Southern California Institute of Architecture vs Newschool of Architecture and Design
Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) and NewSchool of Architecture and Design (NewSchool) stand out as two prominent institutions offering specialized education in architecture and design. While both share a commitment to fostering creativity and innovation, they differ in several key aspects. SCI-Arc, known for its rigorous and experimental approach, boasts a lower acceptance rate compared to NewSchool, which offers a more diverse range of programs catering to a broader spectrum of students. In terms of popular majors, SCI-Arc emphasizes architecture, while NewSchool offers a wider selection, including interior design, landscape architecture, and product design. Additionally, the student body demographics and graduation rates vary between the two institutions, reflecting their unique educational philosophies and outcomes. To help you make an informed decision about your architectural education, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences in greater detail. Explore the table to discover which institution aligns best with your aspirations and goals.
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![]() Newschool of Architecture and Design |
![]() Southern California Institute of Architecture |
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Overview |
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Location | San Diego, California | Los Angeles, California |
Campus setting | City: Large | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (For Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Quarter | Trimester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 46.0% | 93.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 60.8% | 64.9% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$75
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Undergraduate:
$85
Graduate:
$85
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SAT range | N/A | 1180 - 1410 |
ACT range | N/A | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | 27.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | ||
Total number of applicants | 189 | 424 |
Total number of admissions given out | 115 | 275 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 15 | 30 |
Yield rate | 13.0% | 10.9% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $56,958 | $76,606 |
Average net price | $48,752 | $37,958 |
Tuition | $28,827 | $47,816 |
Room & board | ||
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
83.0%
Average amount $6,934 |
26.0%
Average amount $29,081 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
50.0%
Average amount $2,823 |
7.0%
Average amount $7,250 |
Students taking out private loans |
0.0%
Average amount $0 |
4.0%
Average amount $21,500 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
301
Men 58.8% Women 41.2% |
256
Men 60.2% Women 39.8% |
Graduate students |
77
Men 67.5% Women 32.5% |
266
Men 56.8% Women 43.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 40.0% |
International students | N/A | 56.9% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | N/A | N/A |
First year students are required to live on campus? | N/A | N/A |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | California Colorado New York Texas Wisconsin |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 8:1 | 15:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 53.7% | 74.2% |
Dropout rate | 46.3% | 19.4% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Architecture (First Professional Degrees)
Architecture (Bachelor's Degrees)
Construction Management (Master's Degrees)
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Architecture (Master's Degrees)
Architecture (Bachelor's Degrees)
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