SCI-Arc vs. AMU

Comparable Facts

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

Ave Maria University is larger than SCI-Arc based on total student enrollment (1,423 students vs. 418 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern California Institute of Architecture is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting); Ave Maria University is in Ave Maria, FL (Distant Rural setting).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ave Maria University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern California Institute of Architecture 9:1; Ave Maria University 17:1.

SCI-Arc vs. AMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCI-Arc or AMU? 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 Ave Maria University than SCI-Arc ($25,294 vs. $28,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern California Institute of Architecture are 5.8% lower than at Ave Maria University ($13,600 vs. $14,432).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is 86% more expensive for in-state tuition than AMU (about $25,964 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $30,198.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 86% higher at SCI-Arc than at Ave Maria University (about $25,964 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $30,198.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ave Maria University than at Southern California Institute of Architecture (100% vs. 26%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern California Institute of Architecture students is 103.6% larger than aid received by Ave Maria University students ($42,627 vs. $20,936).

SCI-Arc vs. AMU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SCI-Arc or AMU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between AMU and SCI-Arc.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Southern California Institute of Architecture (1130) is the same as at AMU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern California Institute of Architecture 1020/1230; Ave Maria University 1018/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresAve Maria University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCI-Arc - Test optional; AMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCI-Arc Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman AMU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at SCI-Arc (3.5).
• SCI-Arc has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than AMU (41.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7% at SCI-Arc vs. 32.8% at AMU.

SCI-Arc vs. AMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCI-Arc and AMU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Southern California Institute of Architecture's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Ave Maria University's (41%).
• Graduates from Southern California Institute of Architecture have median earnings of about $46,400 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for AMU.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ave Maria University graduates have a $20,322 lower median loan debt than SCI-Arc graduates ($22,428 vs. $42,750).
• Among borrowers, AMU graduates have an estimated $211 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCI-Arc graduates ($231 vs. $442).
• More SCI-Arc graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AMU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 53%)

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.