Top 15 Art Schools In Pasadena And Fees (2025)
Pasadena, California, is known for more than its iconic Rose Parade and historic architecture — it’s a city brimming with creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence. Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles County, Pasadena has become one of the West Coast’s most inspiring hubs for aspiring artists, designers, animators, and photographers.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top 15 art schools in Pasadena and their fees, with insights into their programs, admission requirements, and what makes each one unique.
Top 15 Art Schools In Pasadena And Fees
1. ArtCenter College of Design
Location: 1700 Lida Street, Pasadena, CA
Tuition: Around $54,170 per year (undergraduate); graduate programs average $57,000 annually.
The ArtCenter College of Design is one of the most prestigious art and design schools in the world. Established in 1930, ArtCenter has produced countless creative leaders in automotive design, film, product design, and fine arts.
Students benefit from small class sizes, modern facilities, and a curriculum rooted in real-world application. With industry partnerships and a focus on innovation, ArtCenter offers degrees in Illustration, Film, Industrial Design, Fine Art, Photography, and more.
Why Choose It:
- Globally recognized for design excellence
- Exceptional faculty and career placement
- Alumni include top designers and artists in Hollywood and Silicon Valley
Drawback: High tuition and cost of living in Pasadena — though scholarships and grants are available.
2. Armory Center for the Arts
Location: 145 N. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Tuition: $225 – $300 per course for adults; youth classes from $110 per session.
A leading nonprofit art institution, Armory Center for the Arts promotes creativity for people of all ages. While it doesn’t offer degree programs, it provides professional-level workshops, exhibitions, and community programs that nurture artistic expression.
Courses cover painting, ceramics, printmaking, digital art, and mixed media. The Armory also serves as a key cultural hub for local artists to showcase their work.
Why Choose It:
- Perfect for beginners and hobbyists
- Flexible scheduling for adults and children
- Affordable and community-focused
3. Pasadena Art Studio
Location: 252 S. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Tuition: $120 for 4 classes; $200 for 8 classes.
The Pasadena Art Studio specializes in teaching drawing, painting, and sculpture in small group settings. Their classes are designed for both children and adults, providing hands-on creative instruction with a personal touch.
Why Choose It:
- Excellent for beginners or hobbyists
- Flexible schedule and private class options
- Affordable tuition
4. Pasadena City College (PCC) – Visual Arts Department
Location: 1570 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA
Tuition: Around $1,400 per year (California residents); $10,000+ for out-of-state students.
Pasadena City College (PCC) is a top-ranked community college offering associate degrees and transfer programs in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Ceramics, and Photography. Its visual arts department features modern studios, galleries, and faculty who are active professionals.
Many students use PCC as a stepping stone to universities like UCLA, CalArts, or ArtCenter.
Why Choose It:
- Affordable tuition
- Transfer pathways to four-year universities
- Excellent facilities and art exhibitions
5. Los Angeles College of Music (LACM)
Location: 300 S. Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA
Tuition: Around $30,000 per year.
While primarily focused on music, LACM offers strong programs in Music Production, Songwriting, and Digital Media Arts, blending technology with creativity.
Students collaborate with artists and filmmakers across Pasadena and Los Angeles, making it a great choice for those interested in multimedia art careers.
Why Choose It:
- Great for creative students interested in sound design or digital media
- Industry connections in LA entertainment scene
6. Kidspace Children’s Museum – Art Programs
Location: 480 N. Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA
Tuition: $100 – $250 per workshop or seasonal program.
Though not a traditional art school, Kidspace Museum offers creative workshops for young artists. Its programs teach art fundamentals through play, sculpture, painting, and collaborative projects.
Why Choose It:
- Perfect for children developing artistic interests
- Engaging and educational environment
7. Los Angeles Art Academy (Pasadena Campus)
Location: Pasadena, CA
Tuition: $500 – $2,500 per workshop or term.
Los Angeles Art Academy runs short courses and certificate programs in drawing, painting, and digital art. Classes emphasize strong foundational skills and portfolio development for aspiring professionals.
Why Choose It:
- Great for portfolio building
- Short-term and intensive programs
8. Pasadena Society of Artists (PSA)
Location: 530 S. Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Tuition: Annual membership from $60 – $150; workshops $200+.
Founded in 1925, PSA is one of the oldest artist collectives in California. It provides art exhibitions, workshops, and networking opportunities for artists of all levels.
Why Choose It:
- Community-based organization
- Regular exhibits and juried shows
- Ideal for networking with local artists
9. Creative Arts Group Sierra Madre
Location: 108 N. Baldwin Ave, Sierra Madre (near Pasadena)
Tuition: $200 – $400 per course.
Located just outside Pasadena, Creative Arts Group offers high-quality art classes for adults and children. From pottery and watercolor to jewelry design and mixed media, this school encourages experimentation and creativity.
Why Choose It:
- Warm, community environment
- Experienced instructors
- Ideal for continuing education
10. Pasadena Waldorf School – High School Arts Program
Location: 209 E. Mariposa Street, Pasadena, CA
Tuition: Around $25,000 per year.
Pasadena Waldorf School offers an outstanding arts-focused high school curriculum. Students explore visual arts, sculpture, and music, preparing them for future creative careers or university art programs.
Why Choose It:
- Strong fine arts integration into academics
- Great for pre-college art development
11. Lineage Performing Arts Center
Location: 920 E. Mountain Street, Pasadena, CA
Tuition: $250 – $600 per session.
Primarily a dance and performance school, Lineage Performing Arts Center integrates visual arts through stage design and interdisciplinary workshops. Ideal for students interested in performance and creative direction.
Why Choose It:
- Cross-disciplinary creative experience
- Opportunities to perform and exhibit
12. Pasadena Playhouse Art & Design Workshops
Location: 39 S. El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA
Tuition: $300 – $1,000 per workshop.
The Pasadena Playhouse offers workshops in costume design, set painting, and theatre arts. Perfect for students who want to merge fine arts with performing arts production.
Why Choose It:
- Historic arts venue
- Networking opportunities in theatre design
13. Norton Simon Museum – Art Education Programs
Location: 411 W. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA
Tuition: Free to $250 depending on program.
The Norton Simon Museum hosts several art education programs and drawing sessions led by professional artists. Students get direct exposure to masterpieces while learning techniques from history.
Why Choose It:
- Learn inside one of California’s best art museums
- Affordable, enriching, and inspiring
14. California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley
Location: 1401 Highland Avenue, Duarte (15 mins from Pasadena)
Tuition: Public charter school (free, with material fees $300 – $600).
CSArts-SGV offers conservatory programs in Visual Arts, Dance, Theatre, and Media Arts for grades 7–12. Students receive professional training while completing academic requirements.
Why Choose It:
- Publicly funded arts academy
- Prepares students for college-level art education
15. Brentwood Art Center (Pasadena Satellite Programs)
Location: Pasadena, CA
Tuition: $250 – $500 per course.
Brentwood Art Center, based in Los Angeles, offers seasonal satellite art programs in Pasadena. Courses include figure drawing, mixed media, and advanced painting workshops.
Why Choose It:
- Flexible class formats
- Professional instructors and career-oriented classes
Tips for Choosing the Right Art School in Pasadena
- Define your goals: Are you looking for a degree program, certificate course, or hobby class?
- Compare tuition and aid: Some institutions, like ArtCenter, are expensive but offer generous scholarships.
- Visit the campus: See the studios, facilities, and galleries firsthand.
- Research alumni outcomes: Look into where graduates work after completing their studies.
- Plan your budget: Include tuition, supplies, and cost of living in Pasadena.
Average Art School Tuition in Pasadena
| Institution | Program Type | Approx. Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ArtCenter College of Design | Undergraduate | $54,000+ |
| Pasadena City College | Associate Degree | $1,400 (in-state) |
| LACM | Bachelor’s | $30,000 |
| Pasadena Waldorf School | High School | $25,000 |
| Community Art Studios | Workshops | $200–$500 per course |
Conclusion
Pasadena is truly a creative powerhouse. Whether you dream of designing futuristic cars, illustrating graphic novels, or mastering oil painting, this vibrant California city provides the perfect environment to cultivate your talent.
From elite institutions like ArtCenter College of Design to grassroots studios like Armory Center for the Arts, each school offers something unique for aspiring artists. Your choice will depend on your goals, budget, and artistic direction — but one thing’s certain: Pasadena is one of the best places in America to study art.