Admissions
Our interdisciplinary community connects creativity to issues and industry. It's why we’re one of the world’s top-ranking art and design colleges.
Admissions at a glance
Applying to art school admissions at CCA is easy. Basic application requirements include the following materials:
- An online application and nonrefundable application fee of $70
- Personal essay
- High school and/or university transcripts
- Official transcripts are required for transfer students
- Letter of recommendation
- Portfolio (log in to SlideRoom)
- Proof of English proficiency (international applicants only)
CCA does not require SAT or ACT as part of the application review process.
Some applicants will need to submit additional materials with their application, such as language test scores, additional letters of recommendation, or more work samples for their portfolio. See individual requirements by applicant status below. First-year and transfer students can apply to college using the Common Application.
Apply based on your applicant status
Requirements vary based on the type of student you’ll be when you enter CCA. The information you provide helps us get the best picture possible of where you’d fit in, what you’re hoping to do here, and why you’ll thrive in our rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum. Select a link below to learn more.
Applicants have specific dates for admission and financial aid deadlines. If you have questions at any point in the application process, reach out to an Admissions team member for help. You’ll find our contact information and admissions deadlines below.
Deadlines
Submit your application on time to start making art that matters at CCA. Each deadline is determined by applicant status. Here are key due dates for submitting your admissions and scholarship applications. Priority applicants receive additional consideration.
Undergraduates: Fall semester
Undergraduates: Spring semester
Graduate students
Attend an admissions event
Learn what life is like as a CCA student, attend a virtual or in-person admissions event. We offer faculty-led informational sessions about our programs, as well as workshops that can help you prepare to apply to CCA.
Take a campus tour
Explore where all the making happens. CCA offers weekly in-person tours of our campus in San Francisco, including its state-of-the-art studios and new residence halls, led by student ambassadors. Advance registration is required to participate.
If you are not able to travel to San Francisco, explore our virtual tour as an alternative. You’ll view inside studios and graduate spaces located beyond our San Francisco campus.
More ways to get to know CCA
- Meet us at a National Portfolio Day event at CCA or near you
- Discover what’s happening today, tomorrow, and next month at CCA
- Explore student life at CCA
The value of a CCA education
Our graduates become creative leaders in their fields who make powerful contributions to society. So when they’re students, we offer many financial aid resources, including merit and institutional scholarships, and staff support to help maximize every aid opportunity. View 2025–2026 estimated total cost of attendance.
Net price calculator
The net price calculator estimates what you can expect to pay for college with financial aid. By answering a few simple questions, you can get an estimate based on your eligibility for federal and state grants, as well as institutional merit and need-based aid at CCA. These calculations are based on CCA’s current financial aid offer estimates and the cost of attendance. Select your enrollment status below to get an estimate.
First-Year students: Estimate your financial aid options
Transfer students: Calculate average tuition coverage
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of CCA’s net price calculators, please know the result is an estimate only; it does not represent a final determination or actual offer of financial assistance.
Founders Hall
A community of artist-citizens
Our residence halls offer you a chance to live and grow within a community of artist-citizens at the center of the Bay Area’s best art and design neighborhoods. CCA’s Housing, Dining, and Residential Education's new residence halls and dining facility foster student connections through open design and proximity to campus. Our mission is to provide an inclusive, welcoming living environment for all types of students.
Over 78% of students receive support
Every year, CCA awards more than $29 million in college-funded scholarships and over $63 million in combined scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study to help you achieve your academic goals. To cover additional expenses, we can also help you find other funding, such as work-study, internships, and other resources.
Career services for what’s next
From mock interviews to resume prep to training, our comprehensive career service offerings help create a sustainable career pathway from first year forward.
Job and internship board
The CCA Handshake job board aggregates listings from more than 12,000 employers. Students and alumni can use the site to apply for opportunities, RSVP to events, and connect to career-movers and makers.
Career events and workshops
Attend professional meetups, training, and networking opportunities the Professional Engagement and External Partnerships team hosts all year long. Students and alumni are always welcome. Register for all programs and events through Handshake.
Art and design career opportunities
Schedule an appointment with a counselor
If your region isn’t listed, please email [email protected] to be connected with your counselor. International students should email [email protected] and transfer students should email [email protected].
Connect with us on WeChat
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WhatsApp: +1 415-548-9425
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