CalArts vs. University of the People

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA with University of the People in Pasadena, California on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of the People is larger than CalArts based on total student enrollment (41,961 students vs. 1,277 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of the Arts is located in Valencia, CA (Midsize Suburban setting); University of the People is in Pasadena, California (Midsize City setting).
• California Institute of the Arts is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the People is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of the Arts 7:1; University of the People 28:1.

CalArts vs. University of the People Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CalArts or University of the People? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of the People than CalArts ($1,575 vs. $56,239).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the People are 85.8% lower than at California Institute of the Arts ($2,001 vs. $14,134).
• California Institute of the Arts is 4,114% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of the People (about $57,596 more per year; $58,996.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4,114% higher at CalArts than at University of the People (about $57,596 more per year; $58,996.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Institute of the Arts than at University of the People (95% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of the Arts students is 1,987.3% larger than aid received by University of the People students ($21,416 vs. $1,026).

CalArts vs. University of the People Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CalArts or University of the People? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of the People and CalArts.

• University of the People reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CalArts - Test-free; University of the People - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: CalArts Jan 5, 2027.

CalArts vs. University of the People Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CalArts and University of the People? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.