Otis College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment where all students can thrive in their personal and academic endeavors. We take pride in Our Commitment to Diversity which offers services and resources focused on supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
First Generation Students
30% of Otis students are First Generation College students. Our holistic advising approach allows our staff and faculty to offer support and resources that promote success among our students. Students who need assistance navigating their first year experience as a first generation college student are encouraged to reach out to their Peer Mentor or TISO (all new students are automatically assigned one), their Academic Mentor, and/or the Advising Center. If you are a first-generation colllege student applying to Otis College, please visit the link below.
International Students
At Otis College of Art and Design, international students make up approximately 25% of our overall student population. As an art school located in Los Angeles, we feel that our diversity defines us and we firmly believe that engaging with other people and experiencing new cultures and ideas enriches your educational experience. As a result, our international students are important to our community and we strive to ensure that you have a smooth application and enrollment process.
LGBTQ+
Otis College offers support and resources for any students who may identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning (LGBTQ+). Otis has a 4 star ranking out of 5 from the Campus Pride Index which measures colleges/universities commitment and support to LGBTQ+ student life. Such resources include our student organization Identity Gay/Straight Alliance, as well as annual programs such as National Coming Out Week (NCOW), and LGBTQ+ Awareness Month in April, and our Student Health and Wellness Center which provides supportive and inclusive gender care. Otis College is committed to helping students explore their own personal identity development in ways that supports their creative passions.
Students of Color
Students of Color at Otis College make up nearly 62% of the student body. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, Otis College is ranked in the top 1% of Colleges and Universities committed to diversity. Each of our academic programs is committed to infusing topics surrounding diversity and inclusion in order to prepare our students for a rapidly evolving global society. Our student organizations, Under the Baobab Tree, Black Student Union, and Familia de Otis provide affinity spaces for students of color to connect and support each other. Each fall semester the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership offers affinity socials for students of color to connect with staff, faculty, and other students who support their success.
Undocumented Students
California has the largest number of undocumented people living and working in the state (roughly 25%). Otis College is committed to supporting undocumented students who are interested in pursuing an art and design education at Otis College. If you are undocumented, you are welcome to apply for admission. Once admitted and enrolled, our staff is committed to connecting with you to be sure you are supported and understand your rights as a college student.
Veteran Students
Otis College is a veteran friendly college campus where we honor and celebrate our students, staff, and faculty who have served our country. The Student Veterans Committee is committed to facilitating/streamlining/coordinating academic and social programs to enable student Veterans and veteran dependents to gain the greatest benefit of their educational experience.