QUICK ANSWER
UC San Diego and CalArts are closer in price than the public–private label suggests, and further apart in process. UCSD’s 2026–27 tuition and fees for a nonresident entering in 2026 are $54,858 a year, held flat for that cohort, plus campus fees and health insurance; CalArts tuition is $62,954. But the UC application window closes on November 30, 2026, earlier than CalArts’ regular January 5 date, and visual arts at UCSD sits inside a large research university rather than an art school.
Choose UCSD for a university with an arts major; choose CalArts for a programme-based art school where the portfolio and video introduction decide admission.
LA JOLLA / VALENCIA · 1
Side by Side, Fall 2027 Entry
| UC San Diego (Visual Arts) | CalArts | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Research university, visual arts department | Art school, admission by programme |
| Application | UC application, October 1 – November 30, 2026 | CalArts Application; preferred December 1, regular January 5 |
| Portfolio | Check the department’s current guidance | About 20 slides (BFA Art), 30–90-second video introduction |
| Cost | Nonresident tuition and fees $54,858 (2026 cohort, flat for that cohort), plus campus fees and health insurance | Tuition $62,954; cost of attendance $90,455 on campus |
From UC San Diego registration fees (2026–27), the UC filing period, and CalArts admissions and cost pages, checked October 2026.
LA JOLLA / VALENCIA · 2
What “Flat by Cohort” Means
UC tuition is set for each entering class and then stays the same for that class: nonresidents who entered in 2025 pay $52,536, and those entering in 2026 pay $54,858. That makes four-year budgeting easier than at schools that raise tuition each year.
FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
The November 30 UC deadline arrives before most art school regular deadlines; plan the UC application alongside early rounds. See CalArts by programme and university vs art school.
LA JOLLA / VALENCIA · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is UC San Diego for international students?
Nonresident tuition and fees are $54,858 for the 2026 cohort, plus campus fees and insurance.
When is the UC application due?
The filing period runs October 1 to November 30, 2026 for fall 2027.
Does UC tuition rise every year?
No. It is set per entering cohort and then held flat.
How does CalArts compare on cost?
CalArts tuition is $62,954 for 2026–27.
Which is better for an art career?
CalArts is built around studio programmes; UCSD combines visual arts with a broad university.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
Our director has taught Korean students for U.S. art schools for 19 years, from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our results page lists 1,099 acceptances, 2009–2026, each confirmed directly with the student, including 16 at CalArts. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From UC San Diego undergraduate registration fees (2026–27), the University of California filing period for fall 2027, and CalArts admissions and cost pages. Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: CalArts by Programme · University vs Art School · UCLA vs CalArts MFA · Glasgow vs CalArts · Royal Blue Results