At $37,535/yr net price, Southern California Institute of Architecture graduates earn $71,909/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $37,909/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $37,535 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $150,140 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,909/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$37,909/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $42,890/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $42,269/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,769/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture. | Master | $53,275 | |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $46,790 |
The Risk Factor
70.0% of students at Southern California Institute of Architecture graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Southern California Institute of Architecture delivers poor financial returns despite its specialized focus and Los Angeles location. Your median earnings of $71,909 after ten years barely justify the $37,535 annual net price, creating a challenging debt-to-income scenario that extends well beyond graduation.
Architecture graduates earn significantly below the school median at $53,275 and $46,790 respectively. This earnings gap represents a major red flag for an institution where architecture comprises virtually the entire curriculum. You cannot escape into higher-paying alternative majors since SCI-Arc offers only architecture and related design programs.
The 70% graduation rate compounds your financial risk. Nearly one in three students leave without completing their degree, potentially carrying debt without the credential needed to enter the profession. The 82% retention rate suggests many students recognize the mismatch between cost and career prospects after their first year.
Only 21% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited institutional support for managing costs. This low aid percentage suggests you will likely pay close to full price unless you qualify for federal assistance.
SCI-Arc makes financial sense only if you have substantial family support, minimal debt tolerance concerns, or plan to leverage the Los Angeles architecture network into opportunities that transcend typical salary data. The school's experimental approach and faculty connections may open doors that traditional metrics miss.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong financial returns, prefer multiple career path options, or require significant institutional aid. Consider this school only if architecture represents your singular passion and you can afford the financial uncertainty that accompanies specialized creative education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern California Institute of Architecture worth the cost compared to other architecture schools?
With graduates earning around $72,000 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $37,535 annually, SCI-Arc produces below-average returns for architecture education. Most graduates will face significant debt relative to their starting salaries in the field.
What is the job market like for Southern California Institute of Architecture graduates?
SCI-Arc graduates enter a competitive architecture job market where entry-level positions typically pay $45,000-55,000 annually. The school's 70% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete the demanding program.
How much debt do Southern California Institute of Architecture students typically graduate with?
At nearly $38,000 per year in net costs, most SCI-Arc students accumulate substantial debt for a five-year architecture program. Graduate earnings of around $72,000 make loan repayment challenging compared to other professional fields.
Does Southern California Institute of Architecture offer good financial aid packages?
The $37,535 annual net price indicates limited financial aid effectiveness at SCI-Arc. Students should expect to pay most costs out of pocket or through loans, making this an expensive option for architecture education.