Art Center College of Design SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
ArtCenter’s 76% acceptance rate makes admission feel within reach, but the 3.84 average GPA shows successful applicants usually bring strong academic consistency. Since it is test-optional, submit scores only if they strengthen your record, and focus your strategy on grades and creative work that clearly show your fit.
⬡ LangSmithc9142439-2383-4141-a66e-a25d1a9c77e4Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Art Center College of Design facts and stats
Art Center College of Design enrolls about 2,040 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. ArtCenter’s freshman retention rate is 86%, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 79%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.
⬡ LangSmithf219f571-0fa8-4c93-8a3b-0448b0d23c32Pasadena, CA
How does your GPA compare at ArtCenter?
Key Art Center College of Design application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
September 14
Early Action
October 15
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
February 1
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional ArtCenter, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year for retakes. Normally, fall senior year can also be a retake window, but ArtCenter’s September 14 Regular Decision deadline means August is the last practical retake whose scores are likely to arrive in time.
⬡ LangSmith60f1c0ab-e287-4c3f-9145-55fd2816bfbaWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Art Center College of Design?
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What you'll actually pay
ArtCenter is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $54,170. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
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At ArtCenter, tuition and fees plus room and board total about $73,802 per year before books, supplies, personal expenses, and any financial aid. Because it is a private not-for-profit college, the final price depends heavily on each student’s financial aid offer and housing choices. Students should compare billed costs with any grants, scholarships, and loans to estimate what they will actually pay.
⬡ LangSmitha5fb5122-0b08-433a-ab9a-6b6de72f1299Student life at Art Center College of Design
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Southern California Institute of Architecture
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Westmont College
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Biola University
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