Established in 1961 and home to more than 1,300 undergraduate and graduate students, California Institute of the Arts is in Valencia, about 30 miles north of Los Angeles. The college tied for seventh place among all fine arts schools in the United States in the U.S. News and World Report rankings of 2008 (the last year available as of September 2010). The college's undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts in art program does not require students to select a medium to specialize in, allowing students to take courses in as many areas as interest them. Courses are offered in painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, digital imaging, sculpture, installation art, film and performance art. All undergraduates undergo two formal portfolio reviews by faculty prior to graduation. The school also offers a Master of Fine Arts degree program in studio arts. Approximately 77 percent of freshmen and 84 percent of continuing students receive some form of financial aid, according to the 2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges.
California Institute of the Arts
24700 McBean Parkway
Valencia, CA 91355
661-255-1050
calarts.edu
A public institution, the University of California, Los Angeles has an enrollment of more than 39,000 undergraduate students. The colleges was also tied for seventh place among fine arts schools in the U.S. News and World Report in 2008. All students in the undergraduate studio art program must take classes in painting and drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics, art theory and newer media like performance and installation art. Then, students select an area of concentration in which to continue advanced studies. The college limits enrollment in studio courses to around 17 students, allowing for a high degree of individualized attention. All undergraduates have the opportunity to enter works in an annual juried art exhibition on campus. The university also grants a Master of Fine Arts in studio arts. Around 47 percent of all students benefit from financial aid, explains the 2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges.
University of California, Los Angeles
Broad Art Center
Suite 2275
Los Angeles, CA 90095
310-825-3281
arts.ucla.edu
Located in Pasadena, the Art Center College of Design is a private, nonsectarian school with around 1,900 undergraduate and graduate students. The school ranked 11th among all fine arts schools in the United States in the U.S. News and World Report 2008 ratings. The college offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in illustration, photography and imaging and fine arts. The latter program allows students to study painting, installation art, video and film and sculpture. Each semester, the college hosts visiting artists who conduct workshops and teach courses. Internships are available for interested students. The college also grants Master of Fine Arts degrees in art. About three-quarters of all students at the Art Center College of Design are financial aid recipients, reports the 2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges.
Art Center College of Design
1700 Lida St.
Pasadena, CA 91103
626-396-2373
artcenter.edu