Art College Prep
for SRHS ArtQuest

A research guide built for Santa Rosa High School ArtQuest students — Class of 2028. Costs shown from a California student's perspective. UC and CSU schools show in-state tuition. Out-of-state schools show what you'd actually pay.

Built for CA Students In-State Advantage Flagged Manga Programs Noted ~30 Schools 2025–2026 Costs

How to use this guide

Each section covers a different specialty. Costs are shown from the perspective of a California resident — meaning UC and CSU schools show their (much lower) in-state tuition, while out-of-state schools show what you'd actually pay. All costs are approximate 2025–2026 figures — always verify directly with the school's financial aid office.

The Prep Guide has a full sophomore-through-senior roadmap with portfolio advice, CA-specific application tips, competitions to enter, and a financial aid primer.

01

Digital Arts Schools

Animation, game design, motion media, interactive design, digital illustration, computer art. Includes CA schools CalArts, Art Center, CCA, UCLA, UCSD, CSULB, and SJSU.

20 Schools
02

Visual Fine Arts Schools

Painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, photography, fibers, jewelry. Includes sequential art / manga programs at SVA, SCAD, MICA, and KCAI.

25 Schools Manga options
03

Sophomore → Senior Prep Guide

Year-by-year roadmap, portfolio building timeline, CA application tips (UC vs Common App), competitions to enter, financial aid primer, and ArtQuest-specific leverage.

Class of 2028

Key Takeaways for CA Students

Best CA In-State Values

  • SJSU: ~$7,600/yr — most affordable NASAD BFA in CA
  • CSULB: ~$7,066/yr — strong LA-adjacent program
  • UC Davis: ~$14,312/yr — UC quality for fine arts
  • UCLA: ~$13,804/yr — world-class MFA pipeline
  • UCSD: ~$14,312/yr — unique computing + arts track

Best National Programs

  • RISD: #1 ranked art school, Providence RI
  • SAIC: #2 fine arts nationally (US News)
  • CalArts: #1 animation pipeline, Valencia CA
  • VCUarts: #1 public art university nationally
  • Cooper Union: Most selective + 50% scholarship

Manga / Sequential Art Programs

  • SCAD: World's 1st BFA + MFA in Sequential Art
  • SVA: Dedicated BFA in Comics (manga-inclusive)
  • MICA: Illustration BFA with Sequential Art track
  • KCAI: Illustration with Sequential Storytelling

CA Application Tips

  • UC/CSU: Apply at apply.universityofcalifornia.edu — NOT Common App
  • UC filing window: Oct 1 – Nov 30
  • Cal Grant: Need-based aid exclusive to CA residents
  • Private art schools (CalArts, Art Center, CCA, Otis): Common App or own portal
  • CSS Profile required for most private art school financial aid
About this guide: Built for SRHS ArtQuest students — Class of 2028. Costs are approximate 2025–2026 figures. Always confirm directly with each school's admissions and financial aid offices. Schools and costs change — use this as a starting point for your research, not the final word.