California College of the Arts
California College of the Arts is located in the urban setting of San Francisco. The college focuses on art, design, architecture, and writing, fostering a creative and innovative environment. Distinctive for its hands-on approach, the college emphasizes making as a form of thinking. In 2026, the college announced it would be closing at the end of the 2026-2027 academic year, with Vanderbilt University taking over the campus.
Financial Aid & Net Price
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships, by family income. 25% of students receive Pell Grants and 46% take federal loans.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/yr | 4-Year Net Cost | Net-Price ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 – $30K | $32,800 | $131,200 | 3.3x |
| $30K – $48K | $28,423 | $113,692 | 3.8x |
| $48K – $75K | $42,404 | $169,616 | 2.6x |
| $75K – $110K | $44,139 | $176,556 | 2.5x |
| $110K+ | $52,438 | $209,752 | 2.1x |
| Sticker price (no aid) | $57,946 | $231,784 | 1.9x |
Net price = tuition + fees + room & board minus grants and scholarships. ROI = average 10-year graduate earnings ÷ 4-year net cost. Source: IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey via College Scorecard.
All Programs at California College of the Arts
4 degree programs ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. Click any program for full AI scenario analysis and 10-year earnings projections.
| Program | DW Score | Earnings | AI Risk | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Computer Interaction Compare across schools |
58 | $101,801/yr | High | 3.4x |
| Design and Applied Arts Compare across schools |
22 | $28,673/yr | High | 1.7x |
| Fine and Studio Arts Compare across schools |
16 | $17,690/yr | Moderate | 0.5x |
| Graphic Communications Compare across schools |
14 | $26,481/yr | High | 1.1x |