California Institute of the Arts

Valencia, California · Private, nonprofit

Of 9 assessed programs, 4 leave graduates out-earning a typical California high-school graduate (about $36,976/yr) and 5 fall short. Another 15 could not be assessed.

What would this cost you?

Family incomeNet price per year
Under $30k$26,686
$30k to $48k$40,899
$48k to $75k$51,847
$75k to $110k$38,627
$110k and up$58,873
All families (average)$46,080

Net price is the yearly cost after grants and scholarships, by family income (College Scorecard). It reflects students who received federal aid.

Program earnings vs a high-school graduate

9 of 24 programs could be assessed 38% have an earnings verdict

Programs by earnings versus a typical California high-school graduate.
ProgramDegreeMedian earningsvs a high-school gradVerdictMedian debtYears to repayRecent completers
MusicBachelor's Degree$40,294+$3,318clears the bar$19,5005.9 yrs39
TheatreBachelor's Degree$41,192+$4,216clears the bar$27,0006.4 yrs31
Film and PhotographyMaster's Degree$56,207+$19,231clears the bar$96,0005.0 yrs31
TheatreMaster's Degree$57,920+$20,944clears the bar$109,1805.2 yrs21
Film and PhotographyBachelor's Degree$29,426-$7,550falls short$27,000insufficient data21
Fine ArtsMaster's Degree$24,720-$12,256falls shortinsufficient datainsufficient data20
Fine ArtsBachelor's Degree$28,617-$8,359falls short$27,000insufficient data17
MusicMaster's Degree$29,494-$7,482falls short$44,150insufficient data12
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing StudiesMaster's Degree$34,026-$2,950falls short$61,000insufficient data8
Graphic CommunicationsBachelor's Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data54
Graphic CommunicationsMaster's Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data16
DesignBachelor's Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data15
DanceBachelor's Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data11
Arts, Entertainment, and Media ManagementMaster's Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data9
Computer Software and Media ApplicationsMaster's Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data8
Radio, TV and Digital MediaMaster's Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data6
Computer Software and Media ApplicationsBachelor's Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data6
Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and AnalysisMaster's Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data6
DanceMaster's Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data6
MusicDoctoral Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data2
Visual and Performing Arts, OtherMaster's Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data1
DesignMaster's Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data
Arts, Entertainment, and Media ManagementBachelor's Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data
Visual and Performing Arts, OtherBachelor's Degreeinsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient datainsufficient data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, release 2026-06-10. Earnings are medians measured four years after completion, compared with the state high-school-graduate benchmark ($36,976/yr). Debt is federal loans only. Suppressed values are shown as insufficient data, never imputed. Figures describe past graduates and are never a promise.