CalArts vs. Claflin University

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA with Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Claflin University is larger than CalArts based on total student enrollment (1,852 students vs. 1,277 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of the Arts is located in Valencia, CA (Midsize Suburban setting); Claflin University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• California Institute of the Arts is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Claflin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of the Arts 7:1; Claflin University 13:1.

CalArts vs. Claflin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CalArts or Claflin University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Claflin University than CalArts ($17,272 vs. $56,239).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 32.9% lower than at California Institute of the Arts ($9,480 vs. $14,134).
• California Institute of the Arts is 222.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Claflin University (about $40,714 more per year; $58,996.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 222.7% higher at CalArts than at Claflin University (about $40,714 more per year; $58,996.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Claflin University than at California Institute of the Arts (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of the Arts students is 29% larger than aid received by Claflin University students ($21,416 vs. $16,596).

CalArts vs. Claflin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CalArts or Claflin University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Claflin University and CalArts.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsClaflin University 840/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsClaflin University 16/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CalArts - Test-free; Claflin University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CalArts Jan 5, 2027.
• Claflin University has a higher acceptance rate (64.9%) than CalArts (32.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.9% at CalArts vs. 7.3% at Claflin University.

CalArts vs. Claflin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CalArts and Claflin University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California Institute of the Arts's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Claflin University's (40%).
• Graduates from California Institute of the Arts earn a median of about $19,700 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of the Arts graduates have a $3,684 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($28,500 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, CalArts graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($294 vs. $332).
• More CalArts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 25%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.