by WSCUC and ranked among top U.S. art schools, CCA provides robust financial aid, with most undergraduates receiving scholarships. Its state-of-the-art facilities and renowned Wattis Institute support a dynamic creative environment, while its notable alumni include artists like Robert Arneson, Mike Mignola, and Toyin Ojih Odutola, reflecting the college’s enduring impact on contemporary culture.

California College of the Arts: A Hub for Visionary Artists and Designers

The California College of the Arts (CCA) stands as a prominent institution dedicated to integrating theory and practice in the arts and design. Founded in 1907, CCA has evolved into a leading art school known for its innovative programs, distinguished faculty, and a commitment to fostering creative leaders.

History and Evolution

CCA was established in 1907 by Frederick Meyer in Berkeley as the School of the California Guild of Arts and Crafts, deeply rooted in the Arts and Crafts movement. This movement emphasized an integrated approach to art, design, and craft, a philosophy that continues to influence CCA’s curriculum today.

The school underwent several name changes throughout its history, becoming the California School of Arts and Crafts in 1908, and then the California College of Arts and Crafts (CCAC) in 1936. A significant milestone was the establishment of a Master of Fine Arts program in 1940.

While initially based in Berkeley and later establishing its Oakland campus in 1922 on the historic James Treadwell estate, CCA expanded to San Francisco in 1996, opening a campus in the city’s Design District. In a strategic move to consolidate its resources and foster a more cohesive academic environment, CCA officially closed its Oakland campus in May 2022, merging all operations into its unified San Francisco campus. The Oakland campus site is now undergoing redevelopment, with plans for residential units and preservation of historical elements.

Since 2023, David C. Howse has served as the President of California College of the Arts.

Campus and Location

CCA’s main campus is now located at 1111 Eighth Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, within the city’s vibrant design district. This urban campus offers a dynamic environment for learning and creating, with access to San Francisco’s rich cultural landscape. The college provides on-campus residence halls, including Avenue Apartments, Clifton Hall, and Irwin Hall, offering a secure and community-focused living experience.

The campus facilities are designed to support a wide range of artistic and design practices, featuring:

• The Nave: Housing painting and illustration classrooms and studios.
• Hybrid Lab: A space for interdisciplinary creative exploration.
• Wood and Metal Shops: Equipped for furniture and sculpture creation.
• Design and Architecture Studios: Dedicated spaces for hands-on learning.
• Computer Labs: Providing essential digital resources.
• The Backlot: An outdoor maker space.
• Simpson Library: Featuring extensive holdings in architecture, design, graphic novels, and fine art, along with special collections including artists’ books and the Capp Street Project archive.
• CCA Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts: A renowned forum for contemporary culture, located near the San Francisco campus.

Academic Programs

CCA offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs across its core disciplines: Architecture, Design, Fine Arts, and Humanities & Sciences. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, preparing students for professional careers in the creative fields.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor of Fine Arts – BFA, Bachelor of Architecture – BArch, Bachelor of Arts – BA):

• Animation
• Architecture (BArch)
• Ceramics
• Comics
• Fashion Design
• Film
• Furniture
• Game Arts
• Graphic Design
• History of Art & Visual Culture (BA)
• Illustration
• Individualized Studies
• Industrial Design
• Interaction Design
• Interior Design
• Jewelry + Metal Arts
• Painting + Drawing
• Photography
• Printmedia
• Sculpture
• Textiles
• Writing + Literature (BA)

Graduate Programs (Master of Fine Arts – MFA, Master of Architecture – MArch, Master of Arts – MA, Master of Design – MDes, Master of Advanced Architectural Design – MAAD, Master of Business Administration – MBA):

• Curatorial Practice (MA)
• Design (MFA)
• Design Strategy (MBA)
• Film (MFA)
• Fine Arts (MFA)
• Graduate Architecture (MArch)
• Interaction Design (MDes)
• Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD)
• Visual & Critical Studies (MA)
• Writing (MFA)

CCA also offers several dual-degree options, such as MBA Design Strategy and MFA Design, and MA Visual & Critical Studies with either MFA Fine Arts or MFA Writing.

In addition to degree programs, CCA provides youth programs like the Young Artist Studio Program (YASP) for middle schoolers, Atelier for high schoolers, and Pre-College programs for rising high school juniors and seniors, offering college credit and portfolio development. Year-round non-credit classes are also available for adults.

Admissions and Enrollment

CCA maintains a competitive yet accessible admissions process.

• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 75-99% (reported acceptance rates vary slightly depending on the year and source).
• Application Fee: $70 (non-refundable).
• Required Materials: Online application, personal essay, high school and/or university transcripts, letter of recommendation, portfolio (via SlideRoom), and proof of English proficiency for international applicants.
• English Language Tests Accepted: IELTS and TOEFL.

Enrollment (as of recent data):

• Total Enrollment: Approximately 1,390 – 1,850 students.
• Undergraduate Students: Approximately 1,063 – 1,456.
• Graduate Students: Approximately 327 – 394.
• International Students: Around 38-43% of the student body, contributing to a diverse learning environment.
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1, ensuring personalized attention.
• Average Class Size: 12 for undergraduate classes, 9 for graduate classes.
• First-year Retention Rate: 92%, significantly higher than the national average.

Tuition and Financial Aid (Academic Year 2025-2026 Estimated)

Attending CCA is an investment in a creative future, and the college offers substantial financial aid to support its students.

Undergraduate Estimated Cost of Attendance:

• Tuition: $60,864
• Fees: $900
• Housing/Room (On-Campus, First/Second Year): $15,600
• Food: $6,932
• Personal/Misc.: $2,196
• Transportation: $1,602
• Books & Supplies: $1,500
• Total Estimated Cost (On-Campus, First/Second Year): $89,594

Graduate Estimated Tuition (Varies by Program):

• MFA Design, MFA Fine Arts, MFA Film, MArch, MAAD, DMBA: $64,140
• MFA Writing: $51,312
• MA Visual & Critical Studies: $44,898
• MFA Comics: $44,346
• MDes Interaction Design: $76,968

Financial Aid:

1. Approximately 85-89% of undergraduate students receive CCA scholarships.
2. Average combined scholarships and grants per student: $29,175.
3. CCA offers a wide array of scholarships, including merit-based, Visionary Practice Scholarships, and need-based aid.
4. International students are eligible for merit scholarships, with nearly half receiving awards ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 for undergraduates and $10,000 to $51,000 for graduates.
5. Students may also be eligible for Cal Grants (for California residents) and federal grants and loans. When combined, institutional, state, and federal grants can cover up to 85% of tuition for eligible students.
6. Work-study opportunities are also available.

Accreditation and Rankings

California College of the Arts is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WSCUC). Its programs in fine arts and design are consistently ranked among the best in the United States. In 2025, CCA was ranked 938 nationally by World University Rankings for universities in the USA.

Notable Alumni

CCA boasts a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions to the arts and various fields. This includes renowned artists, designers, filmmakers, and educators. Some notable alumni include:

• Robert Arneson: Influential ceramic sculptor.
• Viola Frey: Celebrated ceramic artist.
• Peter Voulkos: Pioneer of the American Abstract Expressionist ceramics movement.
• Nathan Oliveira: Portuguese-American painter and printmaker.
• Todd Hido: Photographer known for his nocturnal landscapes.
• Mike Mignola: Comic book artist and writer, creator of Hellboy.
• Wayne Wang: Film director (e.g., The Joy Luck Club, Maid in Manhattan).
• Steve Purcell: Animator and comic book artist, creator of Sam & Max.
• Anne Wilson: Contemporary artist known for her textile work.
• Harrell Fletcher: Socially engaged artist.
• Hank Willis Thomas: Conceptual artist working with themes of identity, media, and popular culture.
• Robert Bechtle: Photorealist painter.
• Squeak Carnwath: Painter.
• Ralph Goings: Photorealist painter.
• José Montoya: Poet, artist, and activist.
• Ann Weber: Sculptor known for her cardboard creations.
• Tomie dePaola: Beloved children’s author and illustrator.
• Dennis Oppenheim: Conceptual artist.
• Jules de Balincourt: Contemporary painter.
• John McCracken: Minimalist sculptor.
• Alexandra Grant: Visual artist.
• Hong Sang-soo: South Korean film director.
• David Choe: Muralist and graffiti artist.
• Toyin Ojih Odutola: Nigerian-American contemporary artist.
• Maia Kobabe: Cartoonist and author.

California College of the Arts continues to be a vibrant and influential institution, shaping the future of art and design through its innovative education and its commitment to fostering creative practice and critical engagement.

FAQs about California College of the Arts

What is California College of the Arts (CCA)?
California College of the Arts (CCA) is a private art, design, architecture, and writing college located in San Francisco, known for its hands-on, interdisciplinary education.

Where is CCA located?
CCA’s unified campus is located at 1111 Eighth Street, in San Francisco’s Design District.

When was CCA founded?
CCA was founded in 1907 by Frederick Meyer as the School of the California Guild of Arts and Crafts.

What kind of programs does CCA offer?
CCA offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture, design, fine arts, humanities, and writing, including BFA, BA, BArch, MFA, MA, MArch, MDes, MAAD, and MBA.

What is the student enrollment at CCA?
CCA enrolls approximately 1,390 to 1,850 students, with about 1,063–1,456 undergraduates and 327–394 graduate students.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at CCA?
The student-to-faculty ratio is 7:1, allowing for small, personalized class experiences.

What is the average class size?
Average class size is 12 for undergraduate courses and 9 for graduate courses.

Is CCA accredited?
Yes, CCA is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WSCUC).

Does CCA have housing?
Yes, CCA offers on-campus housing options including Avenue Apartments, Clifton Hall, and Irwin Hall.

What facilities are available on campus?
Facilities include The Nave, Hybrid Lab, wood and metal shops, design and architecture studios, computer labs, the Backlot outdoor maker space, Simpson Library, and the Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts.

What is the cost of attendance for undergraduates?
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the estimated cost is approximately $89,594, including tuition, housing, food, and other expenses.

Is financial aid available?
Yes, 85–89% of undergraduate students receive financial aid. The average scholarship and grant package is around $29,175.

Are international students eligible for scholarships?
Yes, international students are eligible for merit-based scholarships, typically ranging from $10,000 to $51,000.

Does CCA offer dual-degree programs?
Yes, CCA offers several dual-degree programs such as MBA Design Strategy/MFA Design and MA Visual & Critical Studies/MFA Fine Arts or MFA Writing.

What is the application fee?
The non-refundable application fee is $70.

What materials are required for admission?
Applicants must submit an online application, personal essay, transcripts, a letter of recommendation, portfolio via SlideRoom, and proof of English proficiency (for international students).

What English language tests are accepted?
CCA accepts the IELTS and TOEFL exams for proof of English proficiency.

What is the first-year retention rate?
CCA has a strong first-year retention rate of 92%, which is above the national average.

What is the acceptance rate at CCA?
CCA has an acceptance rate ranging approximately from 75% to 99%, depending on the year and program.

What is the tuition for graduate programs?
Graduate tuition varies by program, from about $44,346 (MFA Comics) to $76,968 (MDes Interaction Design).

Does CCA offer youth or pre-college programs?
Yes, CCA offers youth programs such as the Young Artist Studio Program (YASP), Atelier for high schoolers, and Pre-College programs with college credit.

Are adult continuing education courses available?
Yes, CCA offers year-round non-credit classes and workshops for adult learners.

Who is the current president of CCA?
David C. Howse has served as CCA’s president since 2023.

What are some notable alumni of CCA?
Notable alumni include Mike Mignola (creator of Hellboy), Viola Frey, Wayne Wang, David Choe, Toyin Ojih Odutola, and Robert Arneson.

What makes CCA unique?
CCA combines rigorous academics with practical studio experience, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and offers students access to the rich cultural landscape of San Francisco.

Does CCA offer work-study opportunities?
Yes, work-study positions are available to eligible students as part of the financial aid offerings.

What rankings has CCA received?
CCA is consistently ranked among the top art and design colleges in the U.S. and was ranked #938 in the 2025 World University Rankings for U.S. universities.

Has CCA always been in San Francisco?
No, CCA was originally founded in Berkeley, later expanded to Oakland, and consolidated into its San Francisco campus in 2022.

What are the application deadlines?
Application deadlines vary by program and term; prospective students should check the CCA website for current dates.

Does CCA require a portfolio for admission?
Yes, a portfolio submitted via SlideRoom is required for most programs, showcasing an applicant’s creative work.