20 Best Mfa Programs In Concord, CA (2022 Updated)

This historic art school is a unique incubator for visual artist's for over 100 years. In addition to exhibits of student's work in hall galleries throughout the buildings the Diego Rivera gallery contains a huge mural by the famous Mexican painter. Other lovely smaller murals are found in hallways in the original Spanish mission style building. The new building houses another art gallery, an auditorium, a cafe and patios boasting panoramic views of the bay, Marin and the North Beach neighborhood. In the massive areas below are painting, ceramics, and sculpture studios as well as media production rooms. The old building is a Warren of passageway s connecting photo labs printmaking and drawing classrooms and a lovely library with its own mural. Entering through the two massive red arching wooden doors you find yourself in a arcade of arches surrounding a bricked patio with a tiled octagonal fountain at it's center. This is the portal to another world. A world full of creativity, imagination and timeless possibility. From Minor White and Ansel Adams to Richard Diebenkorn and Richard Shaw it has provided education to thousands of major artist's from all over the world. Worth many visits as it is ever changing and full of surprises.Toby Kahn

It was once a great school. The professors, teachers and staff were the best but make no mistake, that was then. Now, after SFAI has fired a majority of those people it is well… kind of the bones of what was and nothing more. I was a student there in spring 2020 when they kicked out a bunch of students because of their financial issues. Little to no help was provided to transfer and they weren’t and still aren’t the least bit remorseful. I am sad for this school. However, if you are looking for good views and a historic building with ghosts possibly roaming the halls reminding you of the creative community that use to exist, this is your place.Marguerite Bradley

Everything about the board for this school needs reformation, I’m happy to say I’m going back this fall for studio classes once more and putting my best foot forward as I come back from some having a newfound agoraphobia. Sfai is a conceptual art school that’s excellent at healing the students when enough support is present. I am looking forward to the future and showing up for myself as one of the students who never wanted to leave in the first place. I’m the luckiest bleep alive. And I will create even more art.SoCaliForeign

I'm a male, late 20's student at USF, and this has been my experience: 1) Rigorous – Having had a decent amount of life experience before coming here, I expected it to be easy. I was wrong. As someone who has always been good at math, the math classes were all challenging and required a lot of time and effort to do well in. The same goes for their science classes. I had attended another, easier university before coming here, and the difference was huge. 2) Political/Religious – Being a catholic university in the middle of a very liberal city, there is a good chance that someone will at some point try to shove religion or liberal politics down your throat, with a higher probability of the latter. As someone who doesn't care for politics, I'd prefer if they were left out of the classroom. 3) Small class sizes – All but one of my classes have been under 30 people, with many being less than 20. There are personal, 1-on-1 classes for music lessons in guitar, piano, vocals, etc. There are ample staff to handle any problem and any and all issues I've had were solved quickly. Compare this to a state school with class sizes in the 100's and there is really no comparison. 4) Expensive – With an annual price tag of about 50k, plus the astronomically high San Francisco cost of living, it is incredibly expensive to go to school here. I came here largely because I had a full-ride scholarship, and would have seriously considered other options if I didn't. 5) Amenities – There are several large libraries, excellent quiet study areas, private music rooms with instruments, and the campus itself is quite beautiful. With the tuition comes a free public transit card and gym access, at a very nice gym. 6) Overall quality – The quality of the school overall is very high. I can't say how it compares to the likes of top schools like Stanford, but many of USF's professors have come from those big name schools. The combination of talented, intelligent professors and personal 1-on-1 attention make it a great place to learn and study.Tyler D

I transferred out of the University of San Francisco real quick. The school is expensive, the education is ok but the material is too easy, and the social life is garbage unless you're undoubtedly liberal. The professors were very nice and helpful, but anyone from the administration building is out to get you, ultimately this place is just a big money pit. They'll find a way to fine you and take your money even if you haven't done anything wrong.Alex Douthat

Beautiful campus in the heart of the city but otherwise, a school filled with professors that don’t really care, poor accommodations for students with disabilities, extremely expensive, campus police focuses more on giving you parking tickets and people’s conduct rather than ensuring vehicles are not broken into. Did I mention is extremely expensive and they will not accommodate you well if you need to take time off for medical/family issues.Jake Bilyak

I attended MILLS for my 2 year grad program in dance, earned my M.A. I love Mills with all my heart, especially seeing how there is a great and supportive ESA (emotional support animal) community. I thank Mills for letting me live in ESA hall with my ESA. I love the supportive community here at Mills. I consider all of the undergrads who go here to be LUCKY and FORTUNATE AF because where I went to undergrad, the school was awful and not emotionally or spiritually supportive. Again, love this place. Just wish I can relive my experience here again.袁子盁

Mills is a private predominantly women's liberal arts college in East Oakland. Access to the campus is restricted by a security gate, security patrols and perimeter fences. They have a strong reputation for producing school teachers, but not for STEM majors.946 Towguy

Doing one of my long walks, I end up at at the corner of Mills College only to find a bully operating maintenance gate on the perimeter of Campus. And a campus employee who unwilling to open the gate for a pedestrian wishing to walk through campus.Bjon Farber

I am currently a full time student and I have had it with this university. Half of the professors are excellent, while the other half clearly show up for a paycheck. The care for individual students has declined significantly over my time there. Access to advisors is nearly impossible now and they respond at least a week later. Further more are the fees they pile on to students. After Covid 19 hit and all classes went online, they still were charging “facility” fees and equipment fees, which in all fairness could be refunded but they were charging them upfront then expecting students to reach out for a refund. And on top of all of that is the mandatory student health insurance plan that you can not waive even if you have your own insurance. They are acting like a for profit business that tries to nickel and dime people the entire way. I gravely do not recommend this Academy. Avoid it at all costs. Am I happy with the with knowledge and skills gained? Yes. Would I do it again? Absolutely not!Vero V

After making it explicitly clear to every recruiter that called and texted me that no, I was not in fact going to enroll here, nor was there any chance of me enrolling here… They STILL sent me a very nice book in the mail out of the kindness of their heart. One of the nicest books I've received for free, all sorts of pleasant little stories to read and pictures to look at. It's a book about an art academy, with many happy students, what sports the students like to play, lovely descriptions of the surrounding San Francisco scenery and cultural vibe, stories about an instructor's life in the studio. The print job was quality. Beautiful. Overall a very therapeutic read. For the price point, you definitely get more than you pay for so I would recommend it to a friend for sure. *Please don't tell them I beg you, after all their kindness, but… I skipped the boring parts. I'm sorry. But I promise I didn't throw it away. I recycled it.Chloe Holt

This school is just a complete hot mess. I am a current online fashion stylist student and I can honestly say that the best thing about this school is the staff. You have to pay a registration fee each semester for classes and apparently it goes up every year. I was told that after all my grants, scholarships, and federal aid, I would only have to pay $18 out of pocket. But just yesterday I received a bill of over $1000. I recommend that you find a more reputable school because I amAbreasha Washington

I applied to the nursing program in 2021 and was not accepted- which was fine- but the call I received from the Admissions department is what really left a bad taste in my mouth about this school. The woman who called to tell me that I didn’t get in did so with the purpose of “selling” me another major. Her words: I don’t really see you getting into another nursing program in the state… your grades just aren’t high enough… but we do have other good bachelors programs. Outside of her statement being rude and unnecessary, it’s also untrue as I finished my master’s with a 4.0. Yes, I have a masters degree and this admissions person tried to sell me a BA in psychology or health admin. A degree that would be literally useless to me. I was more offended by the blatant attempt to make a quick buck than I was by her talking down to me in such a way. Needless to say I didn’t enroll here, but I did get into 2 other nursing programs in the Bay Area. I guess my grades were “high enough.”AJ E

We went to San Rafael to get our covid vaccines today. Afterwards we ordered food from Sol restaurant to pick up. My daughter had attended Dominican University about 18 years ago. They have beautiful lawns On campus, with picnic tables and trees and flowers over there, so we went and had our lunch there. It was beautiful as usual. Squirrels running up-and-down the trees and people walking their dogs and jogging…. The trees swaying back-and-forth with the breeze… And with me with great company, my husband and my Mom. And all now With our 1st covid vaccine under our belt! Yay !! A Beautiful day!S. JORDAN

Once Upon a Time, Domincan was where all the CA Catholic School Girls went for college….there was also an impressvie International contingent…Chances were that an aunt, cousin, sister attended the all girl school before. Held in very high esteem and the good Sisters were an impressive lot. The campus was charming, nicely appointed and safe. Time move on and the school went Coed and DC became a semi commuter school.Kerry On

I used to crash classes here and love that a school like this exists and I am very happy that many pioneers in various fields are finding a more public voice here. I was recently interested in obtaining a masters and encouraged to apply late (Pauline Reif) with the promise that I would be seen for that semesters admission. After submitting and paying non refundable application fees I was told I was late (which I had clearly known!) and none of my subsequent emails have been responded to. For a school focused on cutting edge psych and interpersonal dynamics, my experience with admissions was a FAR cry from what I hoped they stood for. I really hope they button up their program, modern and non-mainstream schooling is important, and I find that system wide integrity is even more crucial amongst those who walk on the outskirts.Mike D

I had a very mixed experience with this school. It was well worth the effort, but the school was not supportive when they needed to be which was ironic since many of the programs are focused on learning how to provide holistic psychotherapy. I would think an organization that focused on that subject would be filled with people capable of providing great support. Rather I found, after a few years, that it is very disorganized and in some serious need of an administrative overhaul.Marni Sweetland

Cutting edge graduate institution & doctoral program in the field of integral studies, psychodynamic psychotherapy & multidisciplinary consciousness studies. 🏦 Expanding the study of the psyche to include the transpersonal domain is a radically important undertaking for us at this time.⛲ The California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) is at the vanguard of the transpersonal movement and a leader in the field of holistic studies.🕉Chris Hutnik

If I could give them a minus star, I would be happy to do that. Do not waste your time nor your money, this so called "art school" is good for nothing. From teachers to admins, everything is a constant unpleasant situation to deal with. Teachers really DO NOT TEACH anything, students have to find out and learn everything mostly by themselves; teachers are stuck up, they thing they are the biggest deal and that the students are nothing unless they get to have a favorite one. None of the students here study and work, most of them come from rich families that pay for them to do "something in life" and that something will certainly be nothing because hardly one gets to have a decent, paying job after being ripped off for years. For rich people this is certainly not important but not for poor or middle class people that want to advance in life and make big efforts to get loans and on top of that pay monthly tuition. We ended up investing about $85,000 for a basically useless degree. They break their student's spirit, they belittle, ignore, degrade them; make them feel they are not entitled to any success if they are not the star of the class. My child worked extremely, extremely hard to try to make his dream come true but ended up completely sick and hopeless. Lastly, teachers steal student's ideas and nothing you can do about it because they have students sign an agreement before beginning of classes. First they tell them that those ideas are worthless, of course. Look for better options. California is full of excellent and transparent schools, colleges and universities let CCA out, it isn't worth it !!!Gabriela Saez

This is a soulless school, with excellent faculty sprinkled occasionally throughout. They present a great and forward thinking image on the outside, and on the inside try to cheat students and faculty alike. Their first priority is outside appearance, and one of their last is the students. Trying to get things fixed here when they inevitably screw up your schedule or take away your scholarship or any number of other things mid-semester is like going to the DMV, if the DMV was worse than it already is and charged you $30-45 thousand a year. This is a greedy institution so disorganized their financial aid documents even say "Please return to the Financial Aid Office by 12/31/1967." CCA is only slightly better than Academy of Art University in terms of being concerned about your education experience or personal well-being. Go somewhere else.Christian Hawkins (C. Grey Hawkins)

Well when I went there it was known as Rock ridge elementary School LOL and then it changed to arts magnet elementary School and that's when it became divided and kindergarteners were going to the same classes as the high school and college students which was actually really cool I met a lot of good friends and learned a lot of neat stuff education should not only be free but you should be able to learn what you want to learn which is what I enjoyed the most by going to classes with older students and being treated as an equalum bad at shuk nac tic

I graduated here in 2011. Now 11 years later I still have mixed feelings. You should go to this school only if you absolutely must stay in Sacramento. If you’re recruited from another country for a sport, please note that Sacramento is the capitol of California but it’s 8 hours driving from Hollywood and nothing like the movies. Many of my tennis teammates came from Eastern Europe and said they had no clue, they thought they were coming to do college at the beach and hang out with celebrities. Pros +: Air Force ROTC Program Women’s D1 Tennis Very pretty campus in Fall People were genuinely nice The saaaandwich and soda man Acceptance rate was very high then Gave me the degree and future I needed Cons -: Was very much commuter school Most friends you make here won’t go very far Dating was limited (for straight women) most boys I met were just players that lied No one outside of NorCal has heard of CSUS Parking was an issue Full time in state tuition for Spring 2008 was $1863. My last semester in Spring 2011 was $2500 for part time. Can’t imagine what it is now. Professors who write their own notes/book then sell it for their course for $200+ Some of the courses I had to take were not very useful I didn’t feel safe after or before dark on campus and nearby apartment parking lots that friends lived in. I used to run in the dark to/from my car.April B

One of the many, proud students who used to go to Sac State; graduated in the fall of 2019 (and luckily before Covid-19 told everyone to screw off). I was trying to get into Graphic Design but I had no money. So I opted instead for a BA in Studio Art Methods (New Media Focus). I was taking Multicultural Studies on the side. Everything is expensive, some of the faculty have personality issues, the few Alt-Right people kept "yelling theater in a crowded fire house;" the school's transit system doesn't go far enough, and some of the buildings had issues with rain water coming through the roofs. But I have no regrets. The area's beautiful, we're able to get help with food and studies, the learning of other cultures was "colorful" in a positive way, and most of the faculty are pretty awesome. It's not UC Davis, but I highly recommend taking your chances here.Hectotane

I went here on my Field Trip in my Sophomore year and I got to say I was speechless. I was amazed by the structure of the buildings, there was bunch of scholars/students of this University and it was so big that I didn't know what kind of reaction I made. It was fun walking around and seeing so many people. It feel kind of weird because I don't like to see so many people in one place. The cafeteria is pretty small. It crowded most of the time because I can't believe they even have fast food restaurants inside a cafeteria and also Starbucks. It feel like I can reach the top of the ceiling over my head if I was tall enough and be able to touch it. I enjoyed it and it was fantastic to experience a University college.Cheesy 24

Review is an outsider's view of the campus. I recently visited USF on an informal walking tour. I was immediately struck by how beautiful the campus was and the surrounding neighborhood very nice (I had no idea!) There are some really gorgeous structures on campus and it's located in the middle of a neighborhood, but doesn't overwhelm it, nor detract from it. When I visited, it was very warm and there were lots of students enjoying the outdoors. I was particularly glad to see an ethnically diverse student population, not something you always find at other universities. In all, USF is an impressive looking school – small, urban and clean. I look forward to returning for a formal tour with my daughter this summer. 5 stars.Taylor Lyon

The biases are enormous with regulations and the military. Check the travel records many agree. Being able to complete my degree in peace is a luxury.Siren De

This is one of school building from Academy of Art — School of Illustration. This building is kind old but make poeple feel very sweet.Shih-Han Lee

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis, UCD, or Davis) is a public research university and land-grant university located near Davis, California.[9] It is one of the ten campuses of the University of California system, and has the third-largest enrollment in the system after UCLA and UC Berkeley.[7] The institution was first founded as an agricultural branch of the system in 1905, and became the seventh campus of the University of California in 1959.The university is classified as an R1 university, meaning that it engages in a very high level of research activity.[10] The UC Davis faculty includes 23 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 30 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 17 members of the American Law Institute, 14 members of the Institute of Medicine, and 14 members of the National Academy of Engineering.[11] Among other honors, university faculty, alumni, and researchers have won two Nobel Prizes, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, three Pulitzer Prizes, three MacArthur Fellowships, and a National Medal of Science.[11][12][13][14] Founded as a primarily agricultural campus, the university has expanded over the past century to include graduate and professional programs in medicine (which includes the UC Davis Medical Center), law, veterinary medicine, education, nursing, and business management, in addition to 90 research programs offered by UC Davis Graduate Studies. The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is the largest veterinary school in the United States and has been ranked first in the world for five consecutive years (2015–19).[15] UC Davis also offers certificates and courses, including online classes, for adults and non-traditional learners through its Division of Continuing and Professional Education. The UC Davis Aggies athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I, primarily as members of the Big West Conference with additional sports in the Big Sky Conference (football only) and the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. In its first year of full Division I status, 11 UC Davis teams qualified for NCAA post-season competitions.tarif fateh

I highly recommend this teaching veterinary hospital. They were able to help my Little fur baby when my regular vet could not. The staff and students are very willing to answer all questions to make sure that you are comfortable with the care your pet needs.Kathrine DeWitt

It was a beautiful afternoon walking around, taking pictures with my kids. I did notice a few trash cans were spilling over and there was some construction which ruined the atmosphere in places but other wise it was amazing.Garrett Embry

I have loved Stanford University since moving to America at the age of 9! My first football game was at Stanford. I had my first hot dog at Stanford. I spent high school going to volleyball game. I spent college enjoy Stanford with Stanford students and attending football games. I hope to graduate from Stanford with my MBA researching mindset and human behavior. I Visit at least once a week. I have been Stanford faithful for over 10years.Abigail

One of the best private universities in the world with their academics and campus lifestyle. Everything here is super clean and organized. The buildings and structures in the campus makes you feel as if you are in dreamland full of castles. The campus is super huge, so one might as well take multiple visits to explore.Prajna Shenoy

Incredible campus, with spectacular architecture and a great history of relevant people who have passed through its paths and gardens as students or professors. It has a visitor's store where you can buy clothes and accessories.Xabier M

I was really excited to attend but overall it wasn’t much different than community college at least for Gen ed. my excitement peaked week 4 and by week 11 of the semester I realized what was ahead of me and how the school is kind of a crazy mess. Having ethnic studies tie their bodies to the Muni tracks and an on campus anti abortion protest with bloody pictures was definitely a bit much And not made better by the pleasant Marchant booths the fallowing week. My department I’ve heard is basically a mess though unfortunately. My CC was state if the art and this place has some buildings that are authentically 1950’s and untouched it’s kind of scary so I try not to think about earthquakes given that Fine Arts, the library and Humanities are probably the safest buildings on campus. It feels impossible and hopeless here because almost nobody lives near campus and everyone commutes so it always feels dead. This factor makes it very hard to feel/get connected on campus to any degree and make friends. Don’t get fooled by impacted programs it doesn’t exactly mean they are “good” it just means the school is cheap and hasn’t built new buildings like it probably should have(Cinema, science and kin departments that’s you!). Go here if they have a good program for your major that’s what’s important, not location, student life etc.Alex Merenkov

I knew people who loved it at SFSU and knew people who hated it here. Personally, I had a great experience at SF State. Obviously a negative experience was having to go online due to covid in my third year but I was still able to have a good experience here overall for undergrad. I wouldn't trade my time and memories here for anything and I'm thankful for all the opportunities SF State was able to offer me and the friends I made along the way. College is what you make of it and I had a really good time here. Class of 2022Zachary Lacanlale

I just attended Class of 2022 commencement. I was extremely disappointed. This is the first graduation I’ve ever been to that never called out student names. The commencement speaker sounded like a political campaign. I’m sorry but the families and friends that came to watch our loved one graduate, want them to be celebrated even for a quick few seconds and not sit through speech after speech from strangers.Cerita Gaddi

Fencing – a wonderful "historic" sport! Balance, concentration, athleticism and manners. Great fun for all ages. Marin Fencing Academy is truly top notch. A warm, caring, familial group of student-fencers and coaches. Olympic champions share their skills with the new generation of fencers here. (AND even if you don't have dreams of making it to the Olympics, a number of fencers have used their fencing skills in filmwork and theatrical productions as well! )P

Walked in to see what the academy was all about and was met with stares and uncommon courtesy. Not a single hello and how can we help you???Guess they don't like having new business and don't accept American currency perhaps.Hussain Khan

I am mostly upset because when I went to tour this school, they wouldn't show me the library. I literally flew from Texas all the way to California just to see the library because I just have so many questions. They have tree growing in their library? Which is pretty cool, but I have so many questions. How does the tree grow to be so full and healthy without sunlight? Is it a real tree? Or is it just an art project? So many questions, and all they did was show me a 20 minute film of a waterfall with a voice over of a man talking about cannibalism. So disappointed…Indi Wombat

This place is Amazing, Im always seeying pics and posts of people that study there, My dream is Travel and study in that beatiful place, I read a lot of people who have the same dream as me, create a animated serie , I cant study there, but I can still dreaming. Love from EcuadorCarol :3

MFA student in Art Program. Calarts guid Artist to be courageous, creative, authentic, and imaginative. You would make art and have fun at the same time. Having access and be able to audit classes in other departments. Collaboration with students from different schools…….Bahar Tahani

I was a student here, until they raised tuition and housing cost yet again. The school claims to give huge amounts of aid then revokes it if you get outside scholarships, and has hidden costs you will not find until after you attend. And I am sad to say, no one will help you if you find yourself in a position like mine where you have to leave after a semester. Not only that, but they won't refund my housing deposit because I am leaving before summer and many of my credits are not transferable to other schools. It is a beautiful campus, many of the teachers are very kind, but the huge flaws completely negate all this, I am sad that I turned down other schools to attend here. One of my biggest life regrets.Aaly Stanley

Let's be honest. This was your second choice. It's not the "best college in the world" or the "most beautiful campus in the world". Spent two years here and they were two years spent better elsewhere. Please, the is an extension of high school feeding mainly commuter students. Find your education and college experience elsewhere. You will thank me.Nick Chessar

My son Cameron Williams is playing varsity basketball for Sacramento high School there. His stay in the dorms at saint Mary's is awesome. Go Sacramento High School!SHe

Sofia University (formerly the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology) is a private college offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs with the academic emphasis on transpersonal psychology and new technologies in wellness.Eugene Gorny

Nice space with good intentions. I enjoyed coming here for events, meetups and receiving a tour of the Transformative Tech lab. Recommend for all to discover what this school & community is working towards for human flourishing.Simran's Sphere

This school seems closed. All the door are locked and I only saw one person at front desk but she didn’t open the door even though I knocked…Lingling Jiang

If you are taking classes here because it is a part of a high school option, then avoid at all costs. I took a class through here a while back and when it came time to transfer, I was given credits but no gpa. I talked with their HQ, and was told that they "ful filled" what was on their end. Now I have to fill out another document, which will take "anywhere between one to three weeks to be filed", pay for ANOTHER COPY of my transcripts (which they would otherwise give me a 'B' for, but the registrar "doesn't have the authority to do") meanwhile I'm about to be rejected from all the schools I applied to because these people can't be bothered to put 3.0 on the bottom of my transcripts (or at least include a letter to the universities explaing that y'all dont do gpa). Thanks for nothing Antiochsydne seals

Disappointing institution. Unorganized, poorly executed curricula, and overpriced for the quality of education. If you have the money to spend for its easy admission and insulting level of education, apply. Otherwise I recommend either attending a state school or researching curricula for these kind of programs and reading the books attached to them. This is pretty much what you do at Antioch – you pay $8K a quarter to receive a list of books to read. Class discussions and in-class learning is low-grade and ridiculous. Not a hater, just very disappointed I paid so much for this experience. Glad I was able to realize this and switch schools after two quarters.Miken Janus

I'm writing this comment because apparently this is the only way I'll get this schools attention. I've been trying to get reimbursed for some grant money the last couple days because my tuition was paid for by the G.I. bill and they keep blowing me off and not returning my phone calls or emails, one staff member literally said they threw away my phone number. Dealing with this school has been a nightmare and you'd think this problem would be able to be solved in about 15 minutes.Eric Tilton

I took a class in mosaic design from Rachel Rodi. What a terrific experience! Rachel was a great teacher: thoughtful, encouraging, clear, well-prepared. I feel so much more confident in my ability to bring my (many) ideas to life. I enjoyed the store, seeing the many finished works on display, and chatting with Ilse. I loved my visit and look forward to returning! Highly recommended.Tara Rodden Robinson

Interesting little nook of a shop. They have classes, supplies, and workshops to help you gain the skills you need to create beautiful mosaic art. Worth checking out!Adrian Scharfetter