SCI-Arc vs. Cornerstone University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles, CA with Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornerstone University is larger than SCI-Arc based on total student enrollment (1,695 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); Cornerstone University is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornerstone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern California Institute of Architecture 9:1; Cornerstone University 15:1.

SCI-Arc vs. Cornerstone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCI-Arc or Cornerstone University? 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 Cornerstone University than SCI-Arc ($21,335 vs. $28,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornerstone University are 6.6% lower than at Southern California Institute of Architecture ($12,700 vs. $13,600).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is 144.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cornerstone University (about $33,162 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 144.2% higher at SCI-Arc than at Cornerstone University (about $33,162 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $23,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cornerstone 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 108.6% larger than aid received by Cornerstone University students ($42,627 vs. $20,439).

SCI-Arc vs. Cornerstone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SCI-Arc or Cornerstone University? 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 Cornerstone University and SCI-Arc.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern California Institute of Architecture (1130) is 30 points higher than at Cornerstone University (1100).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern California Institute of Architecture 1020/1230; Cornerstone University 970/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCornerstone University 20/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCI-Arc - Test optional; Cornerstone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCI-Arc Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SCI-Arc students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Cornerstone University (3.28).
• Cornerstone University has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than SCI-Arc (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7% at SCI-Arc vs. 18.6% at Cornerstone University.

SCI-Arc vs. Cornerstone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCI-Arc and Cornerstone University? 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 Cornerstone University's (43%).
• Graduates from Southern California Institute of Architecture earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Cornerstone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have a $17,750 lower median loan debt than SCI-Arc graduates ($25,000 vs. $42,750).
• Among borrowers, Cornerstone University graduates have an estimated $184 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCI-Arc graduates ($258 vs. $442).
• More Cornerstone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SCI-Arc students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.