CalArts vs. Parker University

Comparable Facts

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

Parker University is larger than CalArts based on total student enrollment (2,308 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); Parker University is in Dallas, TX (Large City setting).
• California Institute of the Arts is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Parker University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of the Arts 7:1; Parker University 8:1.

CalArts vs. Parker University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CalArts or Parker 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 Parker University than CalArts ($29,928 vs. $56,239).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Parker University are 7.6% lower than at California Institute of the Arts ($13,056 vs. $14,134).
• California Institute of the Arts is 229.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Parker University (about $41,103 more per year; $58,996.00 vs. $17,893.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 229.7% higher at CalArts than at Parker University (about $41,103 more per year; $58,996.00 vs. $17,893.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Parker University than at California Institute of the Arts (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of the Arts students is 75% larger than aid received by Parker University students ($21,416 vs. $12,239).

CalArts vs. Parker University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CalArts or Parker 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 Parker University and CalArts.

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

CalArts vs. Parker University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CalArts and Parker 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).

• Graduates from Parker University earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than CalArts graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,900 vs. $50,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Parker University graduates have a $22,135 lower median loan debt than CalArts graduates ($6,365 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, Parker University graduates have an estimated $229 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CalArts graduates ($65 vs. $294).
• More CalArts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Parker University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 43%)

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.