Art Center College of Design
Pasadena, CA
74.5%
Acceptance Rate
$54,170
Avg Cost (In-State)
$54,170
Avg Cost (Out-of-State)
80.9%
Graduation Rate
2,017
Total Enrollment
Popular programs
Application requirements
Regular Deadline
February 15
Common App
No
Test Policy
Test Optional
Essays Required
1
Letters of Rec
1
Application Fee
$70
Interview
Not required
Essays: Statement of Intent required, describing artistic interests, influences, and goals
Note: Portfolio required - varies by major (typically 8-20 pieces of original artwork); video/project submissions required for certain majors like Film, Motion Graphics, Entertainment Design
Requirements are AI-generated from public data and may change. Always verify directly with the college.
Getting there
Graduate outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
$53,562
Median Earnings at 6 Years
median graduate salary 6 years after starting
$71,958
Median Earnings at 10 Years
median graduate salary 10 years after starting
81%
4-Year Graduation Rate
students completing degree within 4 years
Earnings data: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Figures reflect federal aid recipients only — actual median earnings may be higher at schools where many students receive grants rather than loans.
Earnings by major
Median earnings 1 year after graduation, by bachelor's program. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard FieldOfStudy data.
| Program | Median earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | $47,053 | $76,093 | 246 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | $66,860 | $92,293 | 55 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | $22,988 | $49,933 | 33 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | $59,384 | $90,188 | 31 |
| Graphic Communications. | $67,010 | — | 25 |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology. | — | $77,401 | — |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | — | $33,073 | — |
Tracked through federal tax records. Programs with fewer than 30 graduates with reported earnings are privacy-suppressed. 4-year figure tracks the same cohort 3 years later.
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