Skip to content
Private nonprofit, 4-year

Southern California Institute of Architecture

Los Angeles, California · www.sciarc.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

76.6%

2025

Tuition per year

$56,162

$69,762 with room and board

Peer median $18,120

Undergraduates

237

Student-faculty ratio 9:1

Peer median 11 : 1

“Peers” are all 20 private other special focus institutions in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

The Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) is an esteemed institution dedicated to the study and practice of architecture. Located in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, SCI-Arc is renowned for its innovative approach to architectural education, emphasizing creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. It boasts a progressive curriculum that encourages students to explore contemporary design issues and develop their unique architectural voices. The institute's commitment to experimentation is reflected in its state-of-the-art facilities, which include advanced digital fabrication labs, design studios, and a comprehensive library that supports a diverse range of architectural research.

The school's culture is deeply rooted in collaboration and community engagement, fostering a dynamic environment where students and faculty engage in meaningful dialogues about architecture's role in society. SCI-Arc's diverse faculty comprises leading architects and industry professionals, providing students with valuable insights into current trends and practices. The school's location in Los Angeles, a city known for its architectural diversity and rich cultural landscape, further enhances the educational experience, allowing students to draw inspiration from their surroundings. Graduates of SCI-Arc are highly sought after in the job market, often finding roles at prestigious architecture firms or pursuing successful careers as independent practitioners, making it a pivotal institution for aspiring architects.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Southern California Institute of Architecture

The Southern California Institute of Architecture has exhibited notable trends in tuition, graduation rates, and student retention over recent years. First, tuition costs have consistently risen, from $37,300 in 2014 to an estimated $53,564 in 2024, reflecting a significant increase of approximately 44% over a decade. This upward trajectory in tuition may pose financial challenges for prospective students and could influence enrollment decisions, especially in the context of rising living costs nationwide.

In terms of graduation rates, there have been fluctuations. The 100% graduation rate for undergraduate students has remained low, with many years showing no graduates completing on time. In contrast, the 150% graduation rate, which measures students graduating within six years, has shown some improvement, peaking at 93.75% in 2022. This indicates that while immediate completion may be challenging, many students ultimately succeed in obtaining their degrees, highlighting the importance of support systems in place for students who may need more time.

Retention rates present another critical aspect of student experience at this institution. Retention has varied significantly, peaking at 96.88% in 2015 but dropping to 76.67% in 2023. Such a decline may signal concerns regarding student satisfaction or adjustments in academic rigor, necessitating a deeper investigation into the factors affecting students' decisions to continue their studies.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained stable at 15:1 for most years, suggesting a consistent level of personalized attention that the institute provides to its students. This ratio is vital for maintaining quality education, especially in a field like architecture, which often requires hands-on instruction and mentorship.

In conclusion, while the Southern California Institute of Architecture continues to attract students with its unique programs, the rising costs, fluctuating graduation rates, and retention challenges warrant attention to ensure that the institution remains a viable option for aspiring architects in the future.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
Los Angeles, about 10 mi
Nearest international airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 10 mi
Los Angeles, California
Also known as
SCI-Arc
Academic calendar
Trimester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Paul Holliday (Chief Operating Officer)
Phone
2136132200
City
Los Angeles, California
Address
960 E. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013-1822

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
73.8%
Women
78.8%

In 2021: men 61.8%, women 71.6%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Southern California Institute of Architecture

The admission data from the Southern California Institute of Architecture reveals significant trends over the years, particularly in acceptance rates and enrollment figures. In 2012, the acceptance rate for male applicants was approximately 86.11%, while female applicants had a slightly higher acceptance rate of 93.33%. These figures indicate a relatively welcoming environment for prospective students at that time.
However, a noticeable decline in acceptance rates can be observed in the following years. By 2023, the acceptance rates had dropped to around 56.61% for males and 62.73% for females, reflecting a more competitive admissions landscape. This trend mirrors the broader national context where many prestigious institutions are experiencing an increase in applications, leading to lower acceptance rates as they strive to maintain quality and selectivity.
Furthermore, the enrollment numbers provide insight into the institution's capacity and the challenges it faces. While the number of enrolled students fluctuated, there was a concerning spike in the number of denied applications in recent years, with 206 applicants denied admission in 2023. This indicates not only a growing interest in the program but also a potential struggle for the institution to accommodate all qualified candidates.
The data also show a significant number of deferred admissions, particularly in 2021 and 2022, suggesting that the admissions process has become more complex and possibly more strategic. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced these trends, prompting institutions to re-evaluate their admissions strategies and the overall student experience.
In conclusion, the trends in admission rates and enrollment at the Southern California Institute of Architecture reflect broader challenges in higher education, including increased competition and changing applicant demographics. As the institution navigates these challenges, it will be essential to balance selectivity with access to maintain its reputation and foster a diverse student body.

Test Scores

SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no SAT/ACT data for students admitted in 2025.

Data insights

Trends in Admissions Data at the Southern California Institute of Architecture

The admissions data from the Southern California Institute of Architecture over the years reveals notable trends in standardized test scores and the proportion of applicants submitting these scores. Initially, from 2007 to 2016, the data shows a relatively high percentage of admitted students who submitted SAT and ACT scores, often exceeding 79%. This suggests that the institution maintained a strong reliance on these standardized assessments to evaluate potential candidates.

However, a significant shift occurs from 2022 onwards, where the percentage of applicants submitting scores dropped dramatically to 27% in 2022 and further to 18% in 2023. This decline could reflect broader national trends where many colleges and universities have adopted test-optional policies, especially post-pandemic, in response to equity concerns and accessibility issues. Such policies aim to diversify admissions by allowing students to showcase their potential beyond standardized tests, which have been criticized for inequities related to socioeconomic status and educational background.

Furthermore, analyzing the score ranges reveals fluctuations in both SAT and ACT performance over the years. The upper quartile scores show an increase in 2021, with reading and math scores reaching up to 651 and 670, respectively. This suggests that while fewer students are submitting scores, those who do tend to be more competitive.

Overall, the evolving landscape of admissions at this institution reflects larger trends in higher education, emphasizing a potential shift towards holistic admissions processes. This could signify a broader movement away from traditional metrics of academic performance, prioritizing a more inclusive approach to evaluating student potential.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 8 in 10

748 applicants in 2025, 76.6% admitted

573 admitted 175 not admitted Yield 7.0%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's4725 international (53.2%)
Master's11672 international (62.1%)
Top 1 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology
47

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology · Master's84 (58% international)
  • Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects · Master's23 (74% international)
  • Educational Evaluation and Research · Master's5 (60% international)
  • Environmental Studies · Master's4 (75% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Southern California Institute of Architecture

The graduation data from the Southern California Institute of Architecture for 2023 reveals significant insights into various academic fields, particularly in graduate programs. Notably, there is a complete absence of bachelor's degree graduates across all disciplines, indicating a potential shift in focus towards advanced studies or a change in enrollment patterns. This raises questions about the institution's recruitment strategies and the overall market demand for undergraduate programs in architecture and related fields.

In the master's programs, the field of Architectural and Building Sciences leads with 62 graduates, of which 46 are international students, demonstrating a strong global interest in this discipline. This trend aligns with recent reports highlighting the increasing internationalization of higher education, particularly in creative and technical fields. The high percentage of international students (approximately 74%) in this program suggests a robust appeal to global talent, which could be crucial for fostering diverse perspectives in architecture.

Other programs, such as Animation and Environmental Studies, also show commendable numbers with 19 and 7 master's graduates, respectively. Although the number of international students is lower in these fields, the presence of international candidates indicates a healthy interest in these areas.

Despite the lack of doctoral graduates across all categories, the concentration of master's degree recipients suggests a strong foundation for future academic advancements and professional opportunities. This trend may reflect broader societal shifts towards more specialized knowledge in addressing complex environmental and urban challenges, reinforcing the importance of advanced education in these critical fields. Overall, the data invites further exploration into the dynamics of student enrollment and the evolving landscape of higher education in architecture and design.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Architecture has 131 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology.$59,753-$72,304
Communications technologies has 23 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.-
Educationhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Educational Evaluation and Research.-
Natural resources has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Environmental Studies.-

Students

418 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 56:44 · Freshman retention 91.4%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (237)

International
109 · 46.0%
White
40 · 16.9%
Hispanic
40 · 16.9%
Asian
31 · 13.1%
Two or more races
10 · 4.2%
Black
7 · 3.0%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
1.7%
18–19
22.8%
20–21
28.3%
22–24
33.3%
25 and over
13.9%

Graduate students

Under 22
0.0%
22–24
35.4%
25–29
45.3%
30–34
9.4%
35 and over
9.9%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Southern California Institute of Architecture in 2023

The data for the Southern California Institute of Architecture in 2023 reveals a diverse student body, with significant representation from various demographics. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 28 students, with a notable male representation of 60.7% compared to 39.3% female. This gender ratio mirrors a broader trend in architecture, where male students have traditionally outnumbered female students, although the gap appears to be narrowing.

For upperclassmen, the total student count rises to 193, again showcasing a predominance of males at 61.1%, while females account for 38.9%. This trend continues with transfer students, where the 24 individuals present show a slightly more balanced ratio of 54.2% males to 45.8% females, indicating an encouraging shift towards gender parity.

Graduate students make up the largest group, numbering 257, with a male representation of 57.6% and females at 42.4%. This could suggest that as students progress in their studies, the architecture field continues to attract a significant number of both genders, although males still hold a slight advantage.

The data also highlights the racial and ethnic diversity within the student body, particularly among white, Asian, Latino, Pacific Islander, African American, and international students. However, specific breakdowns by race and ethnicity were not fully detailed in the provided data.

Overall, while the Southern California Institute of Architecture exhibits a strong male presence across its student demographics, the slight shifts towards greater gender balance in certain categories and the representation of various ethnicities reflect a progressive trend in the field of architecture, aligning with ongoing discussions about diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Age Distribution Among Students at Southern California Institute of Architecture

The age distribution data of students at the Southern California Institute of Architecture reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of its student body. Notably, the majority of students fall within the 22-24 age range, accounting for a combined total of 175 students, which represents approximately 51% of the total enrollment. This trend suggests that the institute attracts a significant number of young adults who are likely transitioning from undergraduate studies to graduate programs.

Interestingly, the data also indicates a stark contrast between undergraduate and graduate male students in the 25-29 age bracket, where there are 22 undergraduate males compared to a notable 64 graduate males. This could reflect a growing trend of individuals pursuing advanced education later in life, possibly influenced by the increasing complexity of the job market that demands higher qualifications.

Furthermore, the representation of female students across various age groups demonstrates a consistent presence, particularly in the younger age categories. The absence of female students under 18 and the low numbers in the 30-34 range suggest that the student body is predominantly made up of individuals who have recently completed their secondary education or have a few years of professional experience.

The data also highlights the underrepresentation of older students, particularly those aged 40 and above, indicating that architecture, as a field of study, may still be viewed as a pursuit primarily for younger individuals. Overall, this age distribution not only reflects the current trends in architectural education but also poses questions about the accessibility of graduate programs for an older demographic, particularly in a rapidly evolving industry.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 20 private other special focus institutions in the U.S.

Undergraduates46.0%

109 in 2025 · 51.4% in 2016

0% 35% 70% 2016: 51.4%2017: 55.7%2018: 58.3%2019: 55.7%2020: 57.9%2021: 57.0%2022: 59.8%2023: 56.4%2024: 55.6%2025: 46.0%
2016Peer median 0.4%2025
Graduate students56.9%

103 in 2025 · 55.9% in 2016

0% 37.5% 75% 2016: 55.9%2017: 56.0%2018: 63.2%2019: 61.4%2020: 66.5%2021: 60.8%2022: 54.1%2023: 59.1%2024: 59.6%2025: 56.9%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025

Data insights

International Student Trends at Southern California Institute of Architecture

The data from the Southern California Institute of Architecture reveals notable trends regarding international students over nearly two decades. In undergraduate programs, the percentage of international students has seen a significant increase, climbing from 21.21% in 2004 to a peak of 58.33% in 2018. This growth can be attributed to the institution’s global reputation and the increasing appeal of architecture as a field of study among international students.

However, the recent years indicate a slight decline in the percentage of international undergraduates, dropping to 56.40% in 2023. This could reflect broader trends in higher education, such as changing visa policies, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, or shifting global dynamics that influence student mobility.

On the graduate level, international student representation also demonstrates significant growth, starting at 28.16% in 2004 and reaching a high of 66.54% in 2020. This increase underscores the importance of advanced degrees in architecture and the global demand for such qualifications. The fluctuations in the graduate percentage suggest a resilient interest in graduate studies despite external challenges.

Overall, the trends in both undergraduate and graduate enrollment highlight the Southern California Institute of Architecture's role as a hub for international students in architecture, while also reflecting the evolving landscape of global education. As the institution continues to adapt to changing conditions, it remains to be seen how these trends will develop in the coming years.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$69,762

Undergraduate tuition
$56,162
Room and board
$13,600
Graduate tuition
$56,162
Tuition and room and board over time

Tuition rose 34% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 28%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$29.5M

Tuition and fees
$20.4M69.3%
Investment return
$7.5M25.6%
Gifts and private grants
$894K3.0%
Auxiliary enterprises
$379K1.3%
Government grants and contracts
$51K0.2%
Other
$179K0.6%

Expenses$24.2M

Instruction
$10.7M44.2%
Institutional support
$6.6M27.4%
Academic support
$5.0M20.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.1M4.3%
Student services
$840K3.5%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 20 private other special focus institutions in the U.S.

All faculty
$82,725peers $58,962

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near the Southern California Institute of Architecture:

  1. California Institute of Technology (Ranked 7) - Known for its rigorous science and engineering programs, Caltech is a prestigious institution that consistently ranks among the top universities in the world.

  2. University of California-Los Angeles (Ranked 15) - UCLA is a renowned public research university, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and is recognized for its vibrant campus life.

  3. University of Southern California (Ranked 28) - USC is a private research university with a strong emphasis on the arts and sciences, offering a wealth of resources and opportunities for its students.

  4. Harvey Mudd College (Ranked 16) - A top-tier liberal arts college focused on engineering, science, and mathematics, Harvey Mudd is known for its rigorous curriculum and collaborative environment.

  5. Claremont McKenna College (Ranked 11) - This liberal arts college is renowned for its strong emphasis on economics and government, providing students with a comprehensive education coupled with exceptional leadership opportunities.

These institutions not only rank highly but also offer unique educational experiences in various fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 20 private other special focus institutions in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
6
Robbery
2
Burglary
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Southern California Institute of Architecture

The crime data from the Southern California Institute of Architecture over the years presents an intriguing trend. The data indicates that from 2013 to 2022, there were minimal incidents reported, with a notable spike in 2023, where the crime rate reached 17.75 per 1,000 students. This increase is alarming and suggests a potential shift in campus safety dynamics or reporting practices.

In reviewing the specific types of crimes recorded in 2023, there were nine incidents that included gun arrests, drug arrests, alcohol arrests, and other serious offenses such as domestic violence and theft. The presence of gun-related incidents, in particular, raises concerns given the ongoing national dialogue around gun control and campus safety. The increase in drug and alcohol-related arrests also highlights a need for proactive measures to address substance use among students.

The historical low rates of crime prior to 2023 could indicate an effective safety protocol or a lack of reported incidents. However, the drastic rise in crime this year might reflect broader societal issues, including the effects of the pandemic on student behavior, mental health challenges, and the general increase in crime rates observed in many urban areas across the United States.

It is essential for the institution to assess this data critically, possibly enhancing campus security measures, providing support services for students, and fostering a culture of safety and accountability. Continued monitoring and analysis of crime trends will be vital in ensuring a safe learning environment for all students. For further insights on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Methodology.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Southern California Institute of Architecture include Thom Mayne (Los Angeles-based architect), Shigeru Ban (Japanese architect known for cardboard tube structures) and Todd Fisher (Filmmaker and sound engineer, son of Eddie Fisher).

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.