California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) was incorporated in 1961 as the nation's first art institute granting undergraduate and graduate degrees in both the visual and the performing arts.

CalArts was established through the vision and generosity of Walt Disney, Roy Disney and Lulu May Von Hagen, and the merger of two well-established professional schools: the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music, founded in 1883, and the Chouinard Art Institute, founded in 1921.

CalArts is unique for having an equal focus on the visual and the performing arts—Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music and Theater—housed under one roof.

Emphasis is placed on innovative and experimental work.

Students are admitted solely on the basis of artistic ability.

Total number of students: 1242

Number of undergraduate students: 800

Number of graduate students: 442

Current students come from 47 states and 39 nations

Student/faculty ratio is 6:1

Average class size: 14 students

Alumni (including Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and Chouinard Art Institute): 10,904

Student population: 45% female, 55% male

Undergraduate student age average: 22

Graduate student age average: 27

Geographic diversity: 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 39 countries

Total enrollment: 1242

BFA students: 800

MFA students: 442

Acceptance rate: 32%

Retention rate: 96%

Gender: 55% male; 45% female

International Students: 15%

Ethnic Diversity:
6% African-American
11% Asian-American
69% Caucasian
10% Latino
2% Native American
1% other

Concentrations:
31% Film/Video
24% Art
19% Music
17% Theater
6% Dance
3% Critical Studies

Nationally recognized (but not ranked):
Animation Programs (School of Film/Video)
School of Critical Studies
School of Dance
School of Music

For more information contact: info@calarts.edu

661.255.1050 (Phone) CalArts
661.253.7710 (Fax) 24700 McBean Parkway
www.calarts.edu Valencia, CA 91355-2397

2000-2001
(Updated: October 1, 2004)