The California Institute of the Arts was founded by Walt Disney in 1961 and is one of the premier institutions for the visual and performing arts in the United States. Its animation program has produced many of the leading animators at Pixar, Disney, and other major studios, making it the top pipeline for careers in animation and character design.
Notable Alumni
Tim Burton (visionary film director)•Don Cheadle (Oscar-nominated actor)•Stephen Hillenburg (creator of SpongeBob SquarePants)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Safety
Campus Safety operates on the self-contained hilltop campus with daily crime logging. The small, insular campus has low reported crime and a close community feel.
Valencia is a master-planned community within Santa Clarita, one of the safest cities in Los Angeles County with violent crime rates roughly half the national average.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Location
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