Southern California Institute of Architecture
Southern California Institute of Architecture has an acceptance rate of 76.6%, annual tuition of $56,162, average net price of $43,923, and a national rank of #714 (Grade B), with a 76.0% graduation rate, about 236 undergraduates, and median earnings of $73,456 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Southern California Institute of Architecture is a private nonprofit university in Los Angeles, CA. Students most often pursue Architecture.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and 91.4% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 27.9%, roughly 22.0 points below typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Southern California Institute of Architecture Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Southern California Institute of Architecture graduates 76.0% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 91.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns an F compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Southern California Institute of Architecture's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $56,162 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,700 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $71,612 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 21.3% of Southern California Institute of Architecture students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $36,824 to $66,362 depending on family income. Use Southern California Institute of Architecture's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $73,456
- 10-Year Median Earnings $71,909
- Average Years to Graduate 6.0 years
- Average Student Debt $33,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 56.7%
- Employment Rate 78.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Southern California Institute of Architecture graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Southern California Institute of Architecture vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Southern California Institute of Architecture's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Southern California Institute of Architecture's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Southern California Institute of Architecture graduates earn $73,456 median, the 27.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 236
- Full-Time Students 99.6%
- Part-Time Students 0.4%
- Retention Rate 91.4%
- Graduation Rate 76.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Southern California Institute of Architecture
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Southern California Institute of Architecture requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 76.6%, Southern California Institute of Architecture is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 76.6% acceptance rate, Southern California Institute of Architecture is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Southern California Institute of Architecture undergraduates. Architectural Sciences and Technology and Architecture draw the most students.
- Architectural Sciences and Technology 100.0%
- Architecture 0.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Architecture $71,955
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Architecture (Master's Degree) $81,583
Program Choice Matters: Graduate: Architecture programs lead with $81,583 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Southern California Institute of Architecture. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Architectural Sciences and Technology (Master's Degree, 103 graduates)
- Architectural Sciences and Technology (Bachelor's Degree, 49 graduates)
- Graphic Communications (Master's Degree, 14 graduates)
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research (Master's Degree, 4 graduates)
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degree, 0 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
Online Master's Degrees (4 programs)â–¼
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Graphic Communications
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 236
- Full-Time Students 99.6%
- Part-Time Students 0.4%
- Male Students 55.5%
- Female Students 44.5%
- Caucasian 17.0%
- Asian 13.1%
- Hispanic 17.0%
- Black 3.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 21.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Southern California Institute of Architecture's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Southern California Institute of Architecture's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Southern California Institute of Architecture support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Southern California Institute of Architecture, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Southern California Institute of Architecture has a diverse student body, with 17.0% identifying as White. About 21.3% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Southern California Institute of Architecture support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Southern California Institute of Architecture, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Southern California Institute of Architecture offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 27.9% ROI. Ranked #714 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $43,923 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $73,456 median earnings. With 76.0% earning an award within eight years of entry and 91.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Southern California Institute of Architecture's Positioning
With a B grade and #714 ranking, Southern California Institute of Architecture competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $43,923 annually, Southern California Institute of Architecture charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 91.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $30,746 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 27.9% ROI and $73,456 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $33,923+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Southern California Institute of Architecture ranks #714 of 1962 institutions, with 1696 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 76.0% graduation rate sits 13.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 91.4% first-year retention is 14.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 27.9% return on investment is 22.0 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $73,456 run about 22% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $43,923 is roughly $23,844 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 91.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 78.9% employment rate within three years sits 10.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $43,923 is about $23,844 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 21.3% trails the national share by 13.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Southern California Institute of Architecture is a private nonprofit university based in Los Angeles, CA and earns a B overall grade. It stands at #714 among 1962 schools Category results include Completion (B), Support (A), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (F).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
91.4% of learners come back after year one while 76.0% earn an award within eight years of entry. The reported ROI is 27.9%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $43,923 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $71,612.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $27,689 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $33,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 21.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $73,456 four years after graduation. This is roughly 22% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 78.9%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 27.9%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
76.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Southern California Institute of Architecture admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern California Institute of Architecture's acceptance rate?
Southern California Institute of Architecture's acceptance rate is 76.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Southern California Institute of Architecture cost?
At Southern California Institute of Architecture, listed tuition and fees are $56,162 per year, and the average net price after aid is $43,923. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Southern California Institute of Architecture's ranking?
Southern California Institute of Architecture ranks #714 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Southern California Institute of Architecture's graduation rate?
At Southern California Institute of Architecture, the graduation rate is 76.0%, and first-year retention is 91.4%.
What are Southern California Institute of Architecture's job outcomes?
Graduates of Southern California Institute of Architecture report median earnings of $73,456 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Southern California Institute of Architecture's student population?
Southern California Institute of Architecture enrolls about 236 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Los Angeles, CA 90013-1822
- Website www.sciarc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$5.7M