SCI-Arc vs. Piedmont University

Comparable Facts

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

Piedmont University is larger than SCI-Arc based on total student enrollment (1,857 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); Piedmont University is in Demorest, GA (Distant Town setting).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Piedmont University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern California Institute of Architecture 9:1; Piedmont University 12:1.

SCI-Arc vs. Piedmont University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCI-Arc or Piedmont University? 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 Piedmont University than SCI-Arc ($22,252 vs. $28,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Piedmont University are 3.7% lower than at Southern California Institute of Architecture ($13,100 vs. $13,600).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is 77.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Piedmont University (about $24,462 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $31,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.2% higher at SCI-Arc than at Piedmont University (about $24,462 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $31,700.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Piedmont 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 73.2% larger than aid received by Piedmont University students ($42,627 vs. $24,618).

SCI-Arc vs. Piedmont University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Piedmont University (1140) is 10 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; Piedmont University 1038/1245.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresPiedmont University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCI-Arc - Test optional; Piedmont University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCI-Arc Jan 15, 2027; Piedmont University Jul 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Piedmont University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at SCI-Arc (3.5).
• Piedmont University has a higher acceptance rate (93.3%) than SCI-Arc (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7% at SCI-Arc vs. 14.6% at Piedmont University.

SCI-Arc vs. Piedmont University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCI-Arc and Piedmont University? 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.

• Southern California Institute of Architecture's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Piedmont University's (46%).
• Graduates from Southern California Institute of Architecture earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Piedmont University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $41,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Piedmont University graduates have a $19,014 lower median loan debt than SCI-Arc graduates ($23,736 vs. $42,750).
• Among borrowers, Piedmont University graduates have an estimated $197 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCI-Arc graduates ($245 vs. $442).
• More SCI-Arc graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Piedmont University students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 44%)

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.