Key takeaways
- This guide explores some of the best photography schools in California.
- California College of the Arts offers an excellent BFA in Photography featuring an immersive curriculum where students learn through practical work and theoretical classes.
- The Academy of Arts University, California State University, Long Beach, and San Jose State University also offer excellent photography programs for students to explore.
- California features a thriving photography industry valued at well over USD 2.2 billion.
- The state is the largest employer of photographers in the United States, employing 8,100 professionals annually.
- Photographers in California earn an average annual wage of $75,510, which is significantly higher than the average annual wage for all occupations and specifically photographers.
- Lastly, the state has a number of excellent academic institutions offering high-quality photography programs for aspiring professionals to choose from.
What does a photographer’s lens search for? Interesting subjects, art, culture, a fusion of all three, and more to draw inspiration from. While beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and inspiration can strike even in a prison cell, California, the Sunshine State, has much to offer inspiring photographers, including a growing photography industry and exceptional educational institutions.
Moreover, cities like Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego are home to vibrant photography societies and a thriving photography market. So, if you are an aspiring professional photographer on the hunt for the ideal study destination and great colleges, you are in the right place. This guide explores some of the best photography schools in California offering a degree in photography.
List of top photography schools in California for a photography bachelor’s degree
Photography is a very interesting field. Here, you will learn a skill, train in new techniques and technologies, and focus on developing a vision. What sets the field apart is the fact that you will primarily be experimenting and learning as you practice. With each project you work on, each image you take, and each apprenticeship you pursue, you learn something new until you learn what feels right for you.
Since California is not only home to some renowned photographers but also has a thriving photography industry, providing many work and learning opportunities, it is an ideal study destination for aspiring photographers. Here are some of the best photography schools in California offering a bachelor’s degree in photography.
Related: Should I get a digital photography degree?
California College of the Arts
California College of the Arts is among the best photography schools not just in California, but across the United States. It offers an immersive learning experience for aspiring photographers who get to learn from industry experts, guiding them as they navigate the program. The college offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography, where students get the opportunity to learn from industry experts, collaborate with professionals, designers, printmakers, and more.
The program curriculum features a mix of theoretical classes, where you learn about the history and evolution of artistic expression through photography, and practical classes, where you develop your artistic vision. Here, you benefit from the classroom discussions and gentle critique, all of which are designed to help you refine your artistic vision.
Moreover, you will learn skills and techniques needed to create visuals that stand out. Art is more than just capturing images as we see them; it is also about reinterpreting scenes and images to add a personal flair. CCA focuses on helping you develop into the best artist you possibly can be, which is what sets it apart.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| San Francisco, California | 76% | 64% | $57,946 |
Academy of Art University
The Academy of Art University offers a range of photography courses and degrees. If you are an aspiring photographer, you can learn about the science, art, and history of photography all in one place through the university’s bachelor’s degree in photography. Through the program, you will learn the different techniques used to capture high-quality images in a variety of settings, from outdoor natural lighting to studio settings, event halls, and so on.
The program faculty features industry experts and professionals with significant experience in different niches within photography, such as commercial, fine art, product photography, and so on. The BFA in Photography at the Academy of Art University is curated to help you develop a strong portfolio in the niche you want to pursue a career in.
Whether you are a hobbyist turned aspirational photographer or someone who aspires to start their own photography business, this program is ideal for you. Through a vigorous curriculum, you will not only learn photography but also build long-lasting connections.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| San Francisco, California | 100% | 7% | $28,024 |
California State University, Long Beach
The California State University at Long Beach offers multiple photography programs suitable for both aspiring photographers and hobbyists seeking to develop a new skill. You can either pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography or a Bachelor of Arts with a Photography minor. You can also pursue photography as a minor in combination with other programs the university offers.
Regardless of which program you choose, you will learn about the science behind taking images that resonate through an immersive and blended curriculum. From camera operation to post-processing techniques and even darkroom printing and critical analysis techniques, you will learn it all. Moreover, you will be encouraged to host and participate in exhibitions to showcase your work.
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in photography, you can either pursue photography jobs, pursue freelance work, or even start a business. You can also go for an advanced degree in the field and opt for a Master’s of Fine Arts in Photography.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Long Beach, California | 40% | 73.4% | $3,689 per semester |
San Jose State University
San Jose State University’s BFA in Photography is among the best photography programs in California. Here, students get to immerse themselves in the art and experiment as part of their learning process. Not only will you be practicing traditional silver-based photography, but also learn historic methods and experiment with alternative techniques and different styles.
The program curriculum features a diverse range of classes taught by industry professionals from across the field. This program is specifically ideal for those who want to pursue commercial photography. Here, you can opt for commercial photography as a concentration track and learn what it takes to be a professional in the field. Moreover, you will get ample opportunities to network, take on projects, seek apprenticeships, and build a portfolio.
San Jose University prides itself on understanding the integrative nature of photography. Thus, the program features an amalgamation of digital media, photography, film, animation, and video. As a student, you will benefit from an integrated curriculum, developing a well-rounded skill set and a deeper understanding of the best photography practices as per the niche and medium.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| San Jose, California | 76.7% | 69% | $8,410 in-state
$21,020 out-of-state |
Why study at the best photography colleges in California?
California is the Sunshine State. That nickname alone compels people to take a second look at what the state has to offer. Here, we break down and take a deep dive into the reasons why you should study at photography colleges and universities in California.
Thriving photography industry
The photography industry in California is valued at USD 2.2 billion as per IBIS World’s report. Moreover, the report also highlights a steady projected growth rate for the next 5 years until 2030. Given that California is one of the biggest contributors to the United States’ economy and boasts the fourth-largest GDP in the world, valued at $4 trillion. States with thriving economies present abundant job opportunities and opportunities for growth, and that is true for California’s photography sector.
Related: How to land contract photography jobs?
Ample job opportunities
As per a report by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, California is the largest employer of photographers in the United States. Here are some facts about photography jobs in the state. The state employs over 8,000 photographers annually and is among the states with the highest employment quotient in the US. Moreover, photographers in California earn a higher annual wage than the national average annual wage at $75,510 per year, which is the second highest for photographers in the US. Only photographers in New York earn a higher annual wage at $81,130.
Great photography colleges and universities
California’s educational landscapes offer abundant photography programs for aspiring professionals to pursue. Whether you are looking for a photography degree, photography courses, or photography workshops, you will definitely find an option that suits your needs. Moreover, you can also opt for online photography programs from some of the best photography colleges in California.
Sunshine all year round
California is the ideal place for those who prioritize great weather all year round. Here, you can enjoy moderate temperatures and sunshine year-round, which is good for the mind and the body. Moreover, with great weather comes great opportunities for extracurricular activities from surfing and swimming to hiking, cycling and nature walks, the choices are abundant.
Learn, work, and play at the best photography schools in California
California is the one-stop shop for aspiring photography professionals. The state not only has a thriving photography industry but also some of the best educational institutes in the world. Combined with the availability of abundant job opportunities, great weather, breathtaking scenery, and extracurricular activities, California is an ideal study destination for aspiring photographers.
Related: Explore photography schools in San Francisco
Choose one that fits your requirements from our list of the best photography colleges in California and start your career the right way!