QUICK ANSWER
CalArts and Otis are both Los Angeles art schools, but you enter and pay for them differently. CalArts admits by programme: each programme is a separate application with its own fee and portfolio rules, through CalArts’ own application. Otis asks for one portfolio and a personal statement, and considers international students for merit aid automatically.
In our record the money gap is large: Otis funded 31 of 38 admits (82%), averaging $63,935, while CalArts acceptances are too few (15) for us to report a rate. CalArts lists a 2026–27 cost of attendance of $90,455.
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How Each School Is Entered
| CalArts | Otis | |
|---|---|---|
| Application | One per programme, each with its own fee; CalArts Application only | Otis Application (fee waived) or Common App |
| Portfolio | Programme-specific; e.g. Character Animation requires life drawing, Experimental Animation discourages it | Required; two portfolio options |
| Writing | Artist statement (500–1,000 words for Art and Graphic Design) | Personal statement of at least 500 words |
| Other | 30–90 second video introduction; two recommendations | SAT/ACT not required |
| Early date | Preferred deadline December 1 ($65); regular January 5 ($85) | Early Action December 1; priority February 15 |
| English | See CalArts requirements | TOEFL 79 or 4.5, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 105 |
From CalArts admission requirements and deadlines, and Otis How to Apply, checked October 2026.
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Money in Our Record
| Admits | With an award | Average award | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Otis | 38 | 31 (82%) | $63,935 |
| CalArts | 15 | Not reported | Not reported |
Royal Blue results record, 2009–2026, confirmed directly with each student. We do not report rates for small samples.
FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
Both schools have a December 1 date, so a student applying to both should finish the CalArts programme portfolio and the Otis portfolio together. See CalArts’ four portfolios and the Otis guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is CalArts or Otis easier to fund?
In our record Otis funded 82% of admits; CalArts acceptances are too few for a reliable rate.
Can I apply to two programmes at CalArts?
Yes, but each is a separate application with its own fee and portfolio.
Does Otis need a separate scholarship form?
No. Otis considers international students for merit scholarships automatically during admission.
What are the early dates?
CalArts’ preferred deadline and Otis’ Early Action are both December 1.
How much does CalArts cost?
CalArts lists a 2026–27 cost of attendance of $90,455.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students, including 38 at Otis and 15 at CalArts. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From CalArts admission requirements, deadlines and cost of attendance, and Otis College How to Apply and international scholarship pages. Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026). Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: CalArts Programs · Otis Guide · California After CCA · CalArts vs USC · Royal Blue Results