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59.8%Acceptance
$53,564Tuition
236Students
70%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$71,909Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

Cost Details

In-State Tuition
$53,564
Out-of-State Tuition
$53,564
Average Net Price
$37,535
Students Receiving Financial Aid
21.2%
Room & Board (Off Campus)
$13,555
Books & Supplies
$3,920
Loan Repayment Rate
56.7%
Students Taking Federal Loans
22.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
21.2%

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Net price by family income bracket
Family Income Average Net Price
$0 – $30,000 $42,890
$30,001 – $48,000 $42,269
$110,001+ $24,769

Cost Estimator

Family Income
Residency
Housing

Cost Overview

Most families pay around $37,535 per year after aid, bringing the four-year total to about $150,000 for this specialized architecture program. The net price varies dramatically by income, with wealthy families ($110K+) paying just $24,769 annually while lower-income students ($0-30K) face $42,890 despite their greater need. Only 22.8% of students take federal loans, suggesting many families pay out of pocket for this boutique education.

Architecture graduates earn a median of $71,909 ten years out, which helps justify the investment for a field known for modest starting salaries. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio and experimental curriculum come at a premium that reflects SCI-Arc's status as an top design laboratory rather than a traditional university. Wealthy families get the best financial deal here, paying less than half what lower-income students pay despite the school's high costs.

Official Net Price Calculator

Get a personalized cost estimate from Southern California Institute of Architecture:

Visit Official Net Price Calculator

This links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.