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.
1500+Courses in Extension and certificate programs
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.
#2100College Magazine’s Top 10 Colleges for Aspiring Fashion Designers
#2
College Magazine’s Top 10 Colleges for Aspiring Fashion Designers
#3100Intelligent’s Best Master’s in Graphic Design Degree Programs
#3
Intelligent’s Best Master’s in Graphic Design Degree Programs
#6100College Factual’s 2022 Best Digital Arts Degree Schools
#6
College Factual’s 2022 Best Digital Arts Degree Schools
#15100Animation Career Review’s Top 50 Illustration Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
#15
Animation Career Review’s Top 50 Illustration Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
#12100College Factual’s Best Visual and Performing Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
#12
College Factual’s Best Visual and Performing Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
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.
Top 1100%In diversity
according to the Chronicle of Higher Education
Top 1%
In diversity
according to the Chronicle of Higher Education
40/5Campus Pride Index
An overall indicator of institutional commitment to LGBTQIA+-inclusive policy, program,
and practice
4/5
Campus Pride Index
An overall indicator of institutional commitment to LGBTQIA+-inclusive policy, program,
and practice
#9100Most Diverse
On Niche’s list of Most Diverse Colleges in California
#9
Most Diverse
On Niche’s list of Most Diverse Colleges in California
#18100Chronicle of Higher Education’s list of Colleges with the Greatest Racial and
Ethnic Diversity Among Students, 4-year Private Nonprofit Institutions
#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.
It is our commitment to keep our leadership accountable as we work toward our goal
of a greater sense of belonging. The Otis Community has a deep commitment to shared
governance as we work across all constituent groups, fostering a more collaborative
spirit among committees, staff, faculty, students, alumnx, and academic leadership.
– Charles Hirschhorn President, Otis College of Art and Design
1. We do not tolerate racism or any other form of violence or discrimination.
2. We expect all Otis community members to work towards dismantling systems of oppression.
3. We recognize the college's historical struggles around equity and the ways those
reflect the struggle in US culture and beyond.
4. We recognize diversity as a reality, a responsibility, and a resource.
5. We commit to treating every person's identity with dignity and respect.
6. We commit to practicing institutional responsibility to redress unjust histories.
7. We commit to an ongoing systemic and structural approach to correcting inequities.
This work is collective, not individual.
8. We commit to hold ourselves and one another accountable to our collective effort
to create an inclusive campus.
9. We commit to honesty, vulnerability, and openness as we dialogue across differences.
10. We commit to an intersectional and Justice-oriented approach.
Otis College is a welcoming, accessible, and diverse community. Over 70% of the student
body are students of color:
The scope and variety of our student-run clubs is proof that there’s something for
everyone at Otis.
The Company We Keep
A Few of Our Honorary Degree Recipients Through the Years:
Snapchat Co-Founder and CEO Evan Spiegel
KORA Organics CEO Miranda Kerr
Emmy-nominated design expert Bobby Berk
Artist Enrique Martínez Celaya
Artist Lauren Halsey
Artist Mark Bradford
Artist John Baldessari
Artist David Hockney
Architect Frank Gehry
Through their Spiegel Family Fund, Honorary Degree recipients Evan Spiegel and Miranda
Kerr gifted the Class of 2022 with a donation to Otis that enables graduates to repay
their outstanding student loan debt, capping off a momentous academic year at the
College.
Ranked
No.2100Ranking in the College Magazine for aspiring fashion designers
No.2
Ranking in the College Magazine for aspiring fashion designers
No.6100Ranking by the Economist
No.6
Ranking by the Economist
Top 1100%in diversity by "The Chronicle of Higher Education"
Top 1%
in diversity by "The Chronicle of Higher Education"
