California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
Founded 1961
President Ravi S. Rajan (President)
Fees USD 54,434
Acceptance Rate Selective (20–50%)
Campus Setting Suburban
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is a private arts conservatory founded in 1961 by Walt Disney in Valencia, California. CalArts is one of the most influential arts institutions in the world — its Character Animation program has produced virtually every major Disney and Pixar director and animator of the last five decades, including Tim Burton, Brad Bird, John Lasseter, Pete Docter, and Don Hall. The institute offers BFA and MFA programs in animation, film, music, theatre, dance, art, and design and enrolls approximately 1,500 students.
Schools
- School of Art — Fine arts, graphic design, and photography
- School of Critical Studies — Interdisciplinary arts theory
- School of Dance — Contemporary performance and choreography
- School of Film/Video — Film directing and experimental media
- School of Music — Contemporary performance and composition
- School of Theater — Experimental performance
- Character Animation — The world’s most legendary animation program
How to Apply
- Application: CalArts Application
- Portfolio/Audition: Required for all programs
- Acceptance Rate: ~26%
Key Deadlines
- Application Deadline: January 5