SCI-Arc vs. Salem College

Comparable Facts

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

Salem College is larger than SCI-Arc based on total student enrollment (549 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); Salem College is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern California Institute of Architecture 9:1; Salem College 9:1.

SCI-Arc vs. Salem College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCI-Arc or Salem 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 Salem College than SCI-Arc ($18,668 vs. $28,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern California Institute of Architecture are 0.8% lower than at Salem College ($13,600 vs. $13,710).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is 65.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem College (about $22,314 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.9% higher at SCI-Arc than at Salem College (about $22,314 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem 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 42.1% larger than aid received by Salem College students ($42,627 vs. $30,001).

SCI-Arc vs. Salem College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is 20 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; Salem College 1066/1243.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSalem College 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCI-Arc - Test optional; Salem College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCI-Arc Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SCI-Arc students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• Salem College has a higher acceptance rate (76.7%) than SCI-Arc (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7% at SCI-Arc vs. 7.9% at Salem College.

SCI-Arc vs. Salem College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCI-Arc and Salem 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 Salem College's (53%).
• Graduates from Southern California Institute of Architecture earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem College graduates have a $15,750 lower median loan debt than SCI-Arc graduates ($27,000 vs. $42,750).
• Among borrowers, Salem College graduates have an estimated $163 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCI-Arc graduates ($279 vs. $442).
• More SCI-Arc graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College 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.