CalArts vs. East-West University

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA with East West University in Chicago, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California Institute of the Arts is larger than East-West University based on total student enrollment (1,277 students vs. 468 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of the Arts is located in Valencia, CA (Midsize Suburban setting); East West University is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• California Institute of the Arts is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. East West University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of the Arts 7:1; East West University 20:1.

CalArts vs. East-West University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CalArts or East-West 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 East West University than CalArts ($21,872 vs. $56,239).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East West University are 36.3% lower than at California Institute of the Arts ($9,000 vs. $14,134).
• California Institute of the Arts is 132.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than East-West University (about $33,601 more per year; $58,996.00 vs. $25,395.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 132.3% higher at CalArts than at East West University (about $33,601 more per year; $58,996.00 vs. $25,395.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Institute of the Arts than at East West University (95% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of the Arts students is 81.9% larger than aid received by East West University students ($21,416 vs. $11,772).

CalArts vs. East-West University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CalArts or East-West 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 East-West University and CalArts.

• East West University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CalArts - Test-free; East-West University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: CalArts Jan 5, 2027.

CalArts vs. East-West University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CalArts and East-West 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 East West University's (8%).
• Graduates from California Institute of the Arts earn a median of about $23,100 more per year than East-West University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $27,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East West University graduates have a $4,168 lower median loan debt than CalArts graduates ($24,332 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, East-West University graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CalArts graduates ($251 vs. $294).
• More CalArts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former East-West University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 17%)

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.