Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Laguna College of Art and Design
Set between canyon and coast, Laguna College of Art and Design is known for a studio-first education that blends strong foundations with contemporary practice. Students dig into drawing, painting, animation, illustration, and design with a steady rhythm of critiques. Light-filled studios, digital labs, galleries, a focused library, and a learning center support the work, while advising, tutoring, and wellness services keep folks steady when projects stack up.
Campus life leans creative and close-knit. You'll find clubs, visiting-artist talks, pop-up shows, and plenty of outdoor sketching when the light turns perfect. The culture prizes craft, thoughtful feedback, and professional habits. Career prep shows up in portfolio development, industry visits, and internships tied to the Southern California creative scene. Laguna Beach adds daily inspiration with galleries, festivals, and oceanfront trails. And the year-end exhibitions and plein-air traditions feel like this place in a nutshell.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) 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 (10)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0409
Graphic Design.
(Assoc, Cert2y+)
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.
(Assoc, 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%) |
50.0411
Game and Interactive Media Design.
(Assoc, Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $143,290 | +$48,820 (+51.7%) |
| 27-1014 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | $110,110 | $167,850 | +$57,740 (+52.4%) |
50.0702
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
(Assoc, 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%) |
Media Tech (2)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0304
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.
(Assoc, 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%) |
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 Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD)
How much does it cost to attend Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD)?
The annual tuition at Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) is $35,650 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $59,573 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $18,071 (on) / $20,232 (off) and books and supplies $2,324.
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 Laguna College of Art and Design offer?
Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) offers 15 academic programs across 2 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (≥2 yrs), Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (10 programs)
- Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (2 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 Laguna College of Art and Design?
Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) has an 77.6% acceptance rate and a 64.9% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 268
- Students admitted: 208
- Students enrolled: 135
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 Laguna College of Art and Design?
Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) provides financial aid to 16% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $11,863 and average loans of $8,521.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,143
- State/Local grants: $8,716
- Institutional grants: $9,696
- Federal loans: $5,416
The university supports 115 students with grants and 55 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 Laguna College of Art and Design graduates?
Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) graduates earn a median salary of $31,987 after 6 years and $47,867 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $23,848 (25th percentile) to $75,920 (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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