Art is a gift, a talent, and a craft that needs practice, instruction, and refinement. Those reasons are just a few of the reasons why the leading artists in the world also seek to further their education in art, and why they seek out the top art programs. The good news is there are many good schools for students who are seeking post-secondary education at art colleges in California. With our help, we can help you find the best art program for you whether your interested in a filmography degree, art history degree, art therapy degree, and more.
Top 5 Art Colleges in California
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco State University | San Francisco, California |
| 2 | San José State University | San Jose, California |
| 3 | Laguna College of Art and Design | Laguna Beach, California |
| 4 | California State University Long Beach | Long Beach, California |
| 5 | Otis College of Art and Design | Los Angeles, California |
The one caveat with art programs, however, is that they typically tend to be smaller classes. Some programs only accept a limited number of students, and it isn’t uncommon for students to be denied as a result of non-academic issues. That also means acceptance rates is an important consideration when choosing a school, and it is also a reminder to apply to more than one program. Now, without further ado, our list of the top art colleges in California.
Best 15 Art Colleges in California
San Francisco State University
In addition to being a well-recognized and highly regarded university, San Francisco State University also offers students excellent opportunities to pursue a degree in art. Affordable tuition rates and a strong acceptance rate for this University also helps this excellent program to earn the top spot on our list of the top art colleges in California.
School Overview
San José State University
Another well-recognized school, San Jose State University, makes a good showing on our list of the top art colleges in California. Along with also having affordable tuition costs, this program can boast of a plus 60% acceptance rate.
School Overview
Laguna College of Art and Design
While the Laguna College of Art and Design in Laguna Beach doesn’t carry the same type of name recognition as some of the other larger schools on our list, this art school does carry a great art program. While students will have to navigate stout tuition fees, an impressive tuition rate doesn’t do anything to hurt this program’s ranking.
School Overview
California State University Long Beach
For students seeking a good art program, the California State University Long Beach is worthy of a look. Although this school’s acceptance rate numbers are that exciting, list-leading tuition rates might be for students looking for more affordable art programs.
School Overview
Otis College of Art and Design
Students will find a well-respected art program at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. While this private institution presents stout tuition rates it also offers impressive acceptance rates of nearly 80%.
School Overview
Woodbury University
Another school among the private college ranks that students should consider is Woodbury University in Burbank. This post-secondary educational institution offers students an excellent art program, although stout tuition rates will require financial assistance for most. Solid acceptance rates also don’t hurt this program’s argument either.
School Overview
San Diego State University
A well-recognized school, what might not be so well known is the great art program offered at San Diego State University. This established University also can boast of very good tuition rates which help to offset less-than-impressive acceptance rates and to earn this art program at SDSU a place on our list of the top art colleges in California.
School Overview
California College of the Arts
Students who are seeking the top art colleges in California may want to investigate the wonderful art program at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. Considerable tuition rates will typically need financial help for most, and impressive acceptance rates don’t do anything to hurt this program’s ranking either.
School Overview
Whittier College
School Overview
University of San Francisco
The art program at the University of San Francisco is no secret, and students seeking art colleges in California should have this program on their shortlist. While hefty tuition rates will mean seeking some type of financial aid, enrolling students can be encouraged by solid acceptance rate numbers.
School Overview
University of California San Diego
The University of California San Diego campus is one of two of this college’s campuses to make our list of the top art colleges in California. This school located in La Jolla offers manageable tuition rates which help to offset low acceptance rate numbers.
School Overview
The University of California, Los Angeles
The other University of California campus, the Los Angeles campus, is the other art degree program from this University to make our list. This program earns a place on the strength of strong tuition rates, and it should earn a second look for students seeking a top art college too.
School Overview
Loyola Marymount University
The renowned art program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles is a wonderful choice for students who are pursuing a degree in art. This top art program has unsurprisingly larger tuition costs and struggling acceptance rates which suggest that students should also enroll in a backup school or two.
School Overview
Santa Clara University
This small private college has earned big recognition and offers students an excellent art program for those pursuing art degrees. Students should prepare for considerable tuition fees, and if they are admitted (as nearly half are), then they can prepare for a wonderful career in the world of art with a degree from this top art program.
School Overview
Chapman University
Closing out our list of the top art colleges in California is the art program at Chapman University in Orange, CA. This recognized program offers solid acceptance rates which help to offset its sizeable tuition costs.
School Overview
How the Schools and Programs Were Ranked
All of the schools on our list of the top art colleges in California were ranked on the same 100-point scoring system. Each school was awarded points based on two evenly weighted factors, with each school being awarded points on the same two factors. Each factor made up one half of the total score. The points were then assigned to each corresponding school and ranked according to total point values.
We strive to provide our readers with information that is helpful, useful, and informative. Despite those efforts, it is important that readers realize that the information and data we provide can only be considered approximation as the data for each school is in a state of constant flux. If you notice an error or information that is outdated, please let us know.
If you have any questions regarding any of the information, schools, or programs on our lists, please contact us for help and good luck in all of your educational pursuits.
