Art Center College of Design campus
Art Center College of Design logo

Art Center College of Design

Pasadena, CA · Private · 2,017 students

Los Angeles is the hub of creativity, innovation, and boundless opportunity.

Acceptance rate

74.5%

Avg net price

$48,661

after aid

Testing

optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and Art Center College of Design’s admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Getting in is the hard part. Art Center College of Design admitted 74.5% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Art Center College of Design actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

What they value

Creative Disciplines, Real-World Focus

ArtCenter provides a professional space where we can learn from each other. They prepare us for the real world.

The college offers a specialized education that places students in intensive studio classes specific to their major from their first term of study.

  • AnimationCreative disciplines, visual storytelling
  • Transportation DesignCreative disciplines, product innovation
  • Creative DirectionStrategic campaigns, brand engagement

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Applying

Requirements and deadlines

  • Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from artcenter.edu.

The essays

Supplemental essay prompts

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

  • Describe the path that has led to your choice of major/program and why you believe an ArtCenter education will further your educational and career goals.

    Up to 200 words

  • ArtCenter believes that our community is enriched when our classrooms are filled with individuals with different lived experiences and points of view. Tell us how your lived experience informs your point of view as a creative and as an individual. Have you encountered challenges associated with what makes you unique and, if so, how have you addressed these challenges?

    Up to 400 words

  • Why do you want to be a game designer?

    Up to 400 words

  • Describe the innovations you think will happen in Interaction Design over the next five years. Describe why you think these innovations will occur and how you see yourself working in the field of interaction in the future.

    Up to 400 words

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from artcenter.edu.

Cost and aid

What you will actually pay

The sticker price is about $75,649, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $48,661.

At ArtCenter, 70 percent of undergraduate students receive financial aid, and all students who need financial assistance are encouraged to apply for aid.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $71,958.

Verified from artcenter.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

Campus life

The feel of the place

Learning from each other in a professional space, preparing for the real world, that's a typical day here.

Explore a city where ideas come to life and the future is shaped, offering a professional space for learning and collaboration.

UrbanCollaborativeProfessional

Quick answers

Art Center College of Design FAQ

Is Art Center College of Design test-optional?
For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Art Center College of Design is optional.
How hard is it to get into Art Center College of Design?
Very hard. Art Center College of Design admits 74.5% of applicants. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
How much does Art Center College of Design cost?
The list price is about $75,649, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $48,661.
Is Art Center College of Design worth it?
Graduates earn a median of $71,958 ten years after enrolling, and 81% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.

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Ask Spike anything about Art Center College of Design.

Spike answers from Art Center College of Design’s own site, then helps you figure out your move. Join the waitlist to get in early.