San Jose State vs. SCI-Arc

Comparable Facts

Compare San Jose State University in San Jose, 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 Jose State University is larger than SCI-Arc based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 418 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); Southern California Institute of Architecture is in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting).
• San Jose 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 Jose State University 25:1; Southern California Institute of Architecture 9:1.

San Jose State vs. SCI-Arc Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose 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 Jose State University than SCI-Arc ($13,892 vs. $28,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern California Institute of Architecture are 35.1% lower than at San Jose State University ($13,600 vs. $20,971).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is 567.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $47,752 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 167.3% higher at SCI-Arc than at San Jose State University (about $35,152 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Jose State University than at Southern California Institute of Architecture (63% vs. 26%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern California Institute of Architecture students is 245.1% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($42,627 vs. $12,353).

San Jose State vs. SCI-Arc Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Jose 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 Jose State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Jose State University (1130) is the same as at SCI-Arc (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240; Southern California Institute of Architecture 1020/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; SCI-Arc - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026; SCI-Arc Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SCI-Arc students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than SCI-Arc (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 7% at SCI-Arc.

San Jose State vs. SCI-Arc Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Jose 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).

• Southern California Institute of Architecture's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $13,500 more per year than SCI-Arc graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $27,750 lower median loan debt than SCI-Arc graduates ($15,000 vs. $42,750).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $287 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCI-Arc graduates ($155 vs. $442).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SCI-Arc students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.