by our College Data Analytics TeamIt is important to understand all of the costs associated with going to college so you can plan accordingly at California Institute of the Arts.
On this page you will find:
Housing and meal plans are priced out separately here. The standard student paid $7,692 in 2026, and the cost of a typical dining plan was $6,442. When you add it all up, the average on-campus student at California Institute of the Arts budgeted around $29,176 in 2026 across housing, dining, books and other living expenses.
The following table outlines average expected costs for both on-campus and off-campus housing, meals and other expenses at California Institute of the Arts.
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Room and Board | $21,288 | $29,805 |
| — Housing | $7,692 | |
| — Meals | $6,442 | |
| Other Living Expenses | $6,826 | $9,045 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,062 | $1,062 |
| Total | $29,176 | $39,912 |
Room and board is a moving target: it tends to creep up every year you are enrolled. Estimating the trend now makes for a more accurate four-year budget.
Over four years you could pay about $121,524 for living costs.
This is how on-campus room and board has tracked over the last few years, plus a forward projection, at California Institute of the Arts.
| Year | Room & Board |
|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $19,961 |
| Two Years Ago | $21,154 |
| One Year Ago | $19,646 |
| Most Recent Year (2026) | $21,288 |
| One Year From Now * | $21,759 |
| Two Years From Now * | $22,241 |
| Three Years From Now * | $22,734 |
| Four Years From Now * | $23,238 |
* estimated
Room and board changed an average of 2.2% each year. Based on current trends, incoming freshmen can expect to pay about $29,647 for their first year on campus.
At this pace, a senior would spend approximately $31,126 for a bachelor’s program; a two-year student would see about $30,129 for the last year of an associate degree.
For a full bachelor’s degree, expect to spend a total of around $121,524 for four years, or about $59,776 for a two-year stay.
Housing and dining costs creep up most years, so plan on paying somewhat more each year of your degree.
Not all meal plans work the same way. This school structures its plans by meals per week, and the table below lists the largest plan offered. Review the table below for the on-campus housing details this school reports.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Room Capacity (Per Occupant) | 389 |
| Meals Per Week Included in Max Meal Plan | 17 |
| Offers On-Campus Housing | Yes |
| Offers a Meal Plan | Yes |