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Laguna College of Art + Design Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are Laguna College of Art + Design's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Laguna College of Art + Design and build a strong application.

School location: Laguna Beach, CA

Admissions Rate: 50%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Laguna College of Art + Design is 50% . For every 100 applicants, 50 are admitted.

This means the school is moderately selective . The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in. But if you don't, you might be one of the unlucky minority that gets a rejection letter.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

Laguna College of Art + Design GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.39

The average GPA at Laguna College of Art + Design is 3.39 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.39, Laguna College of Art + Design accepts below-average students . It's OK to be a B-average student, with some A's mixed in. It'd be best to avoid C's and D's, since application readers might doubt whether you can handle the stress of college academics.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.39, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Laguna College of Art + Design considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is moderately selective, strong academic performance will almost guarantee you admission . Submitting a strong application that places you above average will almost certainly give you an offer of admission.

We don't have information about their SAT or ACT score requirements, and so we highly recommend that you contact this school to try to learn more about what they're looking for in an applicant.

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Laguna College of Art + Design here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 2
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $45
• Fee Waiver Available? None
• Other Notes Portfolio required for freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes August 15 Rolling
• Yes None None

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 2222 Laguna Beach, CA 92651-1136
• Phone: (949) 376-6000 x6000
• Fax: (949) 376-6009
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Laguna College of Art + Design, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Laguna College of Art + Design.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Applying to Laguna College of Art and Design

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Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD)'s acceptance rate is 88.37% for 2023 admission. A total of 361 students applied and 319 were admitted to the school. Judging by the acceptance rate, it is relatively easy (higher than the national average) to get into LCAD.

To apply to LCAD, personal statement (or essay) is required to submit and recommendations is not required but considered.

Admission Statistics

For the academic year 2022-23, LCAD's acceptance rate is 88.37% and the yield (also known as enrollment rate) is 36.36%. 84 men and 277 women applied to LCAD and 73 men and 246 women students were accepted.

Among them, 31 men and 85 women were enrolled in the school (Fall 2022). The following table and chart show the admission statistics including the number of applicants, acceptance rate, and yield at LCAD.

Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) (Last update: December 11, 2023)

First-year Enrollment by Gender and Enrolled Type

For the academic year 2022-23, total 116 first-year students enrolled in LCAD. The proportion of full-time students is 99.14% and part-time students is 0.86%.

By gender, the proportion of men students is 26.72% and women students is 73.28%.

The following table shows the first-year students by gender and enrolled type at LCAD.

Application Requirements

It requires to submit High School GPA, High School Record (or Transcript), Formal Demonstration of Competencies, English Proficiency Test, and Personal statement or essay to its applicants.

The SAT and ACT test score is not considered in admission process at LCAD. The english proficiency test is reqired .

The next table summarizes the application requirements to apply Laguna College of Art and Design.

General Admissions Information

The application fee is $45 for applying undergraduate schools and $50 for for applying graduate schools at Laguna College of Art and Design. The following table provides general admission information for applying to LCAD.

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Why LCAD Should Be Your Top Choice for Art School

By Eric Eng

LCAD, the Laguna College of Art and Design, is a renowned art school providing students with a top-notch education in the arts for over 60 years. Located in the beautiful seaside town of Laguna Beach, California. LCAD’s commitment to providing students with an interdisciplinary education and hands-on learning experience sets it apart from other art schools. The school’s supportive community of students, faculty , staff, and alumni fosters a culture of collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity, allowing students to express themselves and explore their passions.

What type of school is LCAD?

What type of school is LCAD? LCAD is a private, nonprofit, four-year art school founded in 1961 as the Laguna Beach School of Art. The school’s mission is to educate students in the art and design disciplines with a strong foundation in traditional skills and techniques and contemporary and emerging technologies. The goal is to prepare students for successful careers in the creative industries by fostering their critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative abilities.

LCAD offers a range of programs designed to provide students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in the arts. These programs include Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Post-Baccalaureate programs in Animation, Illustration, Graphic Design, Game Art, and Fine Arts. The BFA program is a four-year undergraduate program that provides students with a solid foundation in art and design.

In contrast, the MFA program is a two-year graduate program that allows students to specialize in their chosen field of study. The Post-Baccalaureate program is a one-year program that allows students who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree in a non-art field to prepare for graduate studies in the arts.

LCAD is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), one of six regional accrediting agencies in the United States. LCAD is also a member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the accrediting agency for art and design programs in the United States.

These accreditations ensure that LCAD meets high standards of quality and excellence in art education and that employers and other institutions recognize its degrees. LCAD’s programs are also recognized for their excellence by numerous publications and organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, and Animation Career Review.

LCAD’s Unique Programs

LCAD offers unique programs designed to provide students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in the arts. The school’s programs include Animation, Illustration, Graphic Design , Game Art, and Fine Arts . These programs are designed to help students develop their creative skills and prepare for successful careers in their respective fields.

LCAD’s interdisciplinary approach to art education allows students to explore different mediums and techniques and to collaborate with their peers across different programs. This approach helps students understand the creative industries and fosters their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

In addition, LCAD’s faculty members have experienced professionals in their respective fields, allowing students to gain practical knowledge and insights into the industry.

LCAD’s curriculum is hands-on and project-based, allowing students to gain practical experience and develop a strong portfolio of work. Students are encouraged to experiment with different techniques and develop their creative voices. In addition, the school’s facilities are state-of-the-art and equipped with the latest technology and tools, allowing students to gain practical experience with industry-standard software and equipment.

What is the GPA required for Laguna College of Art and Design?

What is the GPA required for Laguna College of Art and Design? LCAD requires a minimum cumulative high school or college GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for admission to all its programs. However, meeting the minimum GPA requirement does not guarantee admission to LCAD, as the school evaluates applicants holistically, considering various factors such as academic achievement, artistic potential, creativity, and personal characteristics.

The GPA is one of the factors that is evaluated in the admission process, and it indicates the applicant’s academic performance and ability to succeed in college-level coursework. However, LCAD also recognizes that their GPA does not solely determine a student’s potential for success in the arts. Therefore, other factors are also considered, such as the quality of the applicant’s portfolio, essays, recommendations, and other application materials.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement but have exceptional talent and potential can still be considered for admission. The applicant’s portfolio and other application materials will be evaluated more closely to assess their artistic abilities and potential.

Applicants with a lower GPA can also improve their academic records, such as retaking courses, seeking academic assistance, or participating in extracurricular activities that showcase their academic strengths and commitment to learning.

In summary, while GPA is an important factor in the admission process, LCAD evaluates applicants holistically and considers various factors beyond just GPA. Therefore, applicants who may not meet the minimum GPA requirement should not be discouraged from applying. They should showcase their artistic potential and creativity through their portfolio and other application materials.

How to get into LCAD?

How to get into LCAD? Getting into LCAD requires completing the admission process, which consists of several steps. Prospective students must submit an online application and a portfolio of their artwork, essays, recommendations, transcripts, and application fees. The application deadlines vary depending on the program, and it is important to check the specific deadline for the program of interest.

The portfolio is a critical component of the application, and it should showcase the applicant’s artistic abilities, creativity, and potential. The portfolio should include various artwork demonstrating the applicant’s skills and interests.

The essays should be well-written and demonstrate the applicant’s motivation and commitment to pursuing a career in the arts. The recommendations should come from individuals who know the applicant well and can attest to their artistic abilities and potential.

To increase the chances of a successful application, it is important to start the process early and pay close attention to the requirements and deadlines. It is also helpful to research the program and the faculty members, attend virtual events, and reach out to current students or alumni for advice and insights. Finally, it is important to proofread all application materials carefully and to seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers.

LCAD offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities to make art education accessible to all students. Students can apply for need-based and merit-based financial aid and for private and institutional scholarships. It is important to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal financial aid. LCAD’s financial aid office can provide additional information and assistance in navigating the financial aid process.

Getting into LCAD requires careful preparation and attention to the application requirements and deadlines. By submitting a strong portfolio, well-written essays, compelling recommendations, and exploring financial aid and scholarship opportunities, prospective students can increase their chances of being admitted to this exceptional art school.

In conclusion, LCAD is an exceptional art school with unique programs, renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive community, making it the top choice for students seeking a career in the arts. With a rich history of providing high-quality art education, LCAD’s programs are designed to help students develop their creative skills and prepare for successful careers in animation, illustration, graphic design, game art, and the fine arts.

The faculty members are experienced professionals passionate about helping students achieve their goals, while the facilities are state-of-the-art and equipped with the latest technology and tools. The supportive community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni fosters a culture of collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity, allowing students to express themselves and explore their passions.

In summary, LCAD is the top choice for students pursuing a career in the arts because of its exceptional programs, renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and supportive community. By attending LCAD, students can gain practical experience, develop their creative abilities, and prepare for successful careers in the creative industries.

LCAD’s commitment to providing students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in the arts and preparing them for success in their respective fields makes it an exceptional choice for aspiring artists and designers.

If you’re set on getting into a world-class college but aren’t sure how to make it happen, we can help! AdmissionSight is a leading college entrance expert with over a decade of experience helping students just like you get into the schools of their dreams.

At AdmissionSight, we focus on offering a wide range of services, all aimed at helping students perfect their applications to catch the attention of admissions officers. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about what we offer.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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• Laguna College of Art & Design

Laguna Beach, CA

Laguna College of Art & Design is a Upper-level with Graduate institution located in Laguna Beach, CA, in a small town setting.

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LCAD vs. Art Center College of Design

Laguna College of Art and Design | LCAD

Cost & scholarships.

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Published costs and averages can be misleading: they don’t fully account for your family’s finances (for financial aid) or your academic profile (for scholarships).

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"College Here I Come" Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors

About the scholarship.

The "College Here I Come" Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors is available to all graduating high school seniors in the U.S. Students who are seeking a certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree are welcome to apply.

• Essay Required : Yes
• Need-Based : No
• Merit-Based : No
• Resident of the U.S.
• High school senior
• Seeking a professional certification, associate, or bachelor's degree
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Country : US

• Drawing + Painting
• Drawing + Painting with Illustration Emphasis
• Drawing + Painting with Sculpture Emphasis

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Experimental Animation

• Graphic Design + Digital Media
• Graphic Design + Digital Media with Action Sports Emphasis
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Frequently Asked Questions

What degree programs does laguna college of art + design (lcad) offer.

Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) is a nationally and regionally accredited, non-profit, private, visual arts college with seven undergraduate programs and a graduate department.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees:

Drawing + Painting(with emphases in Illustration and Sculpture)

Graphic Design + Digital Media (with emphases in Action Sports and Illustration)

Master of Fine Arts degrees:

Game Design

LCAD also offers minors in Animation, Art History, Creative Writing, Drawing + Painting, Entertainment Design, Game Art, Graphic Design + Digital Media, Illustration and Sculpture.

Students in LCAD’s Graphic Design + Digital Media Bachelor of Fine Arts programs can take specialized minors in AR/VR, Motion Graphic, Packaging, Photography/Exhibition Design and UI/UX.

Does LCAD Offer Community Education Classes?

LCAD’s Portfolio Development Program and Pre-College Summer Program are open to high school students and to the community at large.

Non-degree seeking students may also enroll in our Certificate Program, but must submit to the same application process.

When Are LCAD’s Application Deadlines?

LCAD does not have set deposit deadline for accepted students. Instead, we offer rolling admissions which allows Fall students to deposit through August 1stand January 15thfor Spring students.

To receive an early admissions decision we recommend completing fall applications by December 1st Early Action date.

Applications received after a priority date will be considered on a space-available basis. For more information please visit: Application Dates

How Long Does It Take To Earn a BFA From LCAD?

LCAD’s BFA programs are all designed to be 4-year programs. LCAD recognizes two types of transfer credits: Studio and Liberal Arts. A transfer student’s length of time at LCAD will be determined by the number of studio and/or liberal arts units granted in the transfer process.

What Is the Cost of Tuition?

MFA Drawing + Painting Tuition

Tuition for 2020/21 is $34,600/year, $17,300/semester or $1,153/unit.

Tuition for 2021/22 will be $35,650/year, $17,825/semester or $1,188/unit.

MFA Art of Game Design Tuition

Tuition for 2020/21 is $37,700/year, $18,850/semester or $1,257/unit.

Tuition for 2021/22 will be $38,900/year, $19,450/semester or $1,297/unit.

Out-of-State and International Students pay the same tuition as California Residents.

Tuition at LCAD is established annually by the Board of Trustees and is subject to change each year.

For more information please visit: Paying for Tuition

Do LCAD Students Receive Financial Aid?

In Fall 2019, approximately 99% of LCAD’s incoming students received federal, state or institutional funding.

All new applicants are automatically considered for an institutional scholarship as part of their application review process. These merit-based scholarships range from $5,000-$12,000/year or more, though the average award is approximately $8,500. These scholarships automatically renew annually provided the recipient maintains a minimum 2.0 grade point average and maintains enrollment in at least 9 units per semester.

LCAD also offers an opportunity for all students, current and incoming, to apply for our annual Competitive Scholarship. This will require an application and additional materials to submit to the Scholarship Committee. Only accepted and continuing students are eligible to apply for these scholarships. The deadline to apply is in late Spring. Email updates will be sent to students accordingly.

For more information please visit: Financial Aid

Does LCAD Accept International Students?

Yes, we believe that our International Students offer a unique perspective and we encourage students from abroad to apply. International students pay the same tuition and are offered the same scholarship opportunities as our domestic students.

For more information please visit: International Students

Can I Take LCAD Classes Without Being Admitted to the College?

Students who are interested in taking classes at LCAD must be admitted to one of our degree programs. However, we do offer limited Community Education, Portfolio Development and Pre-College courses.

Can I Transfer From Another College to LCAD? What are the Requirements?

Many LCAD students have transferred here from other colleges. LCAD will grant credit for liberal arts classes that meet transfer requirements. Studio credits are granted based on an evaluation of a Transfer Portfolio after acceptance. For more information regarding Transfer Portfolios please visit: Portfolio Information

There is no minimum number of units to transfer. LCAD accepts up to 66 units (39 liberal arts and 27 studio).

Please refer to LCAD’s “Transfer Eligibility” document for further information on our Transfer Student page.

Does LCAD Accept AP Credit?

LCAD accepts AP Credit for liberal arts courses, but because of the specialized nature of the studio programs, advanced placement of studio credit is not accepted. The Registrar’s office accepts 3’s for English and Art History. For all AP Subjects other than AP Studio courses a “3” or better is acceptable.

Concerning LCAD Admission, Which Is More Important, Academic Record or Portfolio? What Is LCAD’s Minimum GPA Requirement?

Recognizing academics play an important role in an LCAD education, the Admissions Committee is equally concerned with an applicant’s academic record and portfolio. The minimum GPA for consideration is 2.5. However, the average entering GPA is a 3.3.

How Do I Know What to Put In My LCAD Admissions Portfolio?

Please contact your Admissions Counselor for assistance with your Admissions Portfolio. If you do not know who your counselor is please contact [email protected]. Portfolio Guidelines will be sent to you by your admissions counselor once an application has been received. Applicants may also download the guidelines here:

Animation* Drawing + Painting Entertainment Design Experimental Animation* Game Art Graphi Design + Digital Media Illustration *Please note that the guidelines for Animation are requirements.

For more information please visit: Portfolio Information

What Is LCAD’s Preliminary Portfolio Review?

Through a preliminary portfolio review, an LCAD Admissions Counselor can provide assistance to ensure that an applicant’s final portfolio submission incorporates the strongest work possible according to LCAD’s portfolio submission guidelines. This review is optional but strongly encouraged. Contact LCAD’s Office of Admissions to schedule your preliminary portfolio review now. Phone: 949.376.6000 x248 Email: [email protected]

Where Should I Send My LCAD Application Materials?

Upload all application materials online through the application portal. Official transcripts should be sent directly from your school(s) to LCAD:

Laguna College of Art + Design

Office of Admissions

2222 Laguna Canyon Road

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

We also accept transcripts electronically from Parchment, Naviance and escrip-safe.

For more guidance on how to submit your application materials, contact your admissions counselor.

How Difficult Is It to Get Accepted to LCAD? What Is LCAD’s Acceptance Rate?

LCAD recognizes and supports an admissions policy that encourages motivated and serious students to pursue a college education in the visual arts. We understand the diverse educational and personal backgrounds of students who apply. The Admissions committee reviews your qualifications so that they can evaluate, advise, and place you based on a balanced picture. An applicant’s academic achievements, creative abilities and artistic and professional goals are all taken into consideration. LCAD highly recommends that current high school students follow a college preparatory program that includes courses in studio art, art history, and supplemental drawing classes.

LCAD’s acceptance rate for Fall 2019 was 79%.

What Is the Average Age of an LCAD Student?

The average age of an LCAD student is 22 years of age.

Are Supplies and Books Covered in the Cost of an LCAD Tuition?

No. The cost of tuition covers full-time attendance, tutoring, various student activities, access to library resources, most IT services, WiFi, ongoing workshops and parking.

Does LCAD Have a Residence Hall or On-Campus Housing?

Located at 787 Laguna Canyon Road, the South Campus Residence Hall is 3/4 of a mile from Main Campus, and walking distance to downtown Laguna Beach’s shopping, dining, and boardwalk. The Residence Hall accommodates 56 students. Space is limited and priority is given to newly entering, first-year students currently residing outside of a 100-mile radius of LCAD’s Main Campus.

Additionally, LCAD’s Student Life assists students in their searches for off-campus housing. The staff provides listings of houses, apartments, rooms in houses, guesthouses, and other rooms for rent in Laguna Beach and its surrounding communities. Written materials such as a housing survey and a student housing brochure are available only to students who have deposited through the Admissions Office.

For more information visit:  Housing .

What Is the Average Student-To-Faculty Ratio at LCAD?

Can i change my major after i’ve enrolled in classes at lcad.

Students may change majors after being enrolled by speaking first to their current Chair and then with the prospective Chair. The student will be required to submit a petition (obtained from the Registrar’s Office) and submit a written essay and portfolio of current work.

Students should be aware that changing majors may result in extending the duration of studies and increase the expense of completing the BFA degree or certificate.

What Are the Graduation Rates at LCAD?

4-year grad rate is 48% (based on 2015 cohort)

6-year grad rate is 56% (based on 2013 cohort)

A cohort is defined as first-time freshman entering college directly from high school. This rate does not include transfer students, which make up approximately 50% of our student population.

What Kind of Career Assistance Does LCAD Offer? What Kind of Jobs Do LCAD Students Get After Graduating?

LCAD’s Career Services Office provides students with the education and the basic skills necessary to succeed in today’s complex and changing job markets. LCAD makes every attempt to provide internships that enable students to obtain valuable hands-on experience in their areas of interest. The Career Services Staff actively seeks employment opportunities for students, graduates and alumni. Students and alumni also benefit from the strong contacts LCAD faculty have in their respective industries. To assist students while they are in school, part-time jobs, internships, competitions and other art- and design-related opportunities are posted in real-time on the my.lcad.edu homepage job board. Workshops, lectures and classes on professional topics of interest are offered to students and alumni on a regular basis to ensure appropriate preparation for transitions from academic into professional arenas. A part-time job and community fair is held in the fall. A summer job and community fair is held in the spring. Informational tables and volunteer opportunities at local non-profits provide a valuable community aspect to the fairs.

LCAD Alumni are employed in Animation and Entertainment Art Studios, advertising agencies, creative think tanks, fine art galleries, art education and more.

What Are LCAD’s Employment Rates After Graduation?

85% of our 2019 graduates surveyed are currently employed, with 80% working in their chosen fields.

To view a breakdown of employment data collected since 2008, please visit:  Consumer Information

What Is the Closest Airport? What Are the Closest Hotels?

Orange County’s John Wayne Airport (SNA) is located just 14 miles north of LCAD. There are many hotels located in the surrounding areas.

15% Discount to LCAD Students and Guests: Hotels

Capri Laguna

Casa Laguna

Comfort Suites (San Clemente & Huntington Beach locations only)

Dana Point Marina Inn (ask for sales office)

Inn at Laguna Beach

La Casa Del Camino

Pacific Edge Hotel

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Transcript Requests

Current and former students may order and pay for transcripts via  Parchment . You will need to create an account with Parchment and you have the ability to request an electronic or a paper transcript. Payment is made to Parchment by credit card. Allow 5-7 business days for processing. According to FERPA regulations, transcripts and other educational information may not be transmitted via e-mail or fax. Due to a catastrophic fire, there are no academic records prior to 1980. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of the Registrar at (949) 376-6000 x224 or [email protected] .

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