Otis College of Art and Design
The Vibe Check
Otis College feels like a professional creative studio where students are treated as emerging artists rather than just pupils. The campus buzzes with a collaborative, hands-on energy, and the work ethic is intense but supportive. You'll see work-in-progress everywhere, from sculpture studios to digital labs, fostering a constant state of making and critiquing.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
SAT data not available
Average: 1245
ACT Score Range
ACT data not available
Average: 25
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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Academics & Majors
Otis is a premier institution for visual and performing arts, with a renowned BFA program that emphasizes conceptual development and technical mastery. The curriculum is taught by practicing industry professionals, ensuring students receive current, real-world feedback. While it's not a research university, students have ample opportunities for interdisciplinary projects and public exhibitions.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Los Angeles
Living in Los Angeles means students have direct access to a world-class arts scene, including museums like LACMA and The Broad, and endless galleries in Downtown LA, Hollywood, and Culver City. For fun, students explore the city's diverse food trucks, hike near the coast, attend concerts, and draw inspiration from the vibrant street art and culture. The campus is also just a short distance from the beach, offering a blend of urban and coastal lifestyles.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($58,152):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in the Del Rey neighborhood of LA, which is generally considered a safe, residential area. Like any urban environment, students are advised to stay aware of their surroundings, especially when traveling off-campus at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Prime location in Los Angeles provides unparalleled access to the art and design industry, internships, and cultural events.
- ✓ Faculty are working professionals who bring current industry knowledge and connections directly into the classroom.
- ✓ The career-centered BFA programs are designed to build a professional-level portfolio and skill set for immediate post-graduation success.
Cons
- ✗ The cost of attendance is very high, and the average net price may lead to significant student debt.
- ✗ The graduation rate of 61.1% is lower than the national average, which can be a concern for retention and degree completion.
- ✗ The focus is almost exclusively on studio arts and design, with no broader liberal arts programs or traditional college sports teams.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Otis College is renowned for its rigorous BFA programs in Fine Arts, Toy Design, Fashion Design, and Architecture. It is particularly celebrated for its career-focused curriculum, strong industry connections, and its role as a feeder school for major creative industries like animation, entertainment, and product design.
Otis has an acceptance rate of approximately 84%, which indicates that it is not highly selective based on grades and test scores alone. However, admission is competitive based on the strength of the applicant's portfolio and creative potential, which are the most heavily weighted factors in the decision process.
Campus life at Otis is intensely creative and project-oriented, with a commuter-like atmosphere as many students live off-campus in the Los Angeles area. Students spend most of their time in studios, labs, and critique sessions, fostering a tight-knit community built around shared artistic practice. While there are clubs and events, the primary social life revolves around creative collaboration and exploring the city's cultural offerings.
The value of an Otis degree depends heavily on the student's initiative and career goals. For those who take full advantage of the LA location, internships, and professional faculty, the investment can pay off through strong industry placement. The median earnings of $58,152 after ten years are respectable for the arts, but prospective students should carefully consider scholarships and financial aid to manage the high cost.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 1,333
- In-State Tuition $55,513
- Zip Code 90045
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a high sticker price and an average net cost of over $45,000, Otis is a significant financial investment. However, the 10-year median earnings of $58,152 are solid for a creative degree, and the college's strong industry ties in a major creative hub can lead to valuable internships and career opportunities. The value is highest for students who actively leverage the LA network and the school's professional-focused curriculum to launch their careers.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.