Through our commitment to a high level of service and support at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), the Financial Aid Office provides financial assistance, resources, and information to all current and prospective students.

The mission of the Office of Financial Aid is to foster the educational goals of CalArts students by focusing on financial strategies that help promote access, affordability, and persistence toward completing their degree program as well as succeeding beyond our campus.

Financial Aid, as referred to in higher education, is a wide array of funding sources and types that are awarded to students for the purpose of assisting with costs associated with attending college. Sources of financial aid include, but are not limited to, private, institutional, state and federal.

Reminders & Updates

Financial Literacy Resources

The Office of Financial Aid is dedicated to helping our students learn more about finances to help students understand their personal finances and make informed decisions.  Please visit our Financial Literacy Resources page to access information and resources on budgeting, saving, credit and more financial literacy topics. 

You can also take a brief Financial Wellness survey to let us know what additional topics and resources are of interest to you.

Getting Ready for the Loan Payment Pause To End

As the payment pause comes to an end it's crucial for any student who has borrowed education loans which will be entering repayment in October to prepare for this upcoming change. To learn more and for resources please click here.

2023-2024 FAFSA Now Available

The 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available to complete at https://studentaid.gov/fafsa-app/ROLES.  You can view more information on completing the FAFSA, including an instructional video, at https://calarts.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/how-to-apply.  The Institute's priority deadline for completing the FAFSA is February 28. 

Request an Appointment with the Office of Financial Aid

To request an in-person, phone, or zoom appointment with the Office Financial Aid, complete an Appointment Request Form.

Zoom Office Hours: Wednesdays at 3:00pm - 4:00pm at https://calarts.zoom.us/j/97701034261 

Drop in to our financial aid office hours Wednesdays between 3:00pm to 4:00pm to go over any financial aid questions that you have.

Designate Student Information Access

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

To learn more and set up Proxy access please click here.

Welcome CalArts Parents and families, we are so excited to have your student join our diverse community of artists! Since we communicate directly with the student you are strongly encouraged to review the complete website to get all the facts regarding the application procedures, deadlines, grants, scholarships, loans and work programs that may be available to your student as a resource. If you want to inquire about specific information regarding your student’s financial assistance you must have confirmed access as a Proxy. Proxy access information and instructions can be found here. 

CalArts provides an estimated cost of education on an annual basis which breaks down the direct charges- such as tuition, fees and housing and food for students who live on campus and indirect charges. To view our estimated cost of attendance for the current academic year, please click here.

The Office of Financial Aid understands that the cost of education can be difficult to cover out of pocket. Parents of dependent undergraduate students, who complete a FAFSA for the academic year can apply for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan to help brige the gap between the cost of attending CalArts and the financial aid the student is currently receiving. To learn more about eligibility, interest rates, repayment and the application process please see this link. Dependent Undergraduate students will have a Parent PLUS loan listed on their financial aid award letter, the amount listed is not the maximum that can be borrowed, parents can request up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student is receiving during the application process. The Office of Financial Aid believes in making fiscally responsible decisions and recommends that students and parents do not borrow more than they need for their education-related expenses. 

Other options for covering your student's balance include Monthly Payment Plans or Private Education Student Loans. 


If you have questions regarding payments or billing please contact the Bursar at accounting@calarts.edu or 661-253-7847.