CCA will wind down its current operations and will close by the end of the 2026-2027 academic year. Vanderbilt will then become the owner of the campus and will establish undergraduate and graduate programming, including art and design programs, at the campus. To read the full announcement, visit cca.edu.

We understand you may have many questions and have included detailed Q&As below for alumni. For other questions not addressed here, please email questions@cca.edu.

Q. Will my degree from CCA still be valid after the college closes?

A. Yes. Your degree is a permanent academic credential. CCA remains a fully accredited institution through the conclusion of operations by the end of the 2026-2027 academic year. Degrees conferred by the college are valid for life and will continue to be recognized by employers, licensing boards, and other educational institutions.

Q. How will I access my transcripts or verify my degree in the future?

A. Vanderbilt will serve as the custodian for student academic records after the college closes. Specific instructions on how to request transcripts after the college closes will be provided on the college website and shared via alumni communications.

Q. What will happen to the Alumni Association and alumni benefits?

A. The college is exploring ways to maintain the vibrant alumni network and preserve its history within the framework of the new CCA Institute at Vanderbilt. While some current campus-based benefits may change after the college closes, the goal is to provide a sense of community for our thousands of graduates worldwide.

Q. Where can I find more detailed information regarding the transition?

A. Alumni are encouraged to visit the college website for the most up-to-date information. You may also find it helpful to review the Student & Parent FAQ and the Faculty FAQ to understand the full scope of the academic continuity plan.

Q. How will CCA’s legacy continue?

A. Vanderbilt will honor CCA’s century-long legacy in the Bay Area in numerous ways, including plans to operate a California College of the Arts Institute at Vanderbilt, which will include the Wattis Institute of Contemporary Arts. Vanderbilt also will support exhibitions and presentations on contemporary art and other topics that honor CCA’s historical significance, will maintain the college’s archival materials, and will serve as a vehicle for CCA alumni engagement.