Financial Aid Guide for New Students

We believe finances should not be a barrier to investing in your future, and we're committed to making your education as affordable as possible. CalArts offers a full range of scholarships, financial aid and financing options to families of all income levels.

Read this guide to understand financial aid process and learn what you need to do.

Please be advised that our method of communicating with students is through email. Make sure to frequently check your email in order to receive important information in a timely manner, including any changes made to your Financial Aid Award.
For U.S. Citizens

The FAFSA is the first step in the financial aid process. Use it to apply for federal student financial aid, such as grants and loans. Students must file a new FAFSA each academic year.

Apply by February 15 for priority status.

Complete your FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov. Please be sure to include CalArts's school code (001132).

For BFA Students only.

If you are a California Resident, visit WebGrants4Students to check on the status of your Cal Grant application.

If you receive a request for any documents or more information, please respond promptly with the requested information. Review outstanding documents through Financial Aid Self Service via your CalArts SSO account.

Available online through Financial Aid Self-Service via your CalArts SSO account. Make to sure to Accept and/or Decline award items and complete the loan process if you plan to borrow loans. Please click here for more information on how to accept or reject your award.

Learn more about the various types of financial aid.

Understand your total costs, the financial aid offered to help cover those costs, and any remaining balance due to CalArts after your aid is applied.

Click here to start estimating your balance.

If needed, find other sources of financial aid through these options. Click here to learn more. 

Tuition statements will become available in early to mid-July. Please note that settlement of your account is payment of the balance due. Your balance due can be found on your tuition statement and payment can be by either direct full payment (cash, check, credit card, loan etc.) or enrollment and up-to-date payments in a payment plan. For more information on your payment options go to the payment options page.