SCI-Arc vs. USC

Comparable Facts

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

University of Southern California is larger than SCI-Arc based on total student enrollment (46,566 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); University of Southern California is in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern California Institute of Architecture 9:1; University of Southern California 9:1.

SCI-Arc vs. USC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCI-Arc or USC? 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 USC ($28,985 vs. $43,412).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern California Institute of Architecture are 31.8% lower than at University of Southern California ($13,600 vs. $19,931).
• University of Southern California is 28.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than SCI-Arc (about $15,935 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $56,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.4% higher at USC than at Southern California Institute of Architecture (about $15,935 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $56,162.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Southern California than at Southern California Institute of Architecture (70% vs. 26%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Southern California students is 10% larger than aid received by Southern California Institute of Architecture students ($46,897 vs. $42,627).

SCI-Arc vs. USC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SCI-Arc or USC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between USC and SCI-Arc.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of Southern California (1500) is 370 points higher than at SCI-Arc (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern California Institute of Architecture 1020/1230; University of Southern California 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresUniversity of Southern California 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCI-Arc - Test optional; USC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCI-Arc Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman USC students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at SCI-Arc (3.5).
• SCI-Arc has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than USC (9.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7% at SCI-Arc vs. 43.3% at USC.

SCI-Arc vs. USC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCI-Arc and USC? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• University of Southern California's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Southern California Institute of Architecture's (58%).
• Graduates from University of Southern California earn a median of about $39,100 more per year than SCI-Arc graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,500 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern California graduates have a $20,375 lower median loan debt than SCI-Arc graduates ($22,375 vs. $42,750).
• Among borrowers, USC graduates have an estimated $211 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCI-Arc graduates ($231 vs. $442).
• More USC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SCI-Arc students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.