Art Center College of Design is an 80-year old private institution with almost 1,500 students. Art Center began as a trade school for World War II veterans and has gained a reputation as one of the country's most distinguished art and design colleges. With an acceptance rate of nearly 60 percent, selected students can expect to study in a real-world environment. The school holds classes year-round on a trimester schedule, without summer breaks. Students bypass the traditional "foundation" year of most art colleges and begin working toward their major in the first semester. The school has offered industrial design degrees since 1949, and graduates typically find employment quickly in sectors such as the automotive industry, high tech and entertainment. As of spring 2010, undergraduate students can expect to pay nearly $16,000 for a full-time program of 12 units.
Art Center College of Design
950 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-396-2200
artcenter.edu
Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts (CCA) is an accredited four-year private institution offering 20 different undergraduate and graduate degrees, including industrial design. With campuses in San Francisco and Oakland, CCA has nearly 1,800 students. The industrial design program emphasizes "creativity, curiosity, innovation and belief in one's own visual intelligence," according to the CCA website. Students have access to state-of-the-art labs, prototyping facilities and vacuum-form equipment. CCA students works closely on industry-sponsored projects led by business giants such as Samsung and Mattel. As of spring 2010, student tuition for undergraduate studies is nearly $18,000 per term for a 12-unit course load.
California College of the Arts
1111 8th St.
San Francisco, CA 94107
800-447-1278
cca.edu
The San Jose State University School of Art and Design was established over thirty years ago. As part of the California State University education system, this public college enrolls diverse entrants from every background, including part-time students, transfer applicants and recent high-school graduates. The program works closely with San Jose State University's Anthropology, Business and Engineering departments and also offers a study-abroad program. Foundation courses emphasize visual communication, strategic thinking and design theory. Hands-on learning includes work in model-making, materials and manufacturing and technological innovation projects. The program's strategic location in the heart of the Silicon Valley allows students easy access to industry giants through guest lectures, workshops and internships. As of spring 2010, full-time students can expect to pay tuition fees of approximately $2,500 per semester.
San Jose State University
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192
408-924-1000
ad.sjsu.edu/programs/industrial_design