Best Visual and Performing Arts, General Schools in California

California has 8 colleges offering Visual and Performing Arts, General programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 258 recent graduates. Graduates earn $27,377 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $26,303.

School choice matters significantly: Otis College of Art and Design graduates earn $38,289 while University of California-San Diego graduates earn $18,771 — a $19,518 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

8
Schools in CA
$27,377
CA Avg. Earnings
$26,303
National Avg.
67
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Visual and Performing Arts, General in California

Public Schools (3)
$22,294
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (4)
$31,310
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $9,016 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Visual and Performing Arts, General Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

#1
O

Otis College of Art and Design

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$38,289
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,531
Graduates: 91
Acceptance: 84.0%
#2
U

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$36,674
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $18,394
Graduates: 24
Acceptance: 10.0%
#3
U

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · Private

$27,823
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 50.8%
#4
A

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA ·

$26,896
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,153
Graduates: 35
Acceptance: N/A
#5
C

California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA · Public

$25,194
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 93.1%
#6
C

California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA · Public

$22,917
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $25,472
Graduates: 49
Acceptance: 95.7%
#7
A

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA · Private

$22,455
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 79.5%
#8
U

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

$18,771
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $22,195
Graduates: 59
Acceptance: 24.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Visual and Performing Arts, General in California?
Otis College of Art and Design ranks #1 for Visual and Performing Arts, General in California with median graduate earnings of $38,289 within two years of graduation. There are 8 schools offering Visual and Performing Arts, General programs in the state.
How much do Visual and Performing Arts, General graduates earn in California?
Visual and Performing Arts, General graduates in California earn an average of $27,377 within two years of graduation. This is 4% above the national average of $26,303 for this major.
What is the hardest Visual and Performing Arts, General school to get into in California?
University of Southern California is the most selective Visual and Performing Arts, General program in California with an acceptance rate of 10.0%. The average acceptance rate across Visual and Performing Arts, General programs in the state is 62.5%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Visual and Performing Arts, General in California?
In California, private Visual and Performing Arts, General programs produce average earnings of $31,310 vs $22,294 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 4 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

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Visual and Performing Arts, General in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.