CalArts Acceptance Rate

The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), located in Valencia, California, is known for its highly selective admissions process, particularly for its specialized programs in the arts. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), CalArts reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 24.2%, reflecting its competitive nature. This selectivity is influenced by a growing applicant pool, driven by the university's reputation in fields like animation, film, and performing arts, as well as broader trends in higher education where more students are applying to niche institutions. While CalArts does not always publish detailed admission statistics publicly, some data can be sourced from historical records and official announcements on their admissions website (calarts.edu/admissions).

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 24.2% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 2,200 applicants and 530 admitted students, consistent with prior years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for the current cycle; historically, early applicants may see a slightly higher acceptance rate (estimated at 26.0%) due to smaller pool sizes.
• International Student Rate: Specific figures for 2028 are not published; based on regional norms for selective arts schools, an estimated rate of 20.0% is likely, reflecting additional portfolio and language requirements.

Over the past few years, CalArts has seen increasing competitiveness, with acceptance rates trending downward as application numbers rise, particularly from international and out-of-state students. The lack of an early decision binding option means regular decision remains the primary pathway, potentially concentrating competition in this round. Compared to peer institutions like Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) or School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), CalArts maintains a similarly selective profile, often with rates below 30%. This positions CalArts as a top-tier choice for arts-focused students, where portfolio quality and creative potential heavily influence admission outcomes beyond mere numerical metrics.