Art Center College of Design vs. University of Western States

Comparable Facts

Compare Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA with University of Western States in Portland, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Art Center College of Design is larger than University of Western States based on total student enrollment (2,308 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Art Center College of Design is located in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting); University of Western States is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• Art Center College of Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Western States is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Art Center College of Design 9:1; University of Western States 7:1.

Art Center College of Design vs. University of Western States Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Art Center College of Design or University of Western States? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Art Center College of Design is 521.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Western States (about $45,460 more per year; $54,170.00 vs. $8,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 521.9% higher at Art Center College of Design than at University of Western States (about $45,460 more per year; $54,170.00 vs. $8,710.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Art Center College of Design than at University of Western States (60% vs. 0%).

Art Center College of Design vs. University of Western States Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Art Center College of Design or University of Western States? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Western States and Art Center College of Design.

• University of Western States reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Art Center College of Design - Test-free; University of Western States - Open admission.

Art Center College of Design vs. University of Western States Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Art Center College of Design and University of Western States? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Art Center College of Design earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than University of Western States graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,300 vs. $52,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Western States graduates have a $22,750 lower median loan debt than Art Center College of Design graduates ($8,500 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, University of Western States graduates have an estimated $236 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Art Center College of Design graduates ($87 vs. $323).
• More Art Center College of Design graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Western States students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 68%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.