QUICK ANSWER
This page used to compare CCA and CalArts. That comparison no longer works for new applicants: California College of the Arts announced in January 2026 that it will wind down after the 2026–27 academic year. Students on track to finish by then receive CCA degrees; others need transfer or teach-out pathways. A student entering in 2027 cannot plan four years at CCA.
The useful question now is where a student who would have chosen CCA should look. In our record, CCA admits were funded about half the time; in California, Otis and CalArts are the two schools where we have the most comparable history.
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What Happened to CCA
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Announcement | January 13, 2026: CCA plans to wind down after 2026–27 |
| Current students | Those on track to graduate by the end of 2026–27 can earn CCA degrees; transfer and teach-out pathways for others |
| Campus | Vanderbilt University agreed to acquire the campus and plans a San Francisco branch from 2027–28, pending regulatory approvals |
| International students | Transfers need a SEVIS record transfer to the new school; see CCA’s student FAQ |
From Higher Ed Dive (January 14, 2026) and CCA’s transition FAQ, checked October 2026.
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California Options, With Our Record
| School | Our admits | Funded | Average award | Key 2026–27 fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCA (closing) | 50 | 24 (48%) | $57,167 | No four-year entry for 2027 |
| Otis | 38 | 31 (82%) | $63,935 | Highest funding rate among our top ten schools |
| CalArts | 15 | — | — | Cost of attendance $90,455; separate application per programme |
| ArtCenter | 43 | 5 (12%) | Not reported (n=5) | Tuition $28,681 per term; cost of attendance $91,132 |
Royal Blue results record, 2009–2026, confirmed directly with each student; school facts from CalArts and ArtCenter cost pages, checked October 2026. Dashes mean we do not report a figure.
For a student drawn to CCA’s broad art-and-design range, Otis is the closest match on funding in our record. CalArts suits a student who knows the programme, especially animation, and accepts a high sticker price. ArtCenter is a design-and-industry choice with a term-based calendar.
FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
If a CCA offer is still in your plans, check whether you can finish by the end of 2026–27; if not, plan the transfer now. For the full timeline see the CCA 2027 closure guide; for the Los Angeles schools see CalArts vs Otis and ArtCenter vs CalArts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply to CCA for 2027?
CCA plans to wind down after 2026–27, so a four-year degree starting in 2027 is not possible there.
What happens to current CCA students?
Those on track to graduate by the end of 2026–27 can earn CCA degrees; CCA is arranging transfer and teach-out pathways for others.
Is Vanderbilt taking over CCA’s programmes?
Vanderbilt agreed to acquire the campus and plans a San Francisco branch from 2027–28, pending approvals. Check its own announcements for programmes.
Which California school funds students most often in your record?
Otis: 31 of 38 admits (82%) received an award, averaging $63,935.
How does CalArts compare on 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 50 at CCA, 43 at ArtCenter, 38 at Otis and 15 at CalArts. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
CCA closure from Higher Ed Dive (January 14, 2026) and CCA’s transition FAQ; CalArts and ArtCenter facts from their cost of attendance pages. Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026). Checked October 2026. This page replaces an earlier CCA–CalArts comparison. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: CCA 2027 Closure Guide · CalArts vs Otis · ArtCenter vs CalArts · Otis Guide · Royal Blue Results