Discover how Otis College fosters creativity, critical thinking, and professional skills across various art and design disciplines.
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.
31% 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 Academic Advisor, engage in first-generation student programming, and visit the Student Learning Center. If you are a first-generation college student applying to Otis College, please visit the link here.
At Otis College of Art and Design, international students comprise approximately 15% of our student population. As an art school located in Los Angeles, 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 essential to our community, and we strive to ensure that you have a smooth application and enrollment process. Our Team International Student Outreach (TISOs) are international students who are sophomores or above and plan programming, events, and communication to build a strong community between Otis’ international and domestic students.
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, measuring colleges/universities' commitment and support to LGBTQ+ student life. Such resources include our annual programs such as National Coming Out Week (NCOW), honoring Transgender Day of Visibility and Transgender Day of Remembrance, celebrating Pride 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 personal identity development in ways that support their creative passions.
Students of Color at Otis College make up nearly 60% 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 to prepare our students for a rapidly evolving global society. Our student organizations 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.
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.
Otis College is a veteran-friendly college campus where we honor and celebrate our students, staff, and faculty who have served our country. The Dean of Student Affairs leads programming for veteran students, including a Veterans Day Luncheon for all veteran students, alumni, staff, and faculty, on-campus programming, off-campus trips, and community building activities. If you are a veteran who would like to engage in these programs and activities, please email studentaffairs@otis.edu for more information.