Art Center College of Design (ArtCenter) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Art Center College of Design
On a hillside above Pasadena, studios glow late at night. ArtCenter is known for rigorous, portfolio-driven study across visual communication, product and transportation design, entertainment and film, photography, and interaction fields. Light filled shops, fabrication labs, photo stages, edit suites, and galleries support the work, along with advising, counseling, tutoring, and a responsive career center. Critiques are frank, collaborative, and tied to craft and ideas.
Student life leans studio-centric, not all nighters only. Clubs, exhibitions, visiting artists, and quick escapes to trails or Old Pasadena keep things grounded. The vibe is professional yet supportive, with review days that attract industry and can lead to internships. Pasadena offers museums, good coffee, and quick reach to the wider Los Angeles creative scene. The college has a reputation for strong ties to studios and agencies, and alumni like Syd Mead, Michael Bay, and Zack Snyder show where that path can lead.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Art Center College of Design (ArtCenter) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in California. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Arts (9)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0402
Commercial and Advertising Art.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $100,010 | +$20,520 (+25.8%) |
| 27-1021 | Commercial and Industrial Designers | $88,000 | $82,500 | -$5,500 (-6.3%) |
| 27-1024 | Graphic Designers | $68,610 | $65,070 | -$3,540 (-5.2%) |
50.0409
Graphic Design.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15-1255 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | $111,450 | $91,000 | -$20,450 (-18.3%) |
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $133,540 | +$31,300 (+30.6%) |
| 27-1011 | Art Directors | $128,100 | $122,670 | -$5,430 (-4.2%) |
| 27-1014 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | $110,110 | $167,850 | +$57,740 (+52.4%) |
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $100,010 | +$20,520 (+25.8%) |
| 27-1024 | Graphic Designers | $68,610 | $65,070 | -$3,540 (-5.2%) |
50.0410
Illustration.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $133,540 | +$31,300 (+30.6%) |
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $100,010 | +$20,520 (+25.8%) |
| 27-1027 | Set and Exhibit Designers | $78,450 | $104,970 | +$26,520 (+33.8%) |
| 27-1029 | Designers, All Other | $78,000 | $107,060 | +$29,060 (+37.3%) |
50.0602
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $133,540 | +$31,300 (+30.6%) |
| 27-2012 | Producers and Directors | $114,280 | $71,180 | -$43,100 (-37.7%) |
| 27-4031 | Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film | $79,870 | $85,890 | +$6,020 (+7.5%) |
| 27-4032 | Film and Video Editors | $83,530 | $99,170 | +$15,640 (+18.7%) |
50.0605
Photography.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $133,540 | +$31,300 (+30.6%) |
| 27-4021 | Photographers | $55,650 | $60,330 | +$4,680 (+8.4%) |
50.0702
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $133,540 | +$31,300 (+30.6%) |
| 27-1013 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $76,450 | $115,750 | +$39,300 (+51.4%) |
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $100,010 | +$20,520 (+25.8%) |
Eng. Technologies (4)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
15.0803
Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-3013 | Mechanical Drafters | $74,040 | $78,870 | +$4,830 (+6.5%) |
| 17-3027 | Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $72,450 | $88,350 | +$15,900 (+21.9%) |
| 49-3023 | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $55,260 | $61,120 | +$5,860 (+10.6%) |
15.1599
Engineering-Related Fields, Other.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99-9999 | NO MATCH | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Media Tech (1)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0304
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27-1014 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | $110,110 | $167,850 | +$57,740 (+52.4%) |
Computer & IT (2)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0899
Computer Software and Media Applications, Other.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99-9999 | NO MATCH | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Architecture (2)
Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services
04.0902
Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $175,710 | $164,680 | -$11,030 (-6.3%) |
| 17-3011 | Architectural and Civil Drafters | $68,860 | $65,910 | -$2,950 (-4.3%) |
| 25-1031 | Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | $110,360 | $135,800 | +$25,440 (+23.1%) |
Business (1)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.9999
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99-9999 | NO MATCH | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Art Center College of Design (ArtCenter)
How much does it cost to attend Art Center College of Design (ArtCenter)?
The annual tuition at Art Center College of Design (ArtCenter) is $51,640 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $55,640 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $17,272 (off-campus) and books and supplies $4,000.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Art Center College of Design offer?
Art Center College of Design (ArtCenter) offers 21 academic programs across 6 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (9 programs)
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (4 programs)
- Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services (2 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (2 programs)
- Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Art Center College of Design?
Art Center College of Design (ArtCenter) has an 75% acceptance rate and a 32.1% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 1,339
- Students admitted: 1,004
- Students enrolled: 322
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Art Center College of Design?
Art Center College of Design (ArtCenter) provides financial aid to 13% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $18,219 and average loans of $8,260.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,926
- State/Local grants: $9,131
- Institutional grants: $14,716
- Federal loans: $5,326
The university supports 182 students with grants and 96 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Art Center College of Design graduates?
Art Center College of Design (ArtCenter) graduates earn a median salary of $53,562 after 6 years and $71,958 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $28,421 (25th percentile) to $125,307 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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