Skip to content
Private nonprofit, 4-year

Laguna College of Art and Design

Laguna Beach, California · www.lcad.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

94.3%

2025

Peer median 61.3%

Tuition per year

$37,500

$57,053 with room and board

Peer median $40,478

Undergraduates

746

Student-faculty ratio 9:1

Peer median 9 : 1

Graduation rate

41.7%

4-year; 6-year rate 63.1%

Peer median 52.9%

“Peers” are all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD), located in the picturesque coastal city of Laguna Beach, California, is renowned for its dedication to fostering creativity and innovation in the field of art and design. Established in 1961, LCAD offers a rich academic environment that emphasizes a hands-on approach to education, allowing students to develop their artistic skills while exploring various disciplines. The college boasts a diverse range of programs, including Animation, Game Art, Graphic Design, and Fine Arts, each designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in their chosen careers.

The college prides itself on its strong faculty, comprised of accomplished professionals and artists who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This unique blend of expertise ensures that students receive high-quality instruction and mentorship. LCAD's campus is not only a hub of artistic activity but also a vibrant community where students can engage in various extracurricular activities, including exhibitions, workshops, and collaborative projects. The school's focus on student-driven initiatives fosters a supportive environment that encourages creative exploration and personal growth. With its beautiful location, exceptional programs, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists and designers, Laguna College of Art and Design continues to stand out as a premier institution in the realm of art and design education.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Laguna College of Art and Design

The tuition fees at Laguna College of Art and Design have exhibited a significant upward trend over the years. For undergraduate students, the tuition increased from $26,500 in 2014 to $35,650 in 2024, marking a rise of approximately 34%. This escalating cost of education is a critical concern for many prospective students, especially as student debt continues to be a national issue. The increase in tuition might deter potential applicants, particularly those from lower-income families, who may find these costs prohibitive.

In conjunction with the tuition hikes, the graduation rates for undergraduate students have fluctuated. Notably, the on-time graduation rate saw a high of 55.8% in 2014 but dropped to 43.9% in 2023. This decline raises questions about the effectiveness of the institution’s support systems for students and how well they are equipped to navigate their educational journey. The drop in graduation rates could correlate with the rising tuition costs, as financial stress can significantly impact a student's ability to complete their degree.

Moreover, the student retention rate has remained relatively stable, hovering around 78% to 85% in recent years. This consistency suggests that once students enroll, they tend to stay, which is a positive indicator of student satisfaction. However, the overall number of students has slightly decreased from a peak of 784 in 2020 to 729 in 2023, potentially indicating that while current students are satisfied, fewer new students are being attracted to the college.

Lastly, the gender ratio in undergraduate programs shows a notable trend toward a higher percentage of female students, with women making up approximately 74.3% of the undergraduate population by 2023. This shift could reflect broader societal changes in gender representation within higher education fields, particularly in art and design, which are traditionally seen as more inclusive for female students.

In summary, while Laguna College of Art and Design maintains a stable retention rate and a high female representation among students, rising tuition and declining graduation rates are critical areas that require attention to ensure the institution remains accessible and supportive for all students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, near a city
Nearest major city
Riverside, about 35 mi
Nearest international airport
John Wayne Orange County International Airport (SNA), about 10 mi
Laguna Beach, California
Also known as
LCAD
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Steven J. Brittan (President)
Phone
9493766000
City
Laguna Beach, California
Address
2222 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 61.3% · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
91.8%
Women
94.9%

In 2020: men 70.7%, women 83.8%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Laguna College of Art and Design

The admission data from Laguna College of Art and Design reveals some intriguing trends over the years. From 2009 to 2023, the enrollment numbers fluctuated significantly, with highs and lows in both acceptance rates for male and female applicants. Notably, the overall acceptance rates for males started at approximately 46.4% in 2009 and saw a remarkable increase to around 86.9% by 2023. In contrast, female acceptance rates, while still relatively high, exhibited less volatility, starting at around 49.3% and reaching approximately 88.8% in the same period.
The total number of enrollments decreased sharply in certain years, such as in 2011 and 2012 when both rates dropped significantly, leading to lower enrollment figures. However, the spike in enrollment numbers in 2019, where both male and female acceptance rates peaked, suggests that the college may have made strategic adjustments to its recruitment strategies, possibly in response to changing market demands in the arts and design fields.
Moreover, the increase in deferments over the years indicates that a growing number of accepted students are opting to delay their entry, potentially reflecting broader trends in the educational landscape where students are taking time to prepare for their studies or deal with uncertainties, such as those exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall, the data portrays a college that is adapting to the shifting dynamics of student enrollment and the competitive landscape of art and design education, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in maintaining a robust and diverse student body.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Fine Arts#122

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Data Trends at Laguna College of Art and Design

The admission data from Laguna College of Art and Design over the years reveals a consistent absence of specific data points regarding standardized test scores, such as SAT and ACT results, and the percentage of applicants who submitted these scores. This lack of data continuity raises questions about the institution's admission practices, especially in the context of the broader educational landscape.

As many colleges and universities are increasingly adopting test-optional policies, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to assess how these changes affect enrollment and diversity. The absence of score data could suggest that Laguna College may also be leaning towards a holistic review process, focusing on applicants' portfolios and creative potential rather than solely on test scores.

Without the necessary data, it is challenging to evaluate the competitiveness of the admitted students or the overall trends in applicant demographics. This lack of transparency may deter potential applicants who rely on such metrics to gauge their chances of admission. Moreover, it is essential for the institution to publish comprehensive data to attract a diverse pool of talent and maintain credibility in the art and design education sector.

Overall, while the absence of detailed admissions metrics might reflect a strategic shift towards holistic evaluation, it emphasizes the need for clearer communication and transparency to ensure that prospective students fully understand their application landscape.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 9 in 10

528 applicants in 2025, 94.3% admitted

498 admitted 30 not admitted Yield 23.1%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's1519 international (6.0%)
Master's152 international (13.3%)
Top 5 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
42
Illustration
40
Game and Interactive Media Design
28
Graphic Design
27
Fine/Studio Arts, General
14

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Fine/Studio Arts, General · Master's9 (0% international)
  • Game and Interactive Media Design · Master's6 (33% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Laguna College of Art and Design

The graduation data from Laguna College of Art and Design in 2023 reveals interesting trends in both domestic and international student achievements across various artistic disciplines. Notably, the Bachelor’s degree programs in Illustration and Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects show a robust number of graduates, with 40 and 26 respectively. This highlights a strong interest and investment in these fields, likely reflecting the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the burgeoning entertainment and digital media industries.

Additionally, the presence of international students in these programs is noteworthy, albeit modest, with 1 international student graduating in both Illustration and Animation. This could suggest that while the college attracts a diverse student body, the majority of its graduates are domestic, indicating a potential area for growth in international recruitment efforts.

On the other hand, the Fine/Studio Arts program appears to cater more to graduate education, as evidenced by the 13 graduates with Master’s degrees, including 2 international students. This trend could reflect a strategic focus on advanced studies within the fine arts, aligning with broader industry needs for specialized skills and knowledge.

The absence of undergraduate graduates in Game and Interactive Media Design and the lack of international students in higher degree programs might indicate either a curriculum adjustment or a need for increased outreach and marketing to attract more students.

Overall, these insights suggest a healthy graduation output in certain programs while highlighting opportunities for diversification and growth in others, particularly in international student enrollment across various degree levels.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Visual and Performing artshas 124 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Graphic Design.$44,069
Illustration.$44,069
Game and Interactive Media Design.$44,069
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-
Communications technologies has 42 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.$21,307

Students

775 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 25:75 · Freshman retention 84.2%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (746)

White
297 · 39.8%
Hispanic
179 · 24.0%
Asian
139 · 18.6%
Two or more races
65 · 8.7%
International
37 · 5.0%
Black
13 · 1.7%
Unknown
8 · 1.1%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Laguna College of Art and Design in 2023

The student demographics at Laguna College of Art and Design reveal a vibrant and diverse community in the year 2023. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 116 students, with a notable majority of 73.3% being female. This gender distribution reflects a growing trend in higher education, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males.

For undergraduate continuing students, the total enrollment stands at 540, with females making up 74.8% of the population, indicating a strong representation of women in the arts. The figures for transfer students also show a similar pattern, with 73.6% being female. This consistent female predominance across all undergraduate categories suggests that the institution is attracting more women to its programs, which aligns with broader societal shifts towards gender equity in education.

In contrast, the graduate program, which has 31 enrolled students, shows a more balanced gender ratio, with 35.5% male students. This indicates that the graduate level may be attracting more male students compared to undergraduate levels, a shift that could be reflective of increasing interest from men in advanced studies within the arts.

Ethnic diversity among students is also noteworthy. While specific numbers are not provided for each category, there is a representation of various racial and ethnic groups, including White, Asian, Latina/o, and African American students. This diversity contributes to a rich cultural exchange within the college, enhancing the educational experience.

Overall, the demographic data for 2023 showcases Laguna College of Art and Design as a progressive institution that is successfully attracting a diverse and predominantly female student body, particularly at the undergraduate level, while also maintaining a welcoming environment for all ethnicities.

Age Demographics at Laguna College of Art and Design

The age composition of students at Laguna College of Art and Design provides intriguing insights into the demographics of artistic education. The data reveals a significant presence of younger students, particularly those aged 18-21, with 23 male undergraduates and 86 female undergraduates in the 18-19 age group, followed by 40 male undergraduates and 198 female undergraduates in the 20-21 age group. This indicates a strong trend of traditional college-age students pursuing degrees in art and design, which is typical in many educational institutions.

Interestingly, as the age increases, there is a noticeable decline in the number of students. The age group of 22-24 continues to maintain a robust number of undergraduates, with 63 males and 183 females, but the numbers start to dwindle significantly in older categories. For instance, only 45 males and 55 females are present in the 25-29 age group, showcasing a shift in enrollment trends as students progress through their educational journeys.

Moreover, the data reflects a gender imbalance in certain age brackets, particularly with a higher number of female students overall, which is a common trend in art and design programs. The total figures indicate that there are 23 male students and 86 female students in the youngest age category, highlighting the appeal of these programs to female students.

Overall, the age demographics at Laguna College of Art and Design illustrate a youthful and predominantly female student body, indicative of the evolving landscape of higher education in the creative fields. This trend may also reflect broader societal shifts, where artistic careers are increasingly viewed as viable and attractive options for the younger generation.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

Undergraduates5.0%

37 in 2025 · 3.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 3.0%2017: 2.3%2018: 4.9%2019: 4.4%2020: 4.2%2021: 4.4%2022: 4.8%2023: 5.2%2024: 4.3%2025: 5.0%
2016Peer median 5.0%2025
Graduate students6.9%

2 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 17.5% 35% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 3.8%2019: 11.3%2020: 20.0%2021: 14.0%2022: 12.9%2023: 12.9%2024: 6.5%2025: 6.9%
2016Peer median 29.8%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Data at Laguna College of Art and Design

The data for international students at Laguna College of Art and Design reveals interesting trends in enrollment over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the number of international undergraduate students has generally seen a steady increase, with a notable rise in the percentage of international students among the total undergraduate population. The proportion of international students soared from a mere 0.62% in 2004 to 5.21% in 2023, indicating a growing appeal of the college to students from outside the United States.

In contrast, the graduate program data shows more variability. The percentage of international graduate students peaked at 20% in 2020, reflecting a potential shift in the college's attractiveness for graduate studies during that year. This could be attributed to various factors, including the global push for online learning during the pandemic, which may have made the college more accessible to international students. However, the numbers dropped in subsequent years, suggesting a need for the college to develop strategies to maintain and attract international graduate students.

Overall, the increase in international undergraduate enrollment is a positive indicator of the college's growing reputation and reach. Still, the fluctuating numbers in graduate programs warrant attention to ensure sustained interest and support for international students in these advanced studies. As global education trends continue to evolve, Laguna College of Art and Design must adapt to meet the needs of its diverse student population.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$57,053

Undergraduate tuition
$37,500
Room and board
$19,553
Graduate tuition
$43,290
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $58,844 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

Tuition rose 33% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 53%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$21.7M

Tuition and fees
$18.8M86.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$664K3.1%
Investment return
$614K2.8%
Gifts and private grants
$424K2.0%
Government grants and contracts
$294K1.4%
Other
$882K4.1%

Expenses$20.6M

Instruction
$8.3M40.2%
Institutional support
$5.8M28.3%
Academic support
$3.8M18.2%
Student services
$2.1M10.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$616K3.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$74,177peers $68,014
Professor
$83,719peers $81,680
Associate professor
$70,969peers $73,404
Assistant professor
$76,151peers $62,138

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Laguna College of Art and Design:

  1. University of California-Irvine - Ranked 33rd in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong research programs and diverse student body.

  2. Chapman University - With a rank of 133, Chapman University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its vibrant campus life and academic excellence.

  3. California State University-Long Beach - Ranked 105th, this comprehensive university is one of the largest in California and is known for its strong engineering, business, and arts programs.

  4. Pomona College - A highly regarded liberal arts college, ranked 4th, Pomona is known for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus.

  5. Claremont McKenna College - Ranked 11th, this liberal arts college specializes in government, economics, and public affairs, offering a strong curriculum and small class sizes.

  6. California Institute of Technology - Often referred to as Caltech, it is ranked 7th and is renowned for its science and engineering programs, attracting top talent from around the world.

  7. University of Southern California - With a rank of 28, USC is a prestigious private research university known for its strong programs in business, cinema, and the arts.

These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities and contribute to the rich academic environment surrounding Laguna College of Art and Design.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 1.3 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Drug arrests
4
Weapons arrests
1
Stalking
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Laguna College of Art and Design

The crime statistics from Laguna College of Art and Design over the past decade reveal fluctuating trends in criminal activity on campus. In 2013, the crime rate per 1,000 students stood at 2.05, a figure that saw an increase in subsequent years, reaching a peak of 8.48 in 2015. This spike could be attributed to various factors, including an increase in campus population or heightened reporting mechanisms for incidents such as drug-related arrests and assaults.

However, the data also shows a significant drop in criminal activity in 2016, with the crime rate plummeting to just 0.33. This decline may indicate effective crime prevention strategies or a shift in student behavior. Despite some fluctuations, the overall trend appears to stabilize in recent years, notably with a return to a crime rate of 0.00 in 2022, suggesting a marked improvement in campus safety.

The variety of crimes reported, including domestic violence, drug-related offenses, and assaults, highlights the multifaceted nature of crime on campus. The absence of significant incidents in 2022 could be a positive sign for the college, indicating a safer environment for students. However, the increase observed in 2021 reminds us of the importance of continuous vigilance and proactive measures to ensure student safety.

Overall, while the fluctuations in crime rates at Laguna College of Art and Design present a complex picture, the recent trends suggest a move towards a safer campus atmosphere. Continued efforts and strategies will be crucial in maintaining this positive trajectory. For more information on calculating crime rates, you can visit this link.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.