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
Financial Aid
You will submit the 25-26 FAFSA, not the 26-27 FAFSA for the spring term.
The new housing grant for spring students is available for 2 years total, after which it will drop off. The amount varies based on your student status.
From the $4,000 housing grant, first semester admits (who are required to take summer) will receive $2,000 per term, split between spring and summer semesters.
Second semester Foundation students and second semester sophomores will receive $4,000 for the spring semester only.
Yes, we are continuing the $1,000 FAFSA grant for spring term.
Second semester spring admits will receive $500 for the FAFSA grant.
First semester students split their scholarships, grants, loans and work study between spring and summer terms.
Yes, the $1,000 grant renews each year as long as you maintain scholarship eligibility outlined in the Student Handbook.
Housing
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, spring housing is available but students will need to apply as soon as possible since space is limited.
You must submit an application at otis.housing.cloud to apply for spring housing in addition to the $100 housing application fee at www.otis.edu/deposit.
The housing grant is applied to the student’s Otis account. If there is a refund available, that can be used for off campus housing or for commuting expenses if living at home.
Yes, all spring students will receive the housing grant. This can be used for paying rent to family or commuting expenses like gas or bus fare.
Programs and Courses
Yes, summer term is required for any first year foundation students that start in the spring term. This keeps you on track to be a sophomore the following fall.
Toy Design and Fashion Design do not accept students to start in the spring semester. All other majors will consider second semester sophomore placement for spring.
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.
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.
Orientation
January 15th is the start of Orientation for new International students. January 16th is Orientation for all students. More information will be sent out about Orientation in December.
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!