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ArtCenter College of Design
N/A(0)
VerifiedPrivate (Not for Profit)Estd. 1930
Founded
1930
Type
Private (Not for Profit)
University Guide
About ArtCenter College of Design
Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.
ArtCenter College of Design is a private college in Pasadena, California, U.S. It is a leader of art and design education globally and the first design school to get the United Nations’ Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status. The College has a total of 2,335 students. International students from more than 40 countries are also a part of the college’s student body.
The ArtCenter College of Design is accredited by the “National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)” and by the “WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).” The college offers 11 undergraduate and 7 graduate degree programs in a variety of disciplines related to art and design. Along with highly-ranked programs, the college serves students in the Greater Los Angeles region through its extension programs. ArtCenter ranks #3 in Graphic Design and #15 in Best Fine Arts in the U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools”. Having a freshman retention rate of 81%, ArtCenter College of Design is one of the most popular destinations to study Design in the USA.
ArtCenter College of Design Rankings
- QS World University Rankings by Subject ranks the college 12th in Art and Design with an overall score of 81.4.
- The top rankings of the Art Center College of Design in Niche Best Colleges is as follows:
- ##22 of 405 in Best Colleges for Design in America
- #33 of 734 in Best Colleges for Art in America
- #35 of 258 in Best Colleges for Film and Photography in America
Highlights
| College Type | Private |
| Year of Establishment | 1930 |
| Campus Setting | Suburban |
| Location | Pasadena, California, United States |
| Total Enrollment (Fall) | 2,335 |
| Official Website | https://www.artcenter.edu/ |
| Cost of Attendance (without aids) | 67,450 USD |
| Endowment | 99.9 million USD |
| Acceptance Rate | UG: 59% PG: 41% |
| Percentage of International Students | 40% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 8:1 |
| English Proficiency Scores | IELTS, TOEFL or PTE |
| Graduate Employment Percentage | 83% (Bachelors) and 63% (Masters) |
ArtCenter College of Design Campus
ArtCenter College of Design has two campuses in Pasadena, the Hillside Campus in the San Rafael Hills, and the South Campus in Downtown Pasadena. A complimentary shuttle service maintained by the college ensures ease of travel between the two campuses for the students.
- The Hillside Campus is located within an area of 165 acres in the San Rafael Hills above Pasadena, whose main building is designed in a modern style and is designated as a local historic monument by the City of Pasadena.
- In the Pasadena campus, students have access to classrooms, individual studios, shared exhibition spaces, and a sculpture yard. It also houses the award-winning supersonic wind tunnel and the HMCT Center for Typography, the Archetype Press and the South Campus Gallery.
- ArtCenter College of Design supports satellite locations for hosting local art exhibitions, panels, and workshops like the ArtCenter DTLA, the Petersen Automotive Museum in Downtown Los Angeles, and the ArtCenter Studio in Berlin.
ArtCenter College of Design Residences
ArtCenter does not currently provide any on-campus housing facilities to its students. However, students are provided with resources and support through The Center for the Student Experience (CSE) for assisting students with their living arrangements throughout Pasadena and Los Angeles.
- Students can apply at Off-Campus Housing Search for information on a variety of living arrangements such as roommate searches, costs of apartments and houses for rent, utilities, amenities, and proprietor contact information for each listing.
- The college also collaborates with Universal Student Housing Services, which has affordable housing options for international students living in the U.S, in the homes of approved local families and individuals.
ArtCenter College of Design Programs
- ArtCenter College of Design offers 11 Undergraduate degrees programs in Advertising, Entertainment Design, Environmental Design, Film, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interaction Design, Photography & Imaging, Product Design, and Transportation Design.
- Graduate degrees are offered through seven programs in Art, Environmental Design, Film, Graphic Design, Transportation Systems & Design, Industrial Design, and Media Design Practices.
- The college offers one Graduate and six Undergraduate minor degree programs in Social Innovation through the Designmatters Program.
ArtCenter College of Design Application Process
The steps to be followed for admission to Art Center College of Design are discussed below:
Application Portal: UG - Online Application; PG - Online Application
Application Fee: 50 USD (U.S. citizens) and 70 USD (non-U.S. citizens)
Application Deadlines: The College follows a rolling admission basis and admits first-come-first-serve basis. The priority deadlines include:
| Session | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall term | February 15 |
| Spring term | October 1 |
| Summer term | January 15 |
| For entertainment design only (Fall) | February 1 |
| For entertainment design only (Spring) | October 1 |
- Student Class Profile –
- Average SAT – 600, Average SAT Math – 652
- Average GPA – 3.39
- Percentage of female students – 56%
- Percentage of international students – 40%
- Acceptance Rate – 59% (undergraduates) and 41% (graduates)
- Retention Rate – 81%, Graduation Rate – 69%
- General Admission Requirements:
- Completed Online Application Form
- Official Academic Transcripts
- English Language Proficiency Test scores
- Passport and Visa to study in the U.S
- Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements:
The minimum scores of some of the English language tests required for admission are presented in the table below,
| Tests | Minimum Score for Undergraduates | Minimum Score for Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL | 80 | 100 |
| IELTS | 6.5 overall | 7.0 overall (with 6.0 in each component) |
| PTE | 51 (with 51 in all components) | 58 (with 51 in all components) |
ArtCenter College of Design Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance for international students for at ArtCenter College of Design for each semester, which includes tuition & fees, estimates on average amounts for room and board, books and supplies, transportation, loan fees associated with federal loans, and other essential expenses is tabled below:
| Expenses | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | 22,888 USD (per term) | 24,190 USD (per term) |
| Room and Board | 6,765 USD | 6,765 USD |
| Books and Supplies | 2,000 USD | 2,000 USD |
| Transportation | 1,397 USD | 1,397 USD |
| Personal Expenses | 1,849 USD | 1,849 USD |
| Loan Fees | 169 USD | 169 USD |
| Access Fee | 355 USD | 355 USD |
| Total Fees (per semester) | 35,068 USD | 36,370 USD |
ArtCenter College of Design Financial Aid
- ArtCenter College of Design awards $22 million of financial aid in the form of scholarships and awards to more than 60% of the students every year.
- Most of the financial aid resources by ArtCenter College of Design are only for US citizens. Thus, there is a limited number of scholarships available for international students studying in the U.S.
- However, international students can approach other external foundations and corporations for funding. They do not require a FAFSA application to apply for financial aids.
- Some of the External Scholarship Resources for International Students are:
- The American-Scandinavian Foundation
- Asian Cultural Council
- Fastweb Scholarship Search
- The Hellenic Times Scholarship
- Students can contact the Financial Aid Office for any assistance at 626 396-2215 or email to [email protected].
ArtCenter College of Design Alumni
- With more than 20,000 alumni, ArtCenter College of Design has a very diverse and well-developed alumni network across the world.
- Alumni members are provided with assorted benefits like special campus facilities, career support, workshops, premium offers, and discounts, etc.
- The Alumni Association helps recognize the talent of its wonderful members by presenting them with awards for their achievements and influential services in the community.
- Some of the notable alumni of ArtCenter College of Design are:
- Michael Bay - Film Director & Producer
- Dilip Chhabria - Car Designer & the Founder of DC Design.
- Zack Snyder - Film Director & Producer
- Drew Struzan - Illustrator & Movie Poster Designer
ArtCenter College of Design Placement
- ArtCenter’s Class of 2018 had a job placement rate of 83% and 63% for the Undergraduate and Graduate students respectively.
- ArtCenter Connect, the online career portal, provides students with access to the job board, enabled with job search sites and websites for residencies, professional organizations, and access to GoinGlobal for international job and internship opportunities.
- Alumni and graduates from ArtCenter College of Design draw an average starting salary of 61,100 USD after job placements.
FAQs
Ques. What is the Art Center College of Design known for?
Ans. Art Center College of Design is known as a leader in art and design education.
Ques. What is the acceptance rate of Art Center College of Design?
Ans. The acceptance rate of Art Center College of Design for undergraduates is 59% and for graduates is 41%.
Ques. Does Art Center College of Design require letters of recommendation?
Ans. Some graduate departments require a letter of recommendation for admission.
Ques. Are SAT/ ACT scores required for admission to Art Center College of Design?
Ans. SAT or ACT scores are optional for admission to Art Center College of Design starting from Spring.
Ques. Does the Art Center College of Design have dorms?
Ans. Art Center College of Design currently does not have any dormitories for students.
Ques. What is the total enrollment at Art Center College of Design?
Ans. Art Center College of Design has a total of 2,335 students enrolled.
Ques. What is the application fee of the College?
Ans. The application fee for international students is 70 USD.
Ques. What is the tuition for Arts Center College of Design?
Ans. The tuition for undergraduates attending Arts Center College of Design is 22,888 USD and for graduate students is 24,190 USD.
Ques. What is the graduation rate of Art Center College of Design?
Ans. The overall graduation rate of Art Center College of Design is 69%.
Ques. What is the student retention rate of Art Center College of Design?
Ans. The student retention rate of full-time students at Art Center College of Design is 81%.
Courses & Fees
Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way
Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.
Courses
10
Fee from
₹49,70,442.18
Exams
IELTS · TOEFL
Showing 5 of 9 bachelors
Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 49.7 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 53,086 /Yr
Fee trendTuition progression
Admission Guide
Admission Process
ArtCenter College of Design offers admission to around 2,250 students annually. For the fall semester in 2018, total 2008 undergraduate and 241 graduate students were enrolled. With an acceptance rate of 70 %, the college offers undergraduate, graduate and dual degree programs. The total student population comprises 38% international students from 40 countries.
The college offers 11 undergraduate and 7 graduate degree programs. Some of the popular areas of study offered by this reputed institute of the US Education System are advertising, entertainment design, environmental design, film, fine arts, graphic design, product design, transportation design, industrial design, photography and imaging, interaction design.
Following points must be considered before seeking admission to the ArtCenter College of Design:
- Undergraduate students can apply in the fall, spring, and summer semester by submitting a completed application. Graduate applications are only accepted in the fall only.
- The College follows a rolling admission policy.
- Students can either submit the application online or can directly mail it to the college's admission office.
- International students are always advised to apply at least 2 months prior to the commencement of the academic year.
- The admission review process is primarily based on the applicant's portfolio.
- The college provides financial aid to international students in the form of grants and scholarships.
- 70% of the students who indicated financial need were provided aid in the year 2018.
- Each student received an average scholarship of 5943 USD.
- After successfully completing the application form, the applicant must keep track of the application status.
- In view of the Covid-19 situation all the campus events and activities on both campuses have been cancelled until further notice.
- Spring classes are now being conducted in remote format and distance learning models.
Highlights
| Application portal | Online and offline |
| Application fee | 70 USD |
| Acceptance rate | 70% |
| Retention rate (fall 2017) | 83% |
| Graduation rate (fall 2012) | 72% |
| Academic calendar | Semester-based |
| Intake season for undergraduates | Fall, spring, summer |
| Intake season for graduates | Fall |
| SAT/ ACT scores | Recommended |
| Average SAT Verbal/ Math | 598/ 618 |
| Admission deadlines | Rolling |
| Financial aids | Grants and scholarships |
Acceptance rate
Art Center College of Design is a selective College and had acceptance rate of 59% for under graduation and 41% for post-graduation in fall. In the same year 40% students that were accepted in the college were international student.
Application deadlines
International applicants are always advised to apply at least 2 months prior to the commencement of various classes. ArtCenter College of Design admits students on a rolling basis. But the college has provided some priority deadlines for potential applicants. These deadlines are mentioned below:
Undergraduate
| Semester | Priority dates |
|---|---|
| Fall | February 15 |
| Spring | October 1 |
| Summer | January 15 |
Graduate
| Semester | Priority dates |
|---|---|
| Fall | January 15 |
International Student Admissions
Application Portal: Applicants can either submit the application online or can directly mail it to the college's admission office.
Application Fee: 70 USD
Basic Admission Requirements:
- A completed application.
- Transcripts of high school and secondary education along with the transcripts of any other college or university attended.
- SAT/ACT score is recommended.
- Applicants with a native language other than English are required to provide evidence for English proficiency.
- Letters of recommendation to study in US
- A portfolio
- A professional resume
- Statement of purpose for US,
- An applicant must provide a financial statement including the bank statement verifying resources to pay for a total one year expense in the United States.
English Proficiency Test Scores
For applicants with a native language other than English, it is mandatory to provide evidence for English proficiency. ArtCenter College of Design accepts various test scores as evidence for English proficiency. The minimum requirements of these test scores are given below:
Visa Process for International Students
- Applicants who seek an international degree in the U.S. will be issued an F-1 student visa. The first step is applying to ArtCenter College of Design.
- Applicants for a visa to study in the U.S. are required to apply at the U.S. embassy at their place of permanent residence.
- Students must apply for a visa as early as possible. This provides ample time for visa processing.
- The following documents are required for applying for a student visa.
- Passport
- Financial support document
- I-20 form
- Once done with all the formalities, schedule and attend the visa interview.
Additional information for international student
- Application fees can be waivered, for such benefit applicants must provide a letter from their teacher or counselor.
- If the official transcription of the applicant is in any other language than English then they will have to provide a transcription in original form as well as in translated forms. Documents must be translated in English a translating agency, official translator or World Education Services (WES).
- SAT/ACT is optional since spring, but if the applicant has given the test and has a scorecard then they can submit it with their application.
- Portfolio is considered most important aspect in the application. Applicants will have to submit a video, audio or essay displaying their talent. Every programme requires a different type of portfolio. Make sure you check major portfolio requirements.
ArtCenter College of Design Undergraduate Admissions
The College offers 11 undergraduate degrees related to advertising, film, graphic designing, photography and imaging etc. Students may or may not submit SAT/ ACT scores. The portfolio submitted by applicants is the most important document required for admission.
Where to apply: Applicants can either submit the application online or can directly mail it to the college's admission office.
Application fee: 70 USD
Admission requirements:
- A completed application.
- Official transcripts of all secondary and post-secondary education. Average high school GPA = 3.31
- SAT/ACT scores are recommended.
- Proof of English proficiency through scores of standardized exams required to study in the U.S.
- Portfolio requirements differ from major to major.
- Applicants are required to submit a video or audio essay* as well.
*Portfolio video/audio essay required for admission must include answers to some questions related to one of the student's pieces of work. It must not exceed 2 minutes duration and should be uploaded to Slideroom with the rest of the portfolio. These questions are as follows:
- Why did you choose to create this piece of work?
- How did you go about with the making of the piece?
- What aspects of the design satisfied your intentions?
- What, if anything, would you change about the piece?
ArtCenter College of Design Graduate Admissions
While academic requirements vary from course to course, there are some specific academic requirements for some graduate programs offered by ArtCenter College of Design for aspirants seeking to study in the USA. Students can submit applications for the fall semester only. Applicants are expected to demonstrate an average GPA of 3.25 in prior college education. Details of admission requirements for some programs offered by the College are mentioned below:
| Requirements | Graduate film | Graduate graphic design | Industrial design | MFA in Art | Graduate environmental science |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 70 USD | 70 USD | 70 USD | 70 USD | 70 USD |
| Official transcripts | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Portfolio | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Professional resume | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Personal statement/Personal essay | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| Letter of recommendation | Not required | Required | Not required | Required | Not required |
The admission at ArtCenter College of Design is selective with an acceptance rate of 70%. The College puts efforts at imparting exceptional academic curriculum and creative knowledge to the students. The most important among all the application material submitted is the portfolio. Thus it must be altered according to the need of the program applied for.
Applicants are always recommended to submit their applications 3 months prior to the course start date. It may take up to 3 to 4 weeks for the successful processing of application and arrival of decision. Students are notified about the admission decision via post or email.
FAQs
Ques. As an international student, how can I apply to ArtCenter College of Design?
Ans. An international student can easily apply to ArtCenter College of Design by visiting the official website. You can either submit the application online or can directly mail it to the college's admission office.
Ques. What are the various test scores accepted by ArtCenter College of Design as English proficiency proof?
Ans. ArtCenter College of Design accepts TOEFL, IELTS and Duo lingo English test scores as a proof for English proficiency.
Ques. Is a portfolio must for admission in ArtCenter College of Design?
Ans. Yes, a portfolio is must for admission in ArtCenter College of Design. The admission review process is mostly based on the applicant's portfolio.
Ques. When can I expect the final decision regarding my admission in ArtCenter College of Design?
Ans. After applying to ArtCenter College of Design, it may take up to 3-4 weeks for the successful processing of application and arrival of decision. Students are notified about the admission decision via post or email.
Ques. Are SAT/ ACT scores required for applying to the ArtCenter College of Design?
Ans. It is not mandatory for applicants to submit SAT/ ACT scores for admission to the ArtCenter College of Design. However, it is recommended to submit these scores.
Ques. What is the acceptance rate of Art Center College of Design?
Ans. The acceptance rate of Art Center College of Design is around 59% for under graduation and 41% for post-graduation.
Ques. What are the application fees of Art Center College of Design?
Ans. Application fees of Art Center College of Design are $50 for U.S citizens and permanent residents and $70 for international students.
Ques. Can an international applicant ask for an application fee waiver?
Ans. It will depend on the applicant. For such request, you will have to send a letter for waiver through your school counselor.
Ques. If I cancel my application will I get refundable?
Ans. No application fees are non-refundable.
Ques. Which English proficiency test is accepted by Art Center College of Design?
Ans. Art Center College of Design accepts TOEFL or IELTS test scores as proof of English proficiency. Due to pandemic, they are also accepting Duolingo English test, temporarily.
Ques. Is it compulsory to submit SAT/ACT score?
Ans. No, SAT/ACT score are optional since spring but if you have given the exam then you can submit the scores.
Ques. Can one portfolio used for another major admission?
Ans. No, you can only apply to one major with one portfolio.
Ques. Is their financial support available for international students?
Ans. Yes, there are financial aid available for international student.
Ques. Is portfolio compulsory for Art Center College of Design?
Ans. Yes, portfolio is most important aspect of your entire application. It will help to showcase your talent.
Ques. How long does it take to receive a decision?
Ans. Decision of acceptance may take time, as it depends on the application, so it may take around 3 to 4 weeks to make decision.
Placements & Recruiters
ArtCenter College of Design Placement Details
ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.
Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Pasadena, California, United States.
Recruiters
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Salary Metrics
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Placement Metric
Average Package
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Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.
Placement information is currently limited.
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Rankings over the years
Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.
2017
Highlights
2017
2017
- Design: #10 in country
- Top source: QS
- 1 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Design
- 1 ranking record in 2017
2018
Highlights
2018
2018
- Design: #8 in country
- Top source: QS
- 1 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Design
- 1 ranking record in 2018
2019
Highlights
2019
2019
- Design: #6 in country
- Top source: QS
- 1 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Design
- 1 ranking record in 2019
2020
Highlights
2020
2020
- Design: #5 in country
- Top source: QS
- 1 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Design
- 1 ranking record in 2020
2024
Highlights
2024
2024
- Design: #6 in country
- Top source: QS
- 2 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Arts, Design
- 1 ranking record in 2024