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Our admissions team is here to assist you throughout the process. Our undergraduate and graduate programs offer rigorous instruction from experienced industry professionals that allow our students’ skills to stand out in their industry.
Sign up for a free account today and you can start the application process before you have all the required materials ready.
For any questions reach out to [email protected]
Free Portfolio Review
Do you want to know where your portfolio stands and how you can improve it? Schedule a free performance review with one of our admissions counselors.
For any questions reach out to [email protected]
Explore Our Programs
BFA DEGREES
Earn your fully accredited BFA degree from one of eight majors that prepare artists and designers for creative careers. LCAD nurtures and trains students to become problem solvers, critical thinkers, and equips them with cutting-edge skills to be change makers.
We are nationally ranked among the top art and design colleges in the U.S., recognized for academic excellence and industry-driven programs. With top-10 rankings for graduate income and #1 in tuition affordability among peer institutions, LCAD prepares you to launch a creative career that pays off.
:1ratio
Students to Teacher in Studios
Student to Faculty Ratio
With a notably low student-to-faculty ratio, each student receives tailored instruction and direct access to faculty, fostering strong, individualized relationships. This close-knit environment enables faculty to not only amplify students’ strengths but also target areas for growth, ensuring a well-rounded and dynamic educational experience.
Faculty Working In Industry
85% of LCAD’s faculty are active industry professionals. That means you’re learning directly from artists and designers who are working right now at top studios, brands, and companies shaping the future of creative work. This direct connection to industry means you gain insight into current tools, workflows, and expectations from professionals who are shaping the creative world right now, giving your education immediate relevance and real career impact.
LCAD Faculty Currently Work at:
- Disney
- Nike
- Monster Energy
- Riot Games
- Oakley
- NFL
- Obsidian
- PlayStation
- Naughty Dog
- Cartoon Network
- And more
%
of LCAD Alumni ARE EMPLOYED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF GRADUATION
Employment Rate
At LCAD, our top priority is to prepare students with the skills and experiences to thrive and build impactful careers in the creative industry. Our alumni secure positions at leading companies, contributing to groundbreaking projects that shape the future of design, art, and entertainment.
Employment outcomes were determined using the 2023/24 Alumni Employment Survey responses and additional data sources, with a 68% knowledge rate achieved. To find more information on graduate outcomes, visit our page here.
Where our Alumni Work
LCAD graduates are turning their creativity into powerful careers at top companies across entertainment, design, gaming, and more. LCAD alumni have gone on to work with studios and brands like Disney, Pixar, Nike, Sony, Blizzard, and DreamWorks, contributing to projects seen by millions around the world. Some graduates take the indie route, using what they learned at LCAD to level up fast and step into leadership roles.
- Disney
- Nike
- Blizzard Entertainment
- DreamWorks
- Apple
- Netflix
- Obsidian Entertainment
- Activision
- And more
Schedule A Tour
Campus tours for prospective BFA Students are conducted at 10:00 a.m, 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday–Friday by appointment. To schedule a campus tour, please click below.
Apply
Now
Sign Up for a Free Application Today
Our admissions team is here to assist you throughout the process. Our undergraduate and graduate programs offer rigorous instruction from experienced industry professionals that allow our students’ skills to stand out in their industry.
Sign up for a free account today and you can start the application process before you have all the required materials ready.
For any questions reach out to [email protected]
ask us
anything
Frequently Asked Questions
For any questions reach out to [email protected]
When Are LCAD’s Application Deadlines?
LCAD does not have set deposit deadline for accepted students. Instead, we offer rolling admissions which allows Fall students to deposit through August 1stand January 15thfor Spring students.
To receive an early admissions decision we recommend completing fall applications by December 1st Early Action date.
Applications received after a priority date will be considered on a space-available basis. For more information please visit: <a href=”/bfa-application-dates/”>Application Dates</a>
What Is the Cost of Tuition?
BFA Tuition
Tuition for 2025/26 is $39,376/year, $19,688/semester
MFA Drawing or Painting Tuition
Tuition for 2025/26 is $41,738/year, $20,869/semester
Out-of-State and International Students pay the same tuition as California Residents.
Tuition at LCAD is established annually by the Board of Trustees and is subject to change each year.
For more information please visit: Paying for Tuition
Do LCAD Students Receive Financial Aid?
In Fall 2019, approximately 99% of LCAD’s incoming students received federal, state or institutional funding.
Does LCAD Accept International Students?
Yes, we believe that our International Students offer a unique perspective and we encourage students from abroad to apply. International students pay the same tuition and are offered the same scholarship opportunities as our domestic students.
For more information please visit: International Students
Can I Transfer From Another College to LCAD? What are the Requirements?
Many LCAD students have transferred here from other colleges. LCAD will grant credit for liberal arts classes that meet transfer requirements. Studio credits are granted based on an evaluation of a Transfer Portfolio after acceptance. For more information regarding Transfer Portfolios please visit: Portfolio Information
There is no minimum number of units to transfer. LCAD accepts up to 66 units (39 liberal arts and 27 studio).
Please refer to LCAD’s “Transfer Eligibility” document for further information on our Transfer Student page.
Does LCAD Accept AP Credit?
LCAD accepts AP Credit for liberal arts courses, but because of the specialized nature of the studio programs, advanced placement of studio credit is not accepted. The Registrar’s office accepts 3’s for English and Art History. For all AP Subjects other than AP Studio courses a “3” or better is acceptable.
How Difficult Is It to Get Accepted to LCAD? What Is LCAD’s Acceptance Rate?
LCAD recognizes and supports an admissions policy that encourages motivated and serious students to pursue a college education in the visual arts. We understand the diverse educational and personal backgrounds of students who apply. The Admissions committee reviews your qualifications so that they can evaluate, advise, and place you based on a balanced picture. An applicant’s academic achievements, creative abilities and artistic and professional goals are all taken into consideration. LCAD highly recommends that current high school students follow a college preparatory program that includes courses in studio art, art history, and supplemental drawing classes.
LCAD’s acceptance rate for Fall 2019 was 79%.
Does LCAD Have a Residence Hall or On-Campus Housing?
Located at 787 Laguna Canyon Road, the South Campus Residence Hall is 3/4 of a mile from Main Campus, and walking distance to downtown Laguna Beach’s shopping, dining, and boardwalk. The Residence Hall accommodates 56 students. Space is limited and priority is given to newly entering, first-year students currently residing outside of a 100-mile radius of LCAD’s Main Campus.
Additionally, LCAD’s Student Life assists students in their searches for off-campus housing. The staff provides listings of houses, apartments, rooms in houses, guesthouses, and other rooms for rent in Laguna Beach and its surrounding communities. Written materials such as a housing survey and a student housing brochure are available only to students who have deposited through the Admissions Office.
For more information visit: Housing.
Can I Change My Major After I’ve Enrolled in Classes at LCAD?
Students may change majors after being enrolled by speaking first to their current Chair and then with the prospective Chair. The student will be required to submit a petition (obtained from the Registrar’s Office) and submit a written essay and portfolio of current work.
Students should be aware that changing majors may result in extending the duration of studies and increase the expense of completing the BFA degree or certificate.