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Art Center College of Design vs California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Art Center College of Design is a private college in Pasadena, CA, and California State Polytechnic University-Pomona is a public university in Pomona, CA. Both admit about 75% of applicants. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $11,531 a year against $48,661 at Art Center College of Design. About 81% of students graduate at Art Center College of Design, compared with 68% at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona. Ten years after enrolling, Art Center College of Design alumni earn a median of about $71,958, against $71,902 for California State Polytechnic University-Pomona.

Art Center College of Design

Pasadena, CA · Private

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Pasadena, CA
Pomona, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,017
25,042
Acceptance rate
75%
75%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.41–3.91
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1010–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
19–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$48,661
$11,531
Full cost / yr
$75,649
$23,955
In-state tuition
$54,170
$7,780
Out-of-state tuition
$54,170
$20,380
Application fee
$50
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$39,645
$7,851
$30k - $48k
$42,161
$8,433
$48k - $75k
$44,738
$10,734
$75k - $110k
$45,677
$13,894
Over $110k
$61,144
$20,716
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
68%
Freshman retention
86%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,562
$54,466
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,958
$71,902
Median debt at graduation
$31,000
$16,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
46%
First-generation students
24%
49%
International students
44%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Dec 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Art Center College of Design or California State Polytechnic University-Pomona harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 75% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Art Center College of Design or California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,531 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $48,661 at Art Center College of Design. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Art Center College of Design and California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
Before aid, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona costs about $23,955 a year and Art Center College of Design about $75,649. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Art Center College of Design or California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,851 there, against about $39,645 at Art Center College of Design. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Art Center College of Design or California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona is the larger of the two, with about 25,042 undergraduates against 2,017 at Art Center College of Design.
Does Art Center College of Design or California State Polytechnic University-Pomona have a better graduation rate?
Art Center College of Design has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 68% at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona.
Do graduates of Art Center College of Design or California State Polytechnic University-Pomona earn more?
Art Center College of Design alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,958 ten years after enrolling, against about $71,902 for California State Polytechnic University-Pomona. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Art Center College of Design and California State Polytechnic University-Pomona require SAT or ACT scores?
Art Center College of Design is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Related comparisons

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