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Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences

Tempe, Arizona · www.cras.edu

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Undergraduates

692

Student-faculty ratio 12:1

Graduation rate

64.8%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 64.8%

About

The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences (CRAS) is a premier institution dedicated to the education of audio engineering and recording arts. Located in Tempe, Arizona, CRAS offers a unique blend of hands-on training and theoretical knowledge, making it a leading choice for aspiring audio professionals. The school prides itself on its industry-focused curriculum, which encompasses various aspects of recording technology, including music production, live sound, and post-production. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, students have the opportunity to work with the latest technology in real-world environments, providing them with invaluable experience that enhances their employability upon graduation.

The Conservatory emphasizes a strong sense of community and collaboration among students, fostering an environment where creativity thrives. The school’s motto, “Where Passion Meets Profession,” reflects its commitment to not only developing technical skills but also nurturing the artistic spirit within each student. CRAS boasts a faculty comprised of seasoned professionals with extensive industry experience, ensuring that students receive top-notch instruction and mentorship. Furthermore, the school has established robust connections with various recording studios and entertainment companies, aiding students in securing internships and job placements after graduation. This focus on both education and professional development has resulted in a high success rate for graduates, many of whom have gone on to work with notable artists and in prestigious studios around the world.

Trends in Enrollment, Graduation Rates, and Gender Ratio

The data from the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences reveals significant trends in student enrollment, graduation rates, and gender ratios over the years. Notably, the undergraduate student population has seen a drastic decline from 699 students in 2013 to just 450 in 2022, which marks a reduction of approximately 36% over the nine-year span. This declining trend raises concerns about the institution's attractiveness and viability in the competitive educational landscape.

In terms of graduation rates, the data presents a concerning picture. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates dropped to a mere 26.1% in 2022 after peaking at 86.5% in 2013. This sharp decline may correlate with the dwindling student population, suggesting that the institution may struggle to retain students through to graduation. The long-term graduation rate also saw fluctuations, indicating possible issues in program delivery or student support services.

Additionally, the gender ratio among undergraduates has remained predominantly male, with males comprising over 86% of the undergraduate population in recent years. While a slight increase in female representation is noted, with the percentage rising to about 13% in 2023, the gender disparity remains stark. This could reflect broader trends within the field of recording arts, where male representation prevails, but it also indicates a potential area for growth and outreach to attract a more diverse student body.

Overall, these trends suggest that the Conservatory faces challenges in maintaining enrollment and graduation rates while addressing gender imbalances. Strategic initiatives to enhance student engagement, support, and recruitment could be essential for reversing these trends and ensuring the institution's future success.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
Phoenix, about 15 mi
Nearest international airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about 7 mi
Tempe, Arizona
Also known as
CRAS
Academic calendar
Continuous
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Kirt R Hamm (Administrator)
Phone
4808589400
City
Tempe, Arizona
Address
2300 E Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282-1707

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Certificate4270 international (0.0%)
Top 1 Certificate majors by graduates
Recording Arts Technology/Technician
427

U.S. studentsInternational

Students

692 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 83:17 · Freshman retention 89.5%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (692)

White
329 · 47.5%
Hispanic
186 · 26.9%
Black
89 · 12.9%
Two or more races
60 · 8.7%
Asian
14 · 2.0%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
2.6%
18–19
39.0%
20–21
20.7%
22–24
16.6%
25 and over
21.1%

Data insights

2023 Student Demographics at Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences

The student demographics for 2023 at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences reveal significant insights into the composition of the student body. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 498, with an impressive male representation of 87.3%. This suggests a strong male presence in the incoming class, which is a trend observed in many technical and artistic fields. The female representation stands at 12.7%, highlighting the ongoing gender disparity in these areas.

For the undergraduate continuing students, there are 117 individuals, where 85.5% are male and 14.5% are female. This consistent male majority reinforces the trend seen in the freshman demographic, indicating that the institution may need to explore strategies to attract more female students to balance the gender ratio.

In terms of race and ethnicity, the data indicates that the majority of freshmen are white, with a significant portion of the continuing students also identifying as white. This suggests a need for broader outreach to increase diversity within the student body, particularly concerning underrepresented groups.

Overall, the findings from the 2023 data point to a male-dominated environment and a prominent white demographic, which are common challenges faced by institutions in creative and technical fields. Addressing these disparities will be crucial for the Conservatory as it aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable educational atmosphere.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences

The age distribution of students at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences reveals a significant concentration of younger individuals, particularly those between 18 and 21 years old. The data indicates that the majority of the students fall into the 18-19 age category, comprising 79.5% of the total male students and 57.1% of the total female students. This trend is not uncommon in specialized educational institutions, where younger students often pursue degrees directly after completing high school.

Interestingly, the number of students in the traditional undergraduate age range (18-24) represents a substantial proportion of the student body, highlighting the appeal of recording arts to younger demographics. As the age increases, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment, particularly beyond the 30-34 age bracket, where only 15 males and 3 females are represented. This suggests that the field may be perceived as more accessible or appealing to younger generations, who are more likely to be immersed in contemporary music and audio production technologies.

Moreover, the absence of graduate male students in all age categories and the low representation of graduate females indicate a potential gap in advanced studies in this field. This could reflect broader trends in education where professional practice and entry-level positions may be favored over advanced academic pursuits.

The data also implies a need for institutions to consider how to attract and retain older students, possibly by offering flexible programs or targeted outreach that emphasizes the value of lifelong learning in the recording arts. Overall, the age distribution presents both opportunities and challenges for the Conservatory in shaping its educational offerings and addressing the needs of a diverse student population.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.2%2017: 0.3%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.2%2020: 0.2%2021: 0.2%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
20162025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences

The data regarding international student enrollment at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences highlights a notable trend over the years. From 2005 to 2021, the total number of undergraduate students fluctuated, but the number of international students has remained exceedingly low. For instance, in 2005, the institution had 587 undergraduate students, with only 9 international students, representing a mere 1.53%. By 2021, the figures showed a slight decline in both total and international students, with the percentage of international students holding steady at 0.16%.

This low representation of international students may indicate several underlying factors. The conservatory's niche focus on recording arts could appeal primarily to local students who are looking to specialize in this unique field, potentially limiting its international reach. Furthermore, the global pandemic has impacted international student mobility, leading to a decline in enrollment numbers across various institutions.

In comparison to larger universities, which often have a more diverse international student body, the Conservatory's statistics suggest a need for strategies to enhance its global appeal. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, attracting students from diverse backgrounds could enrich the educational environment and provide a broader range of perspectives in the field of recording arts. By adopting more inclusive policies and fostering partnerships with international institutions, the conservatory could improve its international student enrollment and create a more vibrant academic community.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$12.2M

Tuition and fees
$11.8M96.4%
Investment return
$425K3.5%
Gifts and private grants
$9K0.1%

Expenses$11.8M

Institutional support
$4.7M39.7%
Instruction
$4.3M36.8%
Student services
$2.6M22.0%
Academic support
$177K1.5%

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 universities surrounding the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences:

  1. University of California-San Diego - Ranked 28th in the 2024 US News rankings, this university is highly regarded for its research programs and is part of the prestigious University of California system.

  2. University of California-Irvine - With a ranking of 33, UCI is known for its strong emphasis on research and a vibrant campus community.

  3. Pomona College - Ranked 4th in the country, this liberal arts college is renowned for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus.

  4. Harvey Mudd College - This college is ranked 16th and is particularly well-known for its engineering and science programs.

  5. Claremont McKenna College - Ranked 11th, this liberal arts college specializes in government, economics, and international relations.

These institutions offer a range of academic programs and are recognized for their contributions to higher education.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences

The crime data from the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences over the years presents a relatively safe environment for students, particularly from 2013 to 2023. Notably, there were zero reported incidents for most of these years, indicating effective safety measures and a strong community ethos. In 2017, there was a single recorded incident of gun-related arrest, which resulted in an average crime rate of 1.63 per 1,000 students for that year. This isolated occurrence highlights an anomaly in an otherwise commendable safety record.

The absence of further incidents in subsequent years suggests that the institution may have implemented measures to prevent such occurrences and ensure student safety. It is also essential to consider the broader context of crime on college campuses. Nationally, many educational institutions experience varying levels of crime, often influenced by their location and campus culture. The low crime rates reported here may reflect positively on the institution's environment and its commitment to the well-being of its students.

Overall, the data indicates that the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences maintains a low crime rate, which is crucial for fostering a conducive learning atmosphere. As the campus continues to focus on safety, it can serve as a model for other institutions aiming to minimize crime and promote a safe educational experience. For more information on calculating crime rates, you can visit this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

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.