California Institute of the Arts

California Institute of the Arts is a small private non-profit master's university (medium program) located in Valencia, California, with an undergraduate enrollment of 860. The institution offers master's-level programs across multiple professional and academic fields alongside its undergraduate curriculum, serving students seeking advanced credentials in applied disciplines. As an independently governed, non-profit institution relying on tuition, endowment returns, and philanthropic support, it operates within the broader California postsecondary education landscape and is regionally accredited, making its credits and degrees eligible for federal financial aid. With a 32% acceptance rate, admission is moderately selective. Admission is competitive but accessible, with 32% of applicants receiving offers each year. Net price for families earning \$48,001–$75,000 averages $51,847 per year. Families earning under $30,000 average $26,686/year — substantially lower. The highest program-level earnings outcomes are in CIP 00 — 10-year median earnings among aid recipients in these fields reach $57,920. The 4-year graduation rate is 65%, 20 percentage points above the national average of 45%. Among students who received federal financial aid, 10-year median earnings are $41,198.