How to Support Your Admitted Student
Congrats! Your student has just been admitted to California College of the Arts (CCA), the cutting-edge art and design college in San Francisco. These steps will help you guide your student on their pathway to college. We’re excited to welcome them (and you) to the CCA community!
Choose CCA
A college that opens up a world of possibilities
Connecting creatives to careers
At California College of the Arts (CCA), we believe creativity is a vital skill—with world-changing results. Our rigorous curriculum and industry-leading faculty will challenge your student intellectually and inspire them to push beyond their comfort zone. Additionally, they’ll be surrounded by a community that’s supporting them every step of the way as they build the skills and networks to achieve their creative vision.
Integrating community and practice
Most CCA undergraduate programs weave internships into the learning experience, benefitting from our location in San Francisco’s cultural and innovation hub.
Our network of industry partnerships with tech companies, nonprofits, arts organizations, and architecture and design firms gives students opportunities to learn from the experts at companies like Google or Intel in specially sponsored collaborative studios. These real-world experiences deepen students’ skills and enhance their career readiness, contributing to the fact that 87 percent of undergraduate alums are employed within a year or more after graduating.
CCA graduates are transforming their industries and communities. They carry with them an education that hones their craft and problem-solving skills and prepares them for lifelong creative work and careers that center community engagement, sustainability, and social justice—all highly valued in our innovation economy.
A brand-new experience awaits
We’re thrilled to welcome students to our expanded campus, now open and ready to support their creative journeys. With an additional 82,305 square feet of dynamic maker spaces, classrooms, studios, and galleries in the heart of San Francisco, they’ll have endless opportunities to explore and refine their craft.
This sustainably designed expansion was created with your student in mind. With an inviting indoor-outdoor feel, green spaces, and adaptable makerspaces, students can carry their imaginations across disciplines and mediums. Conveniently located just across the street from student housing, the expanded campus makes it easier than ever to dive into their college experience.
Financial Aid
Steps your student can take to be eligible for financial aid
All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on their portfolio and academic achievements when they apply to CCA. U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens may also qualify for federal, state, or need-based institutional aid by submitting either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), depending on their citizenship status. We encourage all eligible applicants to complete one of these two forms. If additional aid is awarded, the student’s financial aid offer letter will be updated accordingly.
U.S. citizens
U.S. citizens will need to complete the FAFSA and include CCA's federal school code 001127. Dependent students will need a parent whose information is reported on the FAFSA form to create their own FSA ID as well so that they may sign their student's application electronically.
Undocumented students
Undocumented students, Dreamers, and DACA recipients residing in California should plan to complete the CADAA instead of a FAFSA form.
Undocumented students, Dreamers, and DACA recipients residing outside of California can apply for need-based aid with an institutional form from CCA that does not require a social security number. This form will be provided by your admissions counselor after you apply to CCA.
California residents
The deadline to submit the FAFSA or CADAA for Cal Grant eligibility is March 3, 2025. California residents—both U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens—seeking federal and state aid should complete either the FAFSA or CADAA by this date.
International students
International students are not eligible for federal and state financial aid, and do not need to fill out the forms mentioned above. Explore additional financial aid information and resources for international students.
Counselor Check-In
Students get one-on-one time with admissions experts
Schedule an appointment
Advise your student to make an appointment with an admissions counselor. Our counselors are excited to meet and answer any questions your student may have. In virtual one-on-one sessions, students will get the answers they need to help them prepare to enroll. You’re welcome to join!
Events
Join us for upcoming admissions events
Save the date for Admitted Student Day on April 5, 2025
Join us on the newly expanded CCA campus in San Francisco to celebrate your student's admission, meet faculty and current students, see inside our studios and student housing, and learn about all the amazing resources and opportunities we offer our students.
Stay tuned for details on additional local and virtual admitted student events coming in early 2025!
Campus Tours
Visit CCA
Gardens and walkways allow for students and guests to enjoy the open air.
Attend a campus tour—in person or online
Get the vibe of our San Francisco creative community and join your student on a campus tour or go on a virtual one.
San Francisco campus tour
Experience CCA firsthand on a student-led tour. You’ll get to explore our newly expanded San Francisco campus, complete with more than 82,000 square feet of additional space for state-of-the-art amenities, studios, and facilities. Each in-person tour includes a guided look inside student housing, along with an information session led by admissions staff to answer any questions you may have. Be sure to register in advance—we’re currently unable to accommodate walk-in guests or unaccompanied visitors.
Virtual Tour
Explore CCA’s creative campus from wherever you are. Preview shops and studios, and hear stories from students and faculty, all from the convenience of your own home or while you’re on the go.
Enrollment Deposit
Remind your student of this very important deadline
Fall 2025 students must declare their intent to enroll
Your student’s journey at CCA starts with their intent to enroll. In order to accept their offer of admission, they should submit a $300 deposit by May 1 or within two weeks of receiving their offer of admission, whichever is later. The deposit covers students’ registration fees and enrollment and secures their spot as a student.
If your student is ready, encourage them to sign in to their applicant page so they can submit their intent to enroll.
Keep in Touch
Sign up for reminders
Stay tuned for important updates
We will email students with important information, reminders, and updates. If you’d like to get this information via text message, please share your info below: