How to Support Your Admitted Student
Congrats! Your student has just been admitted to California College of the Arts (CCA), the cutting-edge art and design college in San Francisco. These steps will help you guide your student on their pathway to college. We’re excited to welcome them (and you) to the CCA community!
Choose CCA
A college that opens up a world of possibilities
Connecting creatives to careers
At California College of the Arts (CCA), we believe creativity is a vital skill—with world-changing results. Our rigorous curriculum and industry-leading faculty will challenge your student intellectually and inspire them to push beyond their comfort zone. Additionally, they’ll be surrounded by a community that’s supporting them every step of the way as they build the skills and networks to achieve their creative vision.
Integrating community and practice
Most CCA undergraduate programs weave internships into the learning experience, benefitting from our location in San Francisco’s cultural and innovation hub.
Our network of industry partnerships with tech companies, nonprofits, arts organizations, and architecture and design firms gives students opportunities to learn from the experts at companies like Google or Intel in specially sponsored collaborative studios. These real-world experiences deepen students’ skills and enhance their career readiness, contributing to the fact that 87 percent of undergraduate alums are employed within a year or more after graduating.
CCA graduates are transforming their industries and communities. They carry with them an education that hones their craft and problem-solving skills and prepares them for lifelong creative work and careers that center community engagement, sustainability, and social justice—all highly valued in our innovation economy.
A brand-new experience awaits
We’re thrilled to welcome students to our expanded campus, now open and ready to support their creative journeys. With an additional 82,305 square feet of dynamic maker spaces, classrooms, studios, and galleries in the heart of San Francisco, they’ll have endless opportunities to explore and refine their craft.
This sustainably designed expansion was created with your student in mind. With an inviting indoor-outdoor feel, green spaces, and adaptable makerspaces, students can carry their imaginations across disciplines and mediums. Conveniently located just across the street from student housing, the expanded campus makes it easier than ever to dive into their college experience.
Financial Aid
Steps your student can take to be eligible for financial aid
All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on their portfolio and academic achievements when they apply to CCA. U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens may also qualify for federal, state, or need-based institutional aid by submitting either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), depending on their citizenship status. We encourage all eligible applicants to complete one of these two forms. If additional aid is awarded, the student’s financial aid offer letter will be updated accordingly.
U.S. citizens
U.S. citizens will need to complete the FAFSA and include CCA's federal school code 001127. Dependent students will need a parent whose information is reported on the FAFSA form to create their own FSA ID as well so that they may sign their student's application electronically.
Undocumented students
Undocumented students, Dreamers, and DACA recipients residing in California should plan to complete the CADAA instead of a FAFSA form.
Undocumented students, Dreamers, and DACA recipients residing outside of California can apply for need-based aid with an institutional form from CCA that does not require a social security number.
California residents
The deadline to submit the FAFSA or CADAA for Cal Grant eligibility is March 3, 2025. California residents—both U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens—seeking federal and state aid should complete either the FAFSA or CADAA by this date.
International students
International students are not eligible for federal and state financial aid, and do not need to fill out the forms mentioned above. Explore additional financial aid information and resources for international students.
Financial aid videos
These short videos will help you understand the financial aid process at CCA and provide an overview of the financial aid offer letter, cost of attendance at CCA, and additional aid options.
Counselor Check-In
Students get one-on-one time with admissions experts
Schedule an appointment
Advise your student to make an appointment with an admissions counselor. Our counselors are excited to meet and answer any questions your student may have. In virtual one-on-one sessions, students will get the answers they need to help them prepare to enroll. You’re welcome to join!
Events
Join us for upcoming admissions events
RSVP to attend Admitted Student Day on April 5
Join us in San Francisco to celebrate your admission! Tour our newly expanded campus, look inside student housing, meet the faculty and instructors who will be your mentors, and get to know the CCA community. This event also offers opportunities to get more information to help you make your admissions decision: meet one-on-one with a financial aid counselor, hear from our alums and their experiences at CCA and after graduation, and meet the staff who support CCA students in all facets of college life.
Meet CCA where you are
If you're unable to travel to San Francisco for Admitted Student Day on April 5, we’re hosting receptions for newly admitted CCA students in select cities in the U.S. and around the world! We are excited to welcome you to our CCA community and to answer any questions you may have about attending an art and design college and living in San Francisco as you consider your admissions decision.
Locate a city near you on one of the dates listed below. Please note that these events require advance registration to attend. Registration details will be sent via email.
U.S.
- New York, NY
Saturday, April 19, 11:30 am–1:30 pm - Los Angeles, CA
Sunday, April 13, 1–3 pm - Seattle, WA
Thursday, April 17, 7–9 pm - Miami, FL
Thursday, April 17, 6:30–8:30 pm
Canada
- Vancouver, BC
Saturday, April 12, 1:15–3:15 pm
China
- Beijing
Saturday, March 29, 2–4 pm - Shenzhen
Sunday, March 30, 2–4 pm
India
- Mumbai
Sunday, March 23, 2–4 pm - New Delhi
Saturday, March 22, 2–4 pm
Virtual admitted student events
We're also hosting virtual sessions for our admitted students and their families to get to know CCA from wherever you are. Hear about student life in San Francisco, learn about how your experience at the college sets you up for a creative career, chat with current CCA parents, and learn more about housing on campus. Join us on Zoom to get answers to all your questions about CCA.
No pre-registration is required; links to join these events on Zoom will be sent to your email!
POV: Living in San Francisco
Wednesday, March 5, 5–6 pm (PDT)
Our location in the heart of San Francisco will inspire your artistic practice, connect you to industry, and enrich your life outside the studio. We can't wait to share what we love about SF and answer your questions about what it's really like to live here.
Careers in Art and Design
Wednesday, March 26, 5–6 pm (PDT)
Learn about where a degree in art or design can take you! We’ll talk about career pathways and opportunities, how art school uniquely prepares students for careers in these fields with internships and industry connections, and we’ll share what some of our alumni are doing now.
Meet CCA Housing, Dining, and ResEd
Wednesday, April 17, 5–6 pm (PDT)
Meet our housing staff, learn about our facilities and amenities, understand dining options and meal plans, and get answers to frequently asked housing questions.
Parent Perspectives: Speak with current CCA parents
Thursday, April 24, 5–6 pm (PDT)
Hear from families of current CCA students about their experiences of sending their students to CCA! Bring all your questions and get valuable insights only another parent or guardian can provide.
Q&A for families of admitted students in China
Friday, April 18, 7–8 pm (PDT)
Ask questions about the international student experience at CCA! Mandarin-speaking staff members will attend this event to help facilitate conversation for families of our incoming students from China.
Virtual financial aid workshops
Led by a CCA financial aid counselor, these virtual sessions will go over how to read your financial aid offer letter, how to utilize the What Will I Owe? Estimator, and answer your questions about the different types of aid, disbursement, and financing options.
No pre-registration is required; links to join these events on Zoom will be sent to your email!
Admitted student financial aid workshops
Wednesday, March 12, 5–5:30 pm (PDT)
Monday, April 23, 5–5:30 pm (PDT)
Campus Tours
Visit CCA
Gardens and walkways allow for students and guests to enjoy the open air.
Attend a campus tour—in person or online
Get the vibe of our San Francisco creative community and join your student on a campus tour or go on a virtual one.
Campus tours for admitted students
Experience CCA firsthand on a student-led tour. You’ll get to explore our newly expanded San Francisco campus, complete with more than 82,000 square feet of additional space for state-of-the-art amenities, studios, and facilities. Each in-person tour includes a guided look inside student housing, along with an information session led by admissions staff to answer any questions you may have. Be sure to register in advance—we’re currently unable to accommodate walk-in guests or unaccompanied visitors.
We offer weekly campus tours on Mondays and Fridays at 10:15 am, guided by a CCA staff member or student ambassador. Additionally, we will be offering tours on select Saturdays throughout the spring. All guests must register in advance, as we cannot accommodate walk-in guests or unaccompanied visitors on campus.
Virtual Tour
Explore CCA’s creative campus from wherever you are. Preview shops and studios, and hear stories from students and faculty, all from the convenience of your own home or while you’re on the go.
Enrollment Deposit
Remind your student of this very important deadline
Fall 2025 students must declare their intent to enroll
Your student’s journey at CCA starts with their intent to enroll. In order to accept their offer of admission, they should submit a $300 deposit by May 1 or within two weeks of receiving their offer of admission, whichever is later. The deposit covers students’ registration fees and enrollment and secures their spot as a student.
If your student is ready, encourage them to sign in to their applicant page so they can submit their intent to enroll.