Organizer Information
ArtCenter College of Design is a private art and design college in Pasadena, California, offering specialized undergraduate and graduate education across film, fine art, photography, graphic design, illustration, entertainment design, interaction design, product design, spatial experience, transportation design, industrial design, and related creative disciplines. The College offers 11 undergraduate degrees and 10 graduate degree programs.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: ArtCenter College of Design
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate / Graduate
- Degrees Offered: BFA / BS / MFA / MS / MDes
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts / Film / Photography / Graphic Design / Illustration / Entertainment Design / Industrial Design / Interaction Design / Product Design / Spatial Experience / Transportation Design / Media Design / Brand Design
- Relevant Programs: Creative Direction; Entertainment Design; Film; Fine Art; Graphic Design; Illustration; Interaction Design; Photography and Imaging; Product Design; Spatial Experience Design; Transportation Design; Graduate Art; Graduate Film; Graduate Graphic Design; Media Design Practices; Industrial Design; Brand Design and Strategy; Furniture, Lighting & Fixtures; Interaction Design; Spatial Experience Design; Transportation Systems and Design.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Fall and Spring for most undergraduate majors; Fall only for graduate programs
- Application Deadline: Undergraduate applications are rolling, with priority dates; graduate priority deadline is 15 January
- Start of Studies: Fall or Spring for eligible undergraduate majors; Fall for graduate programs
- Application Fee: $50
- Tuition: $28,681 per undergraduate term / $30,312 per graduate term for 2026–2027
- Funding: Scholarships and financial aid available, including scholarships considered for international students.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- ArtCenter's programs are designed for applicants pursuing specialized creative practices in art, design, film, media, photography, illustration, entertainment, spatial and transportation design. Undergraduate applicants select a specific major when applying, and portfolios are submitted specifically for that major.
- Graduate admission is department-specific. Portfolio expectations therefore differ substantially by program. For example, the MFA in Art requires 15–20 current works, while MFA Graphic Design requires 6–10 graphic-design projects.
General Eligibility
ArtCenter accepts applications from domestic and international students. International applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency and, when studying in the United States on an F-1 visa, demonstrate sufficient financial resources for the required period of study.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate applicants must have graduated from high school or completed a GED before enrollment. Students who have already completed a bachelor's degree at the time of application are not required to submit high-school transcripts. Transfer applicants may apply after completing high school or an equivalent qualification and obtaining college-level credits.
- Graduate applicants must provide transcripts from all colleges attended and, upon enrollment, official documentation confirming completion of a bachelor's degree. Graduate admission requirements are program-specific.
Language Requirements
- Undergraduate applicants who have not completed a high school diploma or bachelor's degree in which English was the language of instruction must submit an accepted English-proficiency test. Minimum scores are IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL iBT 4 on the post-January 21, 2026 scale, or Duolingo English Test 115.
- Graduate applicants who have not completed a bachelor's degree in which English was the language of instruction must submit an accepted English-proficiency test. The minimum is IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 5 on the post-January 21, 2026 scale, or the institution's stated accepted equivalent.
Application Fee
| Applicant Level | Application Fee | Waiver |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $50 | Fee waivers are available under ArtCenter's stated conditions |
| Graduate | $50 | Applicants may contact Graduate Admissions regarding a fee waiver |
The undergraduate and graduate application fees are nonrefundable.
Tuition
| Study Level | Published Tuition | Billing Structure | Mandatory Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $28,681 per term | Per term; 12–19 units | $653 Universal Access Fee per term |
| Graduate | $30,312 per term | Per term; up to 24 units | $653 Universal Access Fee per term |
These are ArtCenter's published 2026–2027 tuition and fee figures, the latest official amounts located during verification; a separate 2027–2028 tuition schedule was not established from the official sources reviewed. Degree-program students are required to have health insurance; the 2026–2027 Student Health Insurance Plan is $392 per term unless an approved waiver removes the charge.
Funding & Financial Support
ArtCenter administers more than $22 million in scholarships annually. Scholarships are awarded based on factors including financial need and outstanding visual and academic ability. International students do not need to establish financial need to be considered for ArtCenter scholarships. Scholarship amounts vary according to available funds and the Scholarship Committee's decision.
International students cannot submit the FAFSA but may be considered for ArtCenter scholarships if they request scholarship consideration in their application. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may use the FAFSA for applicable financial aid.
University Services & Academic Support
- ArtCenter provides international student advising for F-1 students, including assistance with maintaining immigration status, enrollment requirements, employment authorization and adjustment to studying in the United States.
- Career and Professional Development provides individual career counseling, portfolio and application support, professional-development workshops, networking and job-search guidance, internships, recruitment resources and industry-oriented opportunities.
- The Center for the Student Experience also provides academic support, peer coaching, counseling and wellness services, disability accommodations, international student services and other student-support resources.
Application Requirements
- Undergraduate applicants must submit the online application, $50 application fee, transcripts, a major-specific portfolio, required essays and applicable English-proficiency scores. A video essay is required for certain majors.
- Portfolio requirements vary by major. For example, Fine Art requires 15–20 selections, while Graphic Design requires 6–10 projects.
- Graduate applicants must submit the online application, $50 application fee, transcripts from all colleges attended, a program-specific portfolio, written essays, a resume and applicable English-proficiency scores. Certain graduate departments require or allow recommendation letters according to program-specific requirements.
How to Apply?
- Undergraduate Application Portal: ArtCenter Undergraduate Applicant Portal
- Graduate Application Portal: ArtCenter Graduate Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Undergraduate Application Opens for Fall 2027: 1 August 2026
- Undergraduate Early Action Deadline: 15 November
- Undergraduate Fall Priority Date: 1 February 2027
- Undergraduate Spring Priority Date: 1 October
- Graduate Application Opens: 1 August
- Graduate Priority Application Deadline: 15 January 2027
- Graduate Admission Decisions: Through spring, normally no later than early April
- Start of Studies — Graduate Programs: Fall term
Location
ArtCenter College of Design — Pasadena, California, United States
Additional Details
For Fall 2027, ArtCenter's graduate admissions page specifically states that Furniture, Lighting & Fixtures (MS) and Spatial Experience Design (MS) are not currently considering Fall 2027 applications. Applicants should therefore verify program availability before submitting an application.
ArtCenter's admissions model is highly program-specific: portfolio, essay, video-essay, recommendation and other requirements can differ substantially between majors. International applicants should also account for the separate financial documentation requirements associated with obtaining an F-1 visa.