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Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Southern California Institute of Architecture

Southern California Institute of Architecture sits in the Arts District in a converted industrial space that reads like a continuous studio. It has a reputation for critique-driven, studio-centered learning that mixes design thinking, urban awareness, and material research with digital making. Facilities include wood and metal shops, additive manufacturing and robotics, a focused library, and a street-facing gallery.

Student services cover advising, tech help, wellness, and career guidance synced to reviews. The culture is independent-minded and collaborative, sometimes intense. Life spills into lectures and exhibitions, with cafés, murals, and cultural hubs close by. Career prep leans on visiting critics, portfolio reviews, site visits, and internships. Annual showcases open the campus to the city and often spark new connections.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 960 E. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, California, 90013, USA
Website: sciarc.edu
Unit ID: 123952

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: WSCUC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Trimester system (three terms per year, often evenly spaced)
Award Levels: Bachelor's, Master's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Tribal College
Campus Setting: Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Tuition: In-state: $53,564 (Tuition $51,964 + Fee $1,600) · Out-of-state: $53,564 (Tuition $51,964 + Fee $1,600)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 457
Undergraduate: 236
Graduate/Other: 221
Male: 270 Female: 187
Applications:
Total Applicants: 606
Admitted: 501
Enrolled: 35
Acceptance: 82.7% Yield: 7%
Staff:
Total: 135 Full-time: 104 Part-time: 31

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in California. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in California vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Architecture (4)
Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services
04.0301 City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning. (PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to apply principles of planning, analysis, and architecture to the development and improvement of urban areas and surrounding regions, and to function as professional planners. Includes instruction in principles of architecture; master plan development; service, communications, and transportation systems design; community and commercial development; zoning; land use planning; applied economics; policy analysis; applicable laws and regulations; and professional responsibilities and managerial duties.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $164,680 -$11,030 (-6.3%)
19-3051 Urban and Regional Planners $89,730 $83,680 -$6,050 (-6.7%)
25-1031 Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $110,360 $135,800 +$25,440 (+23.1%)
25-1069 Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $92,950 $141,850 +$48,900 (+52.6%)
04.0901 Architectural Technology/Technician. (PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to assist architects in developing plans and related documentation and in performing architectural office services. Includes instruction in architectural drafting, computer-assisted drafting and design, construction methods and materials, environmental systems, building codes and standards, structural principles, cost estimation, planning documentation, visual communication skills, display production, and architectural office management.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
17-3011 Architectural and Civil Drafters $68,860 $65,910 -$2,950 (-4.3%)
04.0902 Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the application of advanced technology to building design and construction, retrofitting existing buildings, and efficient operation of buildings, including lighting and daylight design, acoustics, solar design, building conservation, and energy-conscious design. Includes instruction in architecture, building technology, civil and structural engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental control systems, sustainability, and computer tools and applications.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $164,680 -$11,030 (-6.3%)
17-3011 Architectural and Civil Drafters $68,860 $65,910 -$2,950 (-4.3%)
25-1031 Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $110,360 $135,800 +$25,440 (+23.1%)
Media Tech (1)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0304 Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. (PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to use computer applications and related visual and sound imaging techniques to manipulate images and information originating as film, video, still photographs, digital copy, soundtracks, and physical objects in order to communicate messages simulating real-world content. Includes instruction in specialized camerawork and equipment operation and maintenance, image capture, computer programming, dubbing, CAD applications, and applications to specific commercial, industrial, and entertainment needs.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $167,850 +$57,740 (+52.4%)
Education (1)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.0601 Educational Evaluation and Research. (PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the principles and procedures for generating information about educational programs, personnel and methods, and the analysis of such information for planning purposes. Includes instruction in evaluation theory, evaluation research design and planning, administering evaluations and related data collection activities, data reporting requirements, data analysis and interpretation, and related economic and policy issues.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
13-1111 Management Analysts $114,710 $87,720 -$26,990 (-23.5%)
19-3099 Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $106,440 $89,110 -$17,330 (-16.3%)
25-1081 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $78,500 $117,490 +$38,990 (+49.7%)
Natural Resources (1)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management
03.0103 Environmental Studies. (PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on environment-related issues using scientific, social scientific, or humanistic approaches or a combination. Includes instruction in the basic principles of ecology and environmental science and related subjects such as policy, politics, law, economics, social aspects, planning, pollution control, natural resources, and the interactions of human beings and nature.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
13-1041 Compliance Officers $84,980 $80,350 -$4,630 (-5.4%)
19-2041 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $88,640 $92,320 +$3,680 (+4.2%)
25-1053 Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $100,360 $136,620 +$36,260 (+36.1%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$57,484
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$57,484
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$53,564
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$53,564
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$13,555 (off-campus)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$3,920
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$12,340 (off-campus)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$4,714
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$53,564
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$53,564
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

11%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$45,500
Avg. Loan
$13,830
Avg. Federal Loan
$7,938
Additional
Students with Any Grant
7
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
8
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
7
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$32,711
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

70%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
82%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$45,640 – $97,763
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$45,640 (25th %) $97,763 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $71,909
Median Salary After 6 Years
$53,274
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$71,909
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
56.7%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
63.0%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
N/A
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 52.6%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 66.7%
Independent 47.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)

How much does it cost to attend Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)?

The annual tuition at Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) is $53,564 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $57,484 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $13,555 (off-campus) and books and supplies $3,920.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Southern California Institute of Architecture offer?

Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) offers 9 academic programs across 4 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services (4 programs)
  • Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management (1 programs)
  • Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (1 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Southern California Institute of Architecture?

Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) has an 82.7% acceptance rate and a 7% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 606
  • Students admitted: 501
  • Students enrolled: 35

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Southern California Institute of Architecture?

Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) provides financial aid to 11% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $45,500 and average loans of $13,830.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,631
  • State/Local grants: $8,182
  • Institutional grants: $32,711
  • Federal loans: $7,938

The university supports 7 students with grants and 8 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Southern California Institute of Architecture graduates?

Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) graduates earn a median salary of $53,274 after 6 years and $71,909 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $45,640 (25th percentile) to $97,763 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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