SCI-Arc vs. TLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles, CA with Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Texas Lutheran 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); Texas Lutheran University is in Seguin, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern California Institute of Architecture 9:1; Texas Lutheran University 11:1.

SCI-Arc vs. TLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCI-Arc or TLU? 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 Texas Lutheran University than SCI-Arc ($25,119 vs. $28,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Texas Lutheran University are 9.2% lower than at Southern California Institute of Architecture ($12,350 vs. $13,600).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is 55% more expensive for in-state tuition than TLU (about $19,932 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $36,230.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55% higher at SCI-Arc than at Texas Lutheran University (about $19,932 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $36,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Texas Lutheran 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 71.5% larger than aid received by Texas Lutheran University students ($42,627 vs. $24,861).

SCI-Arc vs. TLU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern California Institute of Architecture (1130) is the same as at TLU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern California Institute of Architecture 1020/1230; Texas Lutheran University 1030/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsTexas Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCI-Arc - Test optional; TLU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCI-Arc Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TLU students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at SCI-Arc (3.5).
• TLU has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than SCI-Arc (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7% at SCI-Arc vs. 16.8% at TLU.

SCI-Arc vs. TLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCI-Arc and TLU? 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 Texas Lutheran University's (49%).
• Graduates from Texas Lutheran University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than SCI-Arc graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Texas Lutheran University graduates have a $15,750 lower median loan debt than SCI-Arc graduates ($27,000 vs. $42,750).
• Among borrowers, TLU graduates have an estimated $163 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCI-Arc graduates ($279 vs. $442).
• More TLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SCI-Arc students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.