Southern California Institute of Architecture
Southern California Institute of Architecture has an acceptance rate of 76.6%, an average net price of $28,753, and an overall rank of #409 (Grade B+). About 86.2% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $76,066 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 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 44.1%, roughly 5.8 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 86.2% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 78.2% and keeps 91.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C 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
Est. annual aid gap: $44,558 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $58,960 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,680 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $73,311 |
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 24.5% 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 $15,354 to $38,238 depending on family income. Use Southern California Institute of Architecture's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $76,066
- 10-Year Median Earnings $73,810
- Average Years to Graduate 6.0 years
- Average Student Debt $31,500
- Debt-to-Earnings ~41.4%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 56.7%
- Employment Rate 87.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Southern California Institute of Architecture graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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 $76,066 median, the 44.1% 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%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 86.2%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 78.2%
- 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 $76,054
Program Choice Matters: Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Architectural Sciences and Technology (Master's Degree, 72 graduates)
- Architectural Sciences and Technology (Bachelor's Degree, 49 graduates)
- Graphic Communications (Master's Degree, 19 graduates)
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning (Master's Degree, 8 graduates)
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Master's Degree, 7 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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)▼
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
Online Master's Degrees (5 programs)▼
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Graphic Communications
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, 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 24.5%
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 24.5% 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 44.1% ROI. Ranked #409 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $28,753 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $76,066 median earnings. With 86.2% graduating within 150% of normal time 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 #409 ranking, Southern California Institute of Architecture competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $28,753 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 $20,127 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 44.1% ROI and $76,066 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $18,753+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Southern California Institute of Architecture ranks #409 of 1955 institutions, with 1500 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
- 86.2% graduation rate sits 23.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 91.4% first-year retention is 14.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 44.1% return on investment is 5.8 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $76,066 run about 23% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $28,753 is roughly $8,872 higher than the national median of $19,881.
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.
- 87.9% employment rate within three years sits 19.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $28,753 is about $8,872 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 24.5% trails the national share by 14.0 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 #409 among 1955 schools Category results include Completion (A), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (C).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings 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 86.2% graduate within 150% of normal time (78.2% within eight years). The reported ROI is 44.1%, 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 $28,753 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $73,311.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $44,558 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $31,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 24.5% 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 $76,066 five years after graduation. This is roughly 23% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 87.9%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 44.1%, 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Southern California Institute of Architecture: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/southern-california-institute-of-architecture/
MLA (9th): “Southern California Institute of Architecture: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/southern-california-institute-of-architecture/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Southern California Institute of Architecture: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/southern-california-institute-of-architecture/.
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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 admissions data.
How much does Southern California Institute of Architecture cost?
At Southern California Institute of Architecture, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $28,753 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $73,311 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $58,960. 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 #409 overall in EDsmart's 2027 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 within 150% of normal time is 86.2% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 78.2%, 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 $76,066 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education 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 U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 960 E. 3rd Street, 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