Application Deadlines and Fees

However, we are still accepting applications for certain programs. You can view a list of which programs are open here:

CalArts Open Programs Fall 2025

Programs may close to new applications at any time and without advance notice. For complete application review and financial aid consideration, you are best off applying as soon as possible.

Prepare to apply with our step-by-step guide

Start your application

It is possible to apply to more than one program at CalArts. To do so, simply start two applications, one for each of your programs of interest. Please note, an application fee is required for each application.

Application fees

$85 - Regular deadline

Students applying online may submit their fee with a credit card or send a check/money order. Applications without payment will not be processed or reviewed. Fee waiver requests must be submitted by email (with the applicant’s full legal name) to admissions@calarts.edu.

Application fee waiver

We acknowledge that the application fee may present a financial hardship to some applicants; please contact CalArts’ Office of Admissions for more information.

Fee waiver requests are submitted separately from the application for admission to CalArts. Submit your fee waiver request well in advance of your application deadline, whenever possible. 

The final deadline to submit a fee waiver request is Jan. 7, 2025. Do not submit your application fee until your fee waiver request has been processed and you have received a reply. Paid application fees will not be refunded.

Undergraduate (BFA) programs’ options for fee waiver:

• College Board fee waiver - email to admissions@calarts.edu;
• NACAC fee waiver - email to admissions@calarts.edu;
• Letter from a high school/transfer counselor verifying family hardship - email to admissions@calarts.edu;
• CalArts Alumni;
• CalArts Extended Studies Alumni;
• California State Summer School of the Arts (CSSSA) Alumni;
• CalArts Community Arts Partnership (CAP) Alumni;
• CalArts Community College Transfer Pathway Partner Institution; or
• Applicants who applied to CalArts in a previous year.

Graduate programs (MFA, MA, DMA) options for fee waiver:

• CalArts Alumni;
• CalArts Extended Studies Alumni;
• California State Summer School of the Arts (CSSSA) Alumni;
• CalArts Community Arts Partnership (CAP) Alumni; or
• Applicants who applied to CalArts in a previous year.

Type of student

First Time Freshman - If you are applying to an undergraduate (BFA) program and will not have attended another college or university for credit between graduating from high school and coming to CalArts, even if you will be bringing college credit from advanced placement (AP) testing or dual enrollment from when you were in high school.

Transfer - If you are applying to an undergraduate (BFA) program and will have attended another college or university between graduating high school and coming to CalArts.

Graduate - If you are applying to a non-doctoral graduate (MFA or MA) program.