Start Your Journey This Spring—First-Time Students and Transfers Welcome
Join a Close-Knit Community
Spring entry means joining a small, dedicated cohort of like-minded students just after the new year. You will receive our undivided attention and personalized, hands-on support from across the college to help you get onboarded and set up for success. The Spring 2026 semester begins January 20, 2026.
Submit your application for free by the priority deadline of October 1.
Stay On Track, Graduate On Time
Perfect for students who want to start in January without falling behind, our spring and summer courses keep you aligned with traditional fall starters. First-time students begin with foundation courses, while transfer students enter at their appropriate level based on transferable credits. Curious if you qualify as a transfer candidate for spring? Schedule an appointment with us to review your transfer credits.
Exclusive Financial Support for Spring Students
We invest in your success from day one with generous financial assistance available only to spring entry students who apply by the priority deadline of October 1:
- Generous Merit Scholarships based on your application, academic history, and portfolio.
- $4,000 Housing Grant for each of your first two years – that's $8,000 total to help with relocation costs or LA housing and living expenses
- $1,000 Renewable FAFSA Grant that is added onto your financial aid offer when your 2025-26 FAFSA is received and each year thereafter
Ready to Plan Your Spring Application?
Priority Deadline: October 1
Apply by October 1 for priority consideration for spring scholarships and financial aid. This is your best chance to maximize funding and start strong.
Two Important Steps:
- Submit your application for free using the Otis Application at otis.edu/apply as well as all required application materials
- Complete your 2025-26 FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov
Schedule a one-on-one counseling appointment with an admissions counselor at otis.edu/appt to discuss your spring entry pathway and ensure you're maximizing all available financial aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all. Our spring and summer course schedule ensures you'll be perfectly positioned to continue with fall coursework and graduate on time. First-time college students and transfer students alike are placed at their appropriate academic level – transfer students may enter as second-semester sophomores or second-semester foundation students based on their transferable credits.
Every spring entry student receives $4,000 toward housing costs for both their first and second years – no separate application required. This grant can be used for on-campus housing, off-campus rent, living costs or relocation expenses. The grant is part of your financial aid offer and will be applied to your student account once accepted.
Yes, the $1,000 grant renews each year as long as you maintain scholarship eligibility outlined in the Student Handbook.
We welcome transfer students and work to maximize your transferable credits. Depending on your previous coursework, you can enter as a second-semester sophomore or second-semester foundation student, ensuring you're placed at the right academic level to stay on track for graduation. You can work with one of our admissions counselors to put together a transfer plan by scheduling an appointment here. If spring isn’t an option, we will roll your application to fall seamlessly.
We host a dedicated Spring orientation, so you’ll have an opportunity to learn about all of the academic and student support resources available to you. Between student leaders, faculty, and staff, you will feel supported from day one.
Spring students quickly integrate into the full campus community. Spring events include Artists Alley, O-Chella, the K-Pop Festival, Internship Recruitment Day and more!