California College of the Arts' published cost of attendance is $79,776. Net price by income band varies meaningfully across the income spectrum: low-income families pay approximately $61,407, middle-income families pay around $45,378, and higher-income families pay approximately $56,394.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $79,776 |
| Tuition and Fees | $60,226 |
| Room and Board | $22,099 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$25,867 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $53,909 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $61,407 |
| $30–48k | $43,261 |
| $48–75k | $45,378 |
| $75–110k | $46,060 |
| $110k+ | $56,394 |
California College of the Arts' published cost of attendance is $79,776. Net price by income band varies meaningfully across the income spectrum: low-income families pay approximately $61,407, middle-income families pay around $45,378, and higher-income families pay approximately $56,394. Azimuth ranks California College of the Arts #1405 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. The affordability rank reflects both the headline sticker price and the debt load graduates carry; net price and sticker price can differ substantially, and understanding that gap matters when comparing institutions. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $27,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $28,055; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures. Families should weigh any Parent PLUS obligations against need-based aid and non-loan financing alternatives before borrowing — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $53,517, median federal debt of $27,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $305 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is moderate relative to earnings. Manageable for most graduates, but higher-debt borrowers should plan carefully.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of California College of the Arts earn median 4-year earnings of $53,517, placing California College of the Arts in the 13.1 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $5,357 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 35.1 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks California College of the Arts #867 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Design and Applied Arts reports 99 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $59,238. Fine and Studio Arts reports 61 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $44,012. Graphic Communications reports 60 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $31,068. Human Computer Interaction reports 22 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $149,149.
