The Art Institute of Los Angeles is located in Santa Monica, California, and is a campus of the Art Institute in California. Incepted in 1997, it is one of 40 campus locations nationwide that make up the greater Art Institutes. It is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. The Art Institute of California—Los Angeles’s mission is to provide a post-secondary education to students in marketing and media, and to prepare them for entry-level positions in related fields. Graduates of the Art Institutes have been employed with a number of well-known corporations including MTV, Lockeed Martin, and Time Warner.

The Art Institute of Los Angeles offers diplomas, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in a range of disciplines relating to culinary arts, fashion, and media arts. Diploma programs offered are the art of cooking and baking and pastry. There are five associate’s degree programs, including culinary arts and video production. There are twelve bachelor’s degree programs, including interior design, culinary management, fashion marketing and management, and web design and interactive media. In addition to degree specific courses, students are expected to complete general education classes in fields such as humanities and technology.

The tuition cost for seven quarters at the Art Institute of California—Los Angeles is $56,336.00, or around $8,000 per quarter. This total is for tuition only and does not take into account lab, housing, enrollment, or supply fees. According to UCLA and College Board, the estimated cost per semester for art school at UCLA or the San Francisco Art Institute is between $6,000 and $32,000, respectively; these numbers do not include housing and are valid for in-state students only. Costs at other schools may also vary with programs selected. According to the Art Society’s website, the cost to attend an Art Institute can be significantly less than attending a traditional art school. The Art Institute of Los Angeles offers financial aid to students who qualify. Students who demonstrate need may be eligible for federal loans, grants, work study programs, or state assistance programs. In addition to financial need, students who request loans must not be in default on other student loans, must possess a valid high school diploma or GED, and must be in satisfactory standing with the college.

Admissions requirements to the Art Institute of Los Angeles are similar to those of other schools. According to College Board, approximately 46% of those who apply are admitted. High school transcripts or GED scores must be provided. A phone or in-person interview is necessary, as is a completed application and a 150-word essay. Specific programs may have additional requirements; for example, the game art and design program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA on high school transcripts or a 2.5 GPA on 24 semester credits at an accredited college or institution.