QUICK ANSWER
LCAD and ArtCenter overlap more than their reputations suggest: both offer animation, entertainment design, game, illustration and graphic design. The practical differences are in price and process. LCAD’s BFA tuition is $40,560 for 2026–27 and already published at $42,600 for 2027–28; ArtCenter charges $28,681 per term. LCAD sends portfolio guidelines after you apply; ArtCenter publishes detailed requirements for each major in advance.
For a Korean applicant, that second difference matters for planning. ArtCenter work can be built to a known brief months ahead; for LCAD, apply early (Early Action is December 1) so the guidelines arrive in time.
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Side by Side
| LCAD (Laguna Beach) | ArtCenter (Pasadena) | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $40,560 a year ($20,280 a semester) in 2026–27; $42,600 in 2027–28 | $28,681 per term; cost of attendance $91,132 |
| Overlapping majors | Animation, Entertainment Design, Game Development, Illustration, Graphic Design + Digital Media | Entertainment Design (animation, concept, game tracks), Illustration, Graphic Design |
| Distinct majors | Drawing + Painting | Transportation, Product, Interaction, Spatial Experience Design, Film, Photography |
| Portfolio | Guidelines sent by your admissions counsellor after you apply | Published by major, e.g. Entertainment Arts 20–25 drawings with 8–12 live figure drawings |
| Timing | Early Action December 1; later applications on a space-available basis | See ArtCenter’s admissions dates |
From LCAD BFA tuition and FAQ pages and ArtCenter portfolio requirements by major and cost pages, checked October 2026.
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Which Fits Which Student
- Traditional drawing and painting: LCAD offers Drawing + Painting as a major; ArtCenter’s nearest is Fine Art or Illustration’s painting emphasis.
- Vehicle, product or interaction design: only ArtCenter offers these.
- Game and entertainment: both do; compare the portfolio each asks for and the course lists.
- Scholarship need: in our record ArtCenter funded 5 of 43 admits; LCAD says international students are offered the same scholarship opportunities as domestic students.
FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
Do not treat LCAD as a fallback for ArtCenter without reading its own guidelines; ask for them as soon as you apply. For ArtCenter in detail see ArtCenter admissions (Korean) and the Entertainment Design portfolio.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is LCAD tuition?
$40,560 a year ($20,280 a semester) for 2026–27, and $42,600 for 2027–28.
Where are LCAD’s portfolio requirements?
LCAD says your admissions counsellor sends portfolio guidelines once your application is received.
Does LCAD have an early deadline?
LCAD recommends completing fall applications by its December 1 Early Action date.
Can international students get LCAD scholarships?
LCAD says international students are offered the same scholarship opportunities as domestic students.
Which majors does only ArtCenter offer?
Among others, Transportation, Product, Interaction and Spatial Experience Design.
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 43 at ArtCenter. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From LCAD’s BFA tuition and FAQ pages and ArtCenter’s portfolio requirements by major and cost 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: ArtCenter Admissions (Korean) · Entertainment Design Portfolio · ArtCenter vs RISD · ArtCenter vs CalArts · Royal Blue Results