San Diego State vs. SCI-Arc

Comparable Facts

Compare San Diego State University in San Diego, CA with Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Diego State University is larger than SCI-Arc based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 418 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Southern California Institute of Architecture is in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern California Institute of Architecture is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; Southern California Institute of Architecture 9:1.

San Diego State vs. SCI-Arc Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State or SCI-Arc? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at San Diego State University than SCI-Arc ($14,704 vs. $28,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern California Institute of Architecture are 40.9% lower than at San Diego State University ($13,600 vs. $23,030).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is 543.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Diego State (about $47,434 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $8,728.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 163.3% higher at SCI-Arc than at San Diego State University (about $34,834 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $21,328.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Diego State University than at Southern California Institute of Architecture (47% vs. 26%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern California Institute of Architecture students is 253.7% larger than aid received by San Diego State University students ($42,627 vs. $12,053).

San Diego State vs. SCI-Arc Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Diego State or SCI-Arc? 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 SCI-Arc and San Diego State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Diego State University (1200) is 70 points higher than at SCI-Arc (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; Southern California Institute of Architecture 1020/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; SCI-Arc - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026; SCI-Arc Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at SCI-Arc (3.5).
• SCI-Arc has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 7% at SCI-Arc.

San Diego State vs. SCI-Arc Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State and SCI-Arc? 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).

• San Diego State University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Southern California Institute of Architecture's (58%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than SCI-Arc graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $27,401 lower median loan debt than SCI-Arc graduates ($15,349 vs. $42,750).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $284 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCI-Arc graduates ($158 vs. $442).
• More San Diego State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SCI-Arc students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 62%)

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.