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Art Center College of Design vs Pitzer College

Art Center College of Design is a private college in Pasadena, CA, and Pitzer College is a private college in Claremont, CA. Pitzer College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 25% of applicants against 75% at Art Center College of Design. Pitzer College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $34,191 a year against $48,661 at Art Center College of Design. About 83% of students graduate at Pitzer College, compared with 81% at Art Center College of Design. Ten years after enrolling, Art Center College of Design alumni earn a median of about $71,958, against $69,512 for Pitzer College.

Art Center College of Design

Pasadena, CA · Private

Pitzer College

Claremont, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pasadena, CA
Claremont, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,017
1,227
Acceptance rate
75%
25%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$48,661
$34,191
Full cost / yr
$75,649
$86,466
In-state tuition
$54,170
$65,192
Out-of-state tuition
$54,170
$65,192
Application fee
$50
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$39,645
$14,535
$30k - $48k
$42,161
$7,769
$48k - $75k
$44,738
$20,846
$75k - $110k
$45,677
$29,452
Over $110k
$61,144
$46,793
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
83%
Freshman retention
86%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,562
$51,784
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,958
$69,512
Median debt at graduation
$31,000
$16,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
11%
First-generation students
24%
23%
International students
44%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 10

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 Pitzer College harder to get into?
Pitzer College is harder to get into. It admits about 25% of applicants, compared with 75% 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.
Which is cheaper, Art Center College of Design or Pitzer College?
Pitzer College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $34,191 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 Pitzer College?
Before aid, Art Center College of Design costs about $75,649 a year and Pitzer College about $86,466. 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 Pitzer College?
Pitzer College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,535 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 Pitzer College?
Art Center College of Design is the larger of the two, with about 2,017 undergraduates against 1,227 at Pitzer College.
Does Art Center College of Design or Pitzer College have a better graduation rate?
Pitzer College has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 81% at Art Center College of Design.
Do graduates of Art Center College of Design or Pitzer College earn more?
Art Center College of Design alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,958 ten years after enrolling, against about $69,512 for Pitzer College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Art Center College of Design and Pitzer College require SAT or ACT scores?
Art Center College of Design is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pitzer College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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