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California Institute of the Arts

Aid for International Students

Financial Aid

There are a variety of financial aid options for international students attending CalArts, such as scholarships offered by CalArts, resources for outside scholarships, and private loans.

Financial aid awards: How to view, accept, or decline awards

When financial aid awards are available, students will receive an email notification to go online and view financial aid in the CalArts portal, the Hub.

Students can view their financial aid awards through the following steps:

  • Visit sso.calarts.edu to access the Self-Service web app.
    * Important note for new students: New students get credentials from Admissions and will need to set up their account with sso.calarts.edu, establishing their permanent password and account recovery information. After completing these easy steps, a new student will be able to access their application information and view their financial aid award. Click here for precise and detailed steps on how to do this. For further assistance, please contact the Office of Information Technology at cait@calarts.edu. 
  • Click on “Self Service” within the available web app dashboard
  • Click on “Financial Aid” to go to your Financial Aid Checklist
  • Click on “Review and accept your Financial Aid Award Package”

College costs and budgeting: Estimating your balance and tuition payment plan (graduate students only)

Cost of attendance

Cost of attendance (COA) is an estimate of students’ educational expenses for the period of enrollment, as determined by the school. COA includes, but is not limited to, tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, medical expenses, transportation, etc. Visit our Cost of Attendance page for more information on COA budgets.

Estimated Payment Worksheet

Our online Estimated Payment Worksheet allows you to enter your estimated costs and financial aid award information to calculate your estimated tuition and fee bill each semester. 

Tuition payment plan

In an effort to help students and families meet their educational expenses, CalArts has partnered with Nelnet Campus Commerce (Nelnet) to administer a monthly payment plan. CalArts payment plan is an interest-free monthly payment plan which allows you to divide tuition and other expenses into four smaller monthly payments spread out over the semester. Please visit our Payment Options page for more details.

Set up Self-Service proxy access

Students can now designate one or more individuals as authorized parties to have access to their FERPA protected information on Self-Service; this includes financial aid, student accounts, and registration information.

To learn more and set up proxy access, click here.

Contact Financial Aid

Request an appointment

Office hours
Spring and fall semesters: Monday–Friday from 9 am–5 pm
Summer: Monday–Thursday from 9 am–5 pm

Email: finaid@calarts.edu
Phone number: 661-253-7869 or 800-443-0480
Room number: F201 (next to the Cashier’s Window)