2024 Best Colleges for Art in California

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,283 reviews

Freshman: I honestly really like it here! It was my dream school and genuinely there are so many opportunities that you have access to. That said, its heat you make of it. No one will force you or push you to apply for things or cold email people. You just need to have the personal drive. Also, I love the area, its quiet, so if you're into big massive part vibes, it may not be the place for you. I love how they have options for weekends for people who don't party. Very accommodating!... Read 1,283 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  4,041 reviews

Freshman: I loved campus life and the academics are amazing! I didn’t get out as much so I can’t tell you much about party life or life outside of the university. However, I didn’t think I needed to because there is so much to do on campus! So much food and places for you to go to, I love the campus so much. Go to USC you won’t regret it. Also, the connections you will make, even in your first year, are amazing, trust me!... Read 4,041 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  5,588 reviews

Alum: As with any college, the experience is what you make of it. UCLA just presents a lot of diversity in terms of the experiences that you can have. You can get your party fix in on Thursdays at frat row, kickbacks through cultural or professional organizations, or even a warehouse rave in the Arts District. Academically, there are plenty of opportunities for research and internships. It can be difficult to get into certain classes until you are in your 3rd or 4th year, though. Living on campus is really helpful for finding friends and the food is definitely a blow-out compared to other schools I've visited. Only downside is that housing in general is expensive due to the area, so you'll likely be sharing a room and living on a budget!... Read 5,588 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Valencia, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  289 reviews

Freshman: Enrollment has been great, admissions office has been super helpful. Amazing experience so far! The courses are condensed and they offer certifications!... Read 289 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $53,916

• SAT range —

• Pasadena, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  343 reviews

Sophomore: Even before starting my semester, I asked a bunch of upper term students my many questions and a lot of them are very kind and are willing to help. I'm still inspired from the amount of help they provided me that I'm doing the same for a couple of students that just got into the school! Even though the environment of the school is competitive and feels like a 'a bootcamp' but with art, the community at the school is what I think shines through. Whether it be students or the teachers, we all want to see each other grow and improve, even if we are somewhat competing with each other. Every week students are thrown a bunch of projects whether we have a long time or short amount of time, working on them together on a weekend in one of the school classroom's with a bunch of friends doing the same thing at 11:00 PM, were great memories that I look back to this day.... Read 343 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $50,420

• SAT range —

• Berkeley, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  4,483 reviews

Sophomore: My first year at Cal was eyeopening. For the first time I was surrounded by fellow students who genuinely enjoyed learning biological sciences for the knowledge rather than for a letter grade. These same peers pushed me every single day through their hardened work ethics, collaborative mindsets and diverse viewpoints which collectively shaped me into a different person in just a span of 9 months. This first year taught me to advocate for myself in taking charge of the education I want to receive and controlling what I want to get out of this degree. I became proactive in attending healthcare seminars which hosted outside speakers, reaching out to industry professionals in medicine to chat and taking initiative in student run clubs to get the most out of all of the resources available on our Campus. Finally one of the most rewarding experiences was learning from the Senior class students who are going into healthcare related professions and asking them questions about their time at Cal.... Read 4,483 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $17,652

• SAT range 1310-1530

• Laguna Beach, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  216 reviews

Freshman: I will say that as a Game Art major this is exactly where I want to be. There is no other program in the nation that gets you up close and personal with current industry professionals like the one here at LCAD. It's insane to say but as a freshman I am confident in thinking I've met with more pros and AAA recruiters than most seniors at competing universities because of specialized courses here at LCAD. If you're a prospective freshman hoping to major in game developmental studies, PLEASE consider this school if you have the funds/aid to do so! However, this doesn't mean that the school is perfect. There is no cafeteria (so no meal plans), and the student housing is absolutely abysmal. You would definitely need some major aid if you don't come from an insanely rich family (which most students are), and sometimes the environment can be a little hostile towards students from low-income families- unfortunately I think that's normal for So Cal.... Read 216 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $40,669

• SAT range —

• La Jolla, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  3,989 reviews

Alum: UC San Diego provides a wonderful environment to foster growth and fun in your undergrad experience. Students and faculty are friendly, caring, and eager to help make your time there as positive as can be. While the party scene isn't exactly what the school is known for, San Diego is a very fun, hip, and young area that you can and should explore to get out those college partying urges! The academics are outstanding and offer great success post-graduation. The campus is gorgeous and offers fun events throughout the week.... Read 3,989 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 34%

• Net price $15,632

• SAT range —

• Long Beach, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  4,888 reviews

Alum: I loved my experience at CSULB. I did get wait listed from the dorms during my freshman year, so I would like to see some more housing options for freshmen who aren't local to the area. However, the school did add another dorm building this last year, so that is nice to see that they are addressing the issue. I joined Greek life for 2 years and met some life long friends who are kind and down-to-earth. I have great relationships with a few of my psychology professors and I loved my experience working on campus as a research assistant and a teaching assistant. I think that the psychology program was pretty enriching and I feel that CSULB prepared me to tackle graduate school. Another thing that I would change would be the parking situation. If it were possible, I would love to see another parking structure to be constructed possibly near the library. Overall, CSULB is a great school for a phenomenal cost!... Read 4,888 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $9,171

• SAT range 1020-1240

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  4,273 reviews

Alum: UCI boasts a stunning campus with modern architecture nestled in a beautifully landscaped environment. The layout is convenient, making it easy to navigate between classes, dorms, and recreational facilities. The abundance of green spaces and outdoor seating areas fosters a sense of community and relaxation. UCI's dining options are diverse and cater to a range of dietary preferences. From international cuisines to local favorites, there's something for everyone. The campus boasts numerous dining halls, cafes, and food trucks, ensuring that students never go hungry. The quality of food is generally good. Located in the heart of Orange County, UCI benefits from its proximity to vibrant cities like Irvine, Newport Beach, and Anaheim. Students have access to a wide range of cultural attractions, entertainment venues, shopping centers, and outdoor activities. Public transportation options make it easy to explore the surrounding area, although traffic can be a challenge at times.... Read 4,273 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $11,633

• SAT range 1230-1430

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,754 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, my favorite thing about Loyola Marymount University was the friends I have made. The school culture itself I can do with out, but the location, friends, and academics are worth it!... Read 1,754 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $40,180

• SAT range 1250-1420

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  509 reviews

Sophomore: Like everything, there are ups and downs and days where I wish I were back home with my dogs, but I love Occidental College, and I've had such a great experience so far. I am only a sophomore and have already taken a wide diversity of courses with phenomenal professors, met incredible friends, and have had many opportunities to help professors with their research. I have an environmental science concentration with my major and have worked in my biology professor's lab since the first semester of my first year! Being at Oxy, a small school, enables me to build a great network of mentors and participate in undergraduate research throughout the school year and independent paid research over the summer. Ultimately, I have loved the experiences of being at Oxy and being able to take a comprehensive arrangement of courses and do stem research.... Read 509 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $43,047

• SAT range 1340-1490

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  4,729 reviews

Senior: The art department is horrible, but the campus, environment and student life make everything worthwhile. One of the best campuses in the world!... Read 4,729 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $17,333

• SAT range 1230-1460

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  648 reviews

Alum: Pitzer in many ways is heaven to me... though perhaps that is just the effect of moving to California as an east-coaster. But really, going to Pitzer was quite a bit like going to the school from Zoey 101. The students are creative, thoughtful, attractive, and well-connected (i.e. Rich AF) and the professors are lovable, wacky, and receptive to bold ideas (and also often independently wealthy for some reason). Cool architecture on campus and the dorms are brilliant in form and function. Proximity to LA, Joshua Tree, San Diego, etc. Apparently the administration is weak, but honestly who cares? And yes, the academic standards are insanely lenient (remember: trust fund dummies are this school's bread and butter). My solution: just take a class at Pomona, CMC, or Harvey Mudd. I did about half of my classes at Pomona to feel properly educated. The drawback to this method is that off-campus professors may not treat you as a priority. Oh well. If you're in Claremont--count yourself lucky.... Read 648 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $19,153

• SAT range 1300-1450

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  2,496 reviews

Senior: Personally, I'm loving being a student at AAU! I am a full time student taking classes entirely online, which has been a life saver for me. With my remote location and anxiety struggles, there's no way I would have been able to attend any school in person, and Academy of Art is one of the very few colleges that offer an art degree online. This alone was a huge selling point for me when deciding what I wanted to do with me future. I knew I needed an "in between" step from graduating highschool to entering into the industry, and taking classes here has accomplished that 100%--the classes are accessible for complete beginners in the field, and the pacing of each week is just enough to push you without breaking you. I've had only great interactions with the instructors, and they have been a vital part in improving my drawing skills. The homework usually gives us a ton of creative freedom.... Read 2,496 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $32,593

• SAT range —

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  392 reviews

Freshman: The area that the school is in is in a safe area in San Francisco, Its also near areas that college students can destress on the weekend. Their resources here provide success for their students and most of their professors are current working artists.... Read 392 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $40,231

• SAT range —

• Davis, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  5,626 reviews

Junior: UC Davis, part of the prestigious University of California system, stands out as a renowned institution renowned for its excellence in education, research, and community engagement. Located in Davis, California, it boasts a sprawling campus known for its agricultural roots and commitment to sustainability. With over 100 undergraduate majors and 90 graduate programs, UC Davis offers a diverse range of academic opportunities across disciplines, including engineering, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and the arts. The university prides itself on fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment, where students are encouraged to explore their passions and make meaningful contributions to society. Its faculty comprises leading scholars and researchers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.... Read 5,626 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $16,640

• SAT range 1160-1400

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  5,424 reviews

Alum: I had the unique experience of transferring to San Diego State University during the pandemic. My junior year was fully online so I didn't get to experience campus life or get a feel for the community the school has built, as it's very hard to make connections with a lot of people through a screen. The professors were all very understanding and accommodating. In my time here I learned a lot of valuable information from professors who are well spoken and knowledgable. It never felt like the coursework I was given was just busywork, but applicable to what my career goal was. My senior year I did partially online and on campus, but at this point I just wanted to be finished. I wish I had given campus life a bigger chance that way I could've made connections with other people, but unfortunately I didn't get to experience that side of SDSU. However, I can attest that their academics were and still are very valuable to me!... Read 5,424 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $6,867

• SAT range 1090-1300

• Oakland, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  717 reviews

Other: I attended Mills College when it was just solely remember as a private women's liberal arts college located in Oakland, California. I was a student athlete at the time of attending it and it was everything I could have hoped for and more. The relationships and bonds I had with my peers as well as professors and administrators were beyond excellent.... Read 717 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $25,283

• SAT range 1210-1350

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  476 reviews

Alum: Scripps was a fantastic place to go to college. The professors love teaching and are very keen on helping you truly learn and understand the material. In addition, you have the resources of the five other colleges, so Scripps doesn't suffer from being too small. Student life at Scripps is amazing. The friendships that form are close and the school provides an amazing living environment. It may not be a big party school (which many people love), but again, it's part of a consortium. Students can take advantage of social events and parties across the campuses and come back to any amazing place to live.... Read 476 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $44,770

• SAT range 1380-1520

• Santa Clara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,479 reviews

Sophomore: The school is a bit smaller, so you have a better chance to discuss with your professors, and generally more academic opportunities are available. The campus is really beautiful, and so is the weather which can be more motivating for students.... Read 1,479 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $48,469

• SAT range 1330-1490

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,961 reviews

Freshman: USD is a really great school, but applicants should keep in mind that it is a private Catholic institution. From my experience, there are not a lot of queer students, or at least they're hard to find. As a queer student, it is hard finding that community sometimes. However, I haven't had any bad professor experiences and the campus is beautiful. It is very difficult to get places though as you can't really walk anywhere and rideshare services are expensive. There is also no food on campus that is not University food, so be prepared to be sick of the ~five restaurants you can choose from. Some housing is awesome, some isn't. Do your research before applying to live in specific areas! Overall though, it has been a very welcoming environment and I've never felt unsafe on campus. I've walked around very early in the morning and the only thing I feared was the raccoons (just kidding, I love them. There's lots of them here!).... Read 1,961 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $34,155

• SAT range 1190-1370

• San Francisco, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,346 reviews

Freshman: From the very first minute I feel like in my hometown Dnipro (Ukraine). It has friendly and cozy environment. The picturesque campus offers stunning views of San Francisco, combining modern facilities with green spaces that provide a tranquil environment (which is really important for me) conducive to study and reflection. USF's commitment to sustainability is evident across campus, aiming to not only teach but also embody practices that support environmental stewardship. That is why I chose this establishment.... Read 2,346 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $39,825

• SAT range 1190-1390

• La Mirada, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  2,303 reviews

Alum: I had an absolutely amazing experience at Biola. I came in freshman year during Covid, so all my courses were over zoom. But even then, I was still able to make lasting connections with fellow students and my professors. I think the most significant element of my Biola education that has led to my current and future success is all the support and mentorship I received from my professors. They all truly care for you on an individual and personal level and will go out of their way to encourage, stretch, and build you up not just academically, but whole-person formatively. I was not the most outgoing and social person, but I still was able to make many lasting friendships with other students both in my major, through different department events and clubs, and outside of my major, through meeting people at the Caf or at dorm events. Some of my favorite places were the library, the olive grove, and both of our two prayer chapels. Whenever I come back to campus, I still feel right at home.... Read 2,303 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $29,123

• SAT range 1080-1310

• Fullerton, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,322 reviews

Alum: I loved my time at Cal State Fullerton. I met my now husband and some of my best friends there. Campus life was great. Always something to do. Sports events and rec center were a highlight. There were concerts and art shows and academic events available to everyone. It seemed like there was something for everyone. Their student health center was convenient and helpful. The town and surrounding towns gave easy access to good food, good shopping, and fun activities!... Read 5,322 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $4,939

• SAT range 1000-1180