SCI-Arc vs. Northwestern College

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles, CA with Northwestern College in Orange City, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern College is larger than SCI-Arc based on total student enrollment (1,705 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); Northwestern College is in Orange City, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwestern College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern California Institute of Architecture 9:1; Northwestern College 15:1.

SCI-Arc vs. Northwestern College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCI-Arc or Northwestern 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 Northwestern College than SCI-Arc ($26,347 vs. $28,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern College are 19.9% lower than at Southern California Institute of Architecture ($10,900 vs. $13,600).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is 53% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwestern College (about $19,452 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53% higher at SCI-Arc than at Northwestern College (about $19,452 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwestern College 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 81.1% larger than aid received by Northwestern College students ($42,627 vs. $23,537).

SCI-Arc vs. Northwestern College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SCI-Arc or Northwestern 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 Northwestern College and SCI-Arc.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern California Institute of Architecture (1130) is 40 points higher than at Northwestern College (1090).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern California Institute of Architecture 1020/1230; Northwestern College 940/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorthwestern College 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCI-Arc - Test optional; Northwestern College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCI-Arc Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern College students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at SCI-Arc (3.5).
• Northwestern College has a higher acceptance rate (80.4%) than SCI-Arc (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7% at SCI-Arc vs. 27.2% at Northwestern College.

SCI-Arc vs. Northwestern College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCI-Arc and Northwestern 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).

• Northwestern College's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Southern California Institute of Architecture's (58%).
• Graduates from Southern California Institute of Architecture earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Northwestern College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern College graduates have a $17,658 lower median loan debt than SCI-Arc graduates ($25,092 vs. $42,750).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern College graduates have an estimated $183 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCI-Arc graduates ($259 vs. $442).
• More Northwestern College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SCI-Arc students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.