CCA Acceptance Rate

The California College of the Arts (CCA), located in San Francisco and Oakland, California, is a prestigious institution known for its programs in art, design, and architecture. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), CCA reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 75.5%, reflecting a moderately selective admissions process. This rate is influenced by factors such as the size of the applicant pool, which has remained relatively stable in recent years, and a growing interest in creative and design-focused education. While CCA does not always publish detailed admission statistics publicly, some data can be inferred from historical trends and official reports available through their admissions website (cca.edu/admissions).

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 75.5% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 2,500 applicants and around 1,890 admitted students, consistent with prior years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for the most recent cycle. Based on historical trends, early applicants may see a slightly higher acceptance rate, estimated at 78.0%.
• International Student Rate: Specific data unavailable. Given CCA’s appeal to global creatives, the rate is estimated at 70.0%, reflecting a competitive yet accessible process for international applicants.

Over the past few years, CCA’s acceptance rate has hovered around 75-80%, indicating a stable level of selectivity despite fluctuations in application volume. The college’s focus on portfolio-based admissions plays a significant role in its process, often favoring applicants with strong creative skills over purely academic metrics. Compared to peer institutions like the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) or Parsons School of Design, CCA remains less competitive in terms of raw acceptance rates, which often fall below 30% at those schools. However, its specialized focus on arts education ensures a self-selecting applicant pool. For prospective students, understanding trends such as the potential advantage of applying early or the unique requirements for international admissions can be crucial in navigating the process at CCA.