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Otis College of Art and Design 

Los Angeles, California 

About the School

Otis College of Art and Design is a private nonprofit art and design university in Los Angeles, California, founded in 1918 as the city’s first independent professional art school. It offers accredited Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs in fields such as digital media, fashion design, illustration, fine arts, product design, and graphic design.

Students develop their artistic and professional skills through studio work, portfolio building, internships, and industry connections. Its Los Angeles location provides access to a global hub of art, design, media, and entertainment opportunities. 

about the school

Campus Life

Otis College’s urban campus combines academic studios, labs, galleries, the Millard Sheets Library, dining facilities, and collaborative spaces that support study and artistic exploration. Student involvement includes clubs, exhibitions, creative showcases, and community events that bring together peers from diverse backgrounds.

Located in Los Angeles, students have access to world‑class museums, galleries, festivals, tech hubs, fashion districts, and cultural landmarks that expand learning beyond the studio. The city’s active creative industries offer internships, professional networking, and real‑world project experience. 

campus life

Student Life

Student life at Otis College includes participation in student organizations and creative groups that span a wide range of artistic and cultural interests. Learners engage in exhibitions, performance events, collaborative projects, workshops, and leadership activities that enhance both personal and professional growth.

Career development and advising support internships, portfolio building, job placement strategies, and connections with creative employers. The college’s creative community encourages cross‑disciplinary engagement and prepares students for work in competitive creative sectors. 

student life

Housing

Otis College offers on‑campus housing options including the Residence Hall primarily for first‑year students and Park West Apartments for sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students, providing living spaces within or adjacent to campus along with lounges, study spaces, and social programming.

Housing choices reflect a living‑and‑learning environment that supports artistic community and convenience to classes and studios. There is no mandatory housing requirement, and students may also pursue off‑campus housing in the Los Angeles area with college resources available to help in the search and transition. 

housing

Costs

  • Approximate Annual Undergraduate Costs
  • $ 79,609
Tuition and Fees $ 56,872
Book and Supplies $ 1,305
Housing and Meals $ 12,537
Other $ 8,820
Scholarships
Type Merit-Based
Value From $7,000 up to 50% of tuition
Requirements Contact an advisor for information
Details Students are reviewed for scholarships at the time of application and will be notified of their Otis Scholarship in their acceptance letter.

Degrees and Majors

  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: This program explores the intersection of Animation and modern industry by focusing on systematic problem-solving within complex digital ecosystems and network protocols. Blending theoretical insights with Fine Arts, Creative Industries, Film & Media Studies, Information Technology / Computer Sciences practicalities, this program prepares students to lead in an increasingly globalized workforce.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: A rigorous examination of Fashion Design is provided through the synthesis of performance arts with professional industry standards. By leveraging advanced tools common in Fine Arts settings, this program fosters a deep technical proficiency that translates directly to workplace excellence.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Targeting high-level mastery in Game And Entertainment Design, this track investigates cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity frameworks, and modern DevOps methodologies. Engaging with the current research landscape of Creative Industries, Film & Media Studies, Information Technology / Computer Sciences, this program provides a pathway to advanced professional certification and leadership roles.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Built to address the complexities of Graphic Design, this program offers creative medium mastery, aesthetic theory, and collaborative artistic production. Utilizing a curriculum grounded in Fine Arts, Creative Industries, Film & Media Studies industry standards, this program builds the critical thinking skills required to manage sector-specific challenges.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: A rigorous examination of Illustration is provided through the synthesis of performance arts with professional industry standards. Blending theoretical insights with Fine Arts practicalities, this program prepares students to lead in an increasingly globalized workforce.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: From core principles to specialized practice, the study of Painting covers creative medium mastery, aesthetic theory, and collaborative artistic production. Engaging with the current research landscape of Fine Arts, this program provides a pathway to advanced professional certification and leadership roles.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: A rigorous examination of Photography is provided through the synthesis of performance arts with professional industry standards. Through a focus on Fine Arts case studies and laboratory research, this program equips graduates with the specialized expertise needed for high-impact careers.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Targeting high-level mastery in Product Design, this track investigates cross-border market analysis, venture capital, and ethical management frameworks. Through a focus on Fine Arts, Fine Arts, Business / Management case studies and laboratory research, this program equips graduates with the specialized expertise needed for high-impact careers.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Built to address the complexities of Sculpture / New Genres, this program offers creative medium mastery, aesthetic theory, and collaborative artistic production. Utilizing a curriculum grounded in Fine Arts industry standards, this program builds the critical thinking skills required to manage sector-specific challenges.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

  • CONDITIONAL ADMISSION AVAILABLE
    Yes
  • ELS LEVEL*
    112
  • IELTS*
    6.5
  • TOEFL IBT*
    550

Note: Targeting high-level mastery in Toy Design, this track investigates cross-border market analysis, venture capital, and ethical management frameworks. Engaging with the current research landscape of Fine Arts, Business / Management, this program provides a pathway to advanced professional certification and leadership roles.

*Students must show they meet the English language requirement for their program by submitting one of the approved test scores listed.

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