California College of the Arts

Apply for first-year Apply for transfer

California College of the Arts

Apply for first-year Apply for transfer

California College of the Arts educates students to shape culture and society through the practice and critical study of art, architecture, design, and writing. Benefitting from its San Francisco Bay Area location, the college prepares students for lifelong creative work by cultivating innovation, community engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

Virtual Tour

Academic Programs

Design
Art & Design
Visual Arts
Architecture
Writing and Literature

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

First-year

First-year applicants must submit: an online application and nonrefundable application fee of $70; a personal essay; high school transcripts; a letter of recommendation; a portfolio of 10-15 pieces of work (via SlideRoom); proof of English proficiency. Application deadlines for merit scholarship consideration: November 15- Early action for Fall; February 1- Priority deadline for Fall first-year applications; October 1- Priority deadline for Spring first-year applications. CCA practices rolling admissions; applications can be submitted for review after the priority deadlines.

Transfer

To apply to CCA, transfer students must submit: an online application and nonrefundable application fee of $70; personal essay; high school transcripts; a letter of recommendation; a portfolio of 15-20 pieces of work (via SlideRoom); proof of English proficiency. Application deadlines for merit scholarship consideration: March 1- Priority deadline for Fall transfer applications; October 1- Priority deadline for Spring transfer applications. CCA has no minimum credit requirements and you can transfer at any time; applications can be submitted for review after the priority deadlines.

Additional Information

With exciting internship opportunities, industry connections, and career development support, attending California College of the Arts is an investment in your future.

Visit us

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, CCA’s community spans the Bay in two campuses: a prime urban location in the sunny, design-centric Potrero Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, and a beautifully landscaped artistic oasis in the residential Rockridge district of Oakland.

Students want to study here because they are attracted to the forward-thinking, innovative spirit that is distinct to the culture of the West Coast. They want to immerse themselves in an environment of pioneers and creative individuals. They want to be a part of the “next, next thing.”
Stephen Beal, President, California College of the Arts