Private not-for-profit

Small

Southern California Institute of Architecture SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1020 to 1230

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPA3.50

Acceptance Rate76.7%

SCI-Arc’s 76.7% acceptance rate may look reassuring, but its 91% freshman retention suggests students who enroll are ready for a focused studio environment. Since it is test-optional, submit an SAT score only if it strengthens your application, ideally near 1230 or above.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Southern California Institute of Architecture facts and stats

Quick Facts

Southern California Institute of Architecture is a small urban institution with 238 undergraduates. SCI-Arc has a 91% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 71%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.

Location

Los Angeles, CA

Undergrad Enrollment238

Freshman Retention91%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio9:1

Graduation Rate71%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at SCI-Arc?

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Key Southern California Institute of Architecture application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 2

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional SCI-Arc, plan to take your first exam by the spring of junior year. Save the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes that could strengthen your superscore, with December typically the last test date that can arrive before the January 15 Regular Decision deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

SCI-Arc is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students: $56,162. About 38% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $24,479. Submit the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

Tuition and Fees$56,162

Room and Board$13,600

Average Merit Award$24,479

Application Fee$85

Students on Aid38%

Average Aid Package$17,318

Average Debt at Grad$39,287

SCI-Arc’s estimated cost of attendance is about $69,762, including tuition, fees, room, and board. About 38% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $17,318. The average merit award is $24,479 for students who qualify. Graduates leave with an average debt of $39,287.