Overview
Founded in 1961 through the merger of the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and the Chouinard Art Institute, CalArts was envisioned by Walt Disney as a comprehensive institution for training artists across disciplines. It opened its current Valencia campus in 1971 and quickly became a hub for avant-garde and experimental art, producing influential figures in animation, film, music, and visual art. The school is particularly famous for its Character Animation program, which has trained many of the creative leaders behind major animation studios like Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Valencia, California |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Total students | 1,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 5:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 27% |
| Graduation rate | 68% |
| Average starting salary | $52,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $54,900 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $54,900 |
| Room & board | $16,500 |
| Average financial aid | $28,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.4 |
| Regular deadline | January 10 |
Top Programs
- Character Animation
- Film/Video
- Music Composition
- Fine Art
- Theater
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.