Otis at a Glance

When Otis College was established in 1918, it was Los Angeles’s first professional school of the arts. We’ve been growing and evolving ever since and are exceptionally proud of the community we’ve built—one that’s open-minded, forward-thinking, and welcoming. Today, Otis College is recognized as a leader in education and diversity.

What We Offer

We want you to thrive and dive into the disciplines that inspire you. Here, you have space to explore your creativity and be yourself—no matter your level of experience.

BFA ProgramsMFA Programs

On-campus labs and shops

9:1

Student- faculty ratio

150+

Courses in Extension and certificate programs

How We Rank

Otis College is a nationally recognized leader in art and design education, offering fully accredited degree programs for the in-demand disciplines of today and tomorrow.

All Rankings

College Magazine’s Top 10 Colleges for Aspiring Fashion Designers

Intelligent’s Best Master’s in Graphic Design Degree Programs

#15

Animation Career Review’s Top 50 Illustration Schools and Colleges in the U.S.

Who We Are

At Otis College, our close-knit community is inclusive and encouraging. We’re one of the most diverse schools in the nation, located in one of the most diverse cities in the world.

Life at OtisCommunity Engagement and Belonging

A Community Recognized for Inclusion

Top 1%

In diversity according to the Chronicle of Higher Education

4/5

Campus Pride Index An overall indicator of institutional commitment to LGBTQIA+-inclusive policy, program, and practice

Most Diverse On Niche’s list of Most Diverse Colleges in California

#18

Chronicle of Higher Education’s list of Colleges with the Greatest Racial and Ethnic Diversity Among Students, 4-year Private Nonprofit Institutions

Where We Work

Otis College alumni include Oscar winners, legendary costume designers, leading contemporary artists, successful entrepreneurs, and design stars at high-profile companies.

Careers and Outcomes

A Campus Built for Creative Students

Otis College offers well-equipped campus facilities, including eight specialized labs and shops, from ceramics and wood/metal to photo and lighting studios, along with two dining options and a comprehensive Student Health and Wellness Center. Students also have access to the Millard Sheets Library, which features extensive physical and digital resources, including a unique materials library.

Diversity

Otis College is a welcoming, accessible, and diverse community. Over 70% of the student body are students of color:

30%

are Asian

25%

are Latinx

are two or more races

are Black/African American

.1%

are American Indian or Alaska Native

31%

are first-generation college students.

Student Organizations

Whether you're diving into a new passion, connecting with peers who share your interests, or enriching your academic experience, our student organizations offer an inspiring space to grow. From creative collectives to cultural associations, each group plays a vital role in shaping our vibrant and inclusive campus life.

Explore All Clubs and Organizations

Otis Studio Ghibli Club

Women In Animation

Otis Kpop Club

Acting For Animators

Otis Larp Club

Disabled Student Union

Musical Moreporks

MultiMedia Club

Original Character Club

Parallax

Storyboard Club

Otis Vollyball Club

Horror Movie Club

Toys N' Toons

Featured Alumni

Otis graduates span the globe, pursuing unprecedented opportunities in our increasingly multicultural society. From museum and exhibition design to the Hollywood screen, from the clothes we wear to the toys with which our children play, alumni shape the world. Featured alumni include artists Kerry James Marshall and Judithe Hernández, fashion designer Rick Owens, Sonic Youth musician Kim Gordon, and floral artist and TV personality Maurice Harris, among many others.

Rick Owens

Dawn Bailie

Robert Irwin

Kim Gordon

Tyrus Wong

Carlos Almaraz

Gajin Fujita

Student Voices

I made so many connections through Internship and Recruitment Day, including with my current employer. It got me to a good place to get a sponsorship for my visa extension and I’m still working with the company, having the best experience and work quality as a motion designer.”

Hayoung K. (’23 BFA Animation)

I was offered an opportunity to intern with Mattel’s Barbie Design team the summer before my senior year. As a fashion student, I had never imagined the possibility of toy design as a career, so I’m really grateful to
Otis for broadening my horizons and leading me to this path.”

Joyce C. (’14 BFA Fashion Design)

Classes such as Entrepreneurship 101 and Professional Practice helped me to prepare a strong portfolio website, resume, and job search strategy. Faculty taught me a lot about how to navigate the graphic design space as a professional.”

Milo W. (’23 BFA Graphic Design)

Career Services has a wonderful team of people who give so much specific feedback and one-on-one opportunities.”

Javier L. (’20 BFA Product Design)

My time as a research assistant was the best thing I could’ve hoped for. Through my manager I saw how much I could do as a creative within the world of business and nonprofit organizations. The real-world experience I gained proved that my skills were valuable and marketable talents that I can take anywhere, if
I was willing to look for the opportunity.”

Jessica W. (’23 BFA Illustration)

Otis provided me with a space that allows me to experiment, explore, and combine new and different art materials. I have my own studio with other classmates. I have the freedom to do what I want. I have a space where I can be me without a second thought. Otis has given me many job opportunities L.A. has to offer artists.”

Suhey Elias (’22 BFA Fine Arts, Painting)