SCI-Arc vs. Lees-McRae College

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles, CA with Lees McRae College in Banner Elk, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lees McRae College is larger than SCI-Arc based on total student enrollment (910 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); Lees McRae College is in Banner Elk, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lees McRae College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern California Institute of Architecture 9:1; Lees McRae College 11:1.

SCI-Arc vs. Lees-McRae College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCI-Arc or Lees-McRae College? 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 Southern California Institute of Architecture than Lees-McRae College ($28,985 vs. $29,833).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern California Institute of Architecture are 10.5% lower than at Lees McRae College ($13,600 vs. $15,200).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is 68.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lees-McRae College (about $22,912 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.9% higher at SCI-Arc than at Lees McRae College (about $22,912 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $33,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lees McRae College than at Southern California Institute of Architecture (97% vs. 26%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern California Institute of Architecture students is 115.6% larger than aid received by Lees McRae College students ($42,627 vs. $19,774).

SCI-Arc vs. Lees-McRae College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SCI-Arc or Lees-McRae College? 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 Lees-McRae College and SCI-Arc.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lees McRae College (1140) is 10 points higher than at SCI-Arc (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern California Institute of Architecture 1020/1230; Lees McRae College 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLees McRae College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCI-Arc - Test optional; Lees-McRae College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCI-Arc Jan 15, 2027.
• Lees-McRae College has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than SCI-Arc (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7% at SCI-Arc vs. 13.9% at Lees-McRae College.

SCI-Arc vs. Lees-McRae College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCI-Arc and Lees-McRae College? 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 Lees McRae College's (24%).
• Graduates from Southern California Institute of Architecture earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Lees-McRae College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lees McRae College graduates have a $22,750 lower median loan debt than SCI-Arc graduates ($20,000 vs. $42,750).
• Among borrowers, Lees-McRae College graduates have an estimated $236 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCI-Arc graduates ($206 vs. $442).
• More SCI-Arc graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lees-McRae College students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 55%)

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.