SCI-Arc vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

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

Spring Arbor University is larger than SCI-Arc based on total student enrollment (2,441 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); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern California Institute of Architecture 9:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

SCI-Arc vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCI-Arc or SAU? 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 Spring Arbor University than SCI-Arc ($21,067 vs. $28,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 15.9% lower than at Southern California Institute of Architecture ($11,440 vs. $13,600).
• Southern California Institute of Architecture is 65.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $22,148 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.1% higher at SCI-Arc than at Spring Arbor University (about $22,148 more per year; $56,162.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spring Arbor 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 78.5% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($42,627 vs. $23,877).

SCI-Arc vs. SAU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern California Institute of Architecture (1130) is the same as at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern California Institute of Architecture 1020/1230; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCI-Arc - Test optional; SAU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCI-Arc Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at SCI-Arc (3.5).
• SCI-Arc has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7% at SCI-Arc vs. 16.5% at SAU.

SCI-Arc vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCI-Arc and SAU? 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 Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Southern California Institute of Architecture earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $18,707 lower median loan debt than SCI-Arc graduates ($24,043 vs. $42,750).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $194 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCI-Arc graduates ($248 vs. $442).
• More SCI-Arc graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 58%)

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.