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Art Center College of Design vs Pomona College

Art Center College of Design is a private college in Pasadena, CA, and Pomona College is a private college in Claremont, CA. Pomona College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 7% of applicants against 75% at Art Center College of Design. Pomona College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,285 a year against $48,661 at Art Center College of Design. About 93% of students graduate at Pomona College, compared with 81% at Art Center College of Design. Ten years after enrolling, Pomona College alumni earn a median of about $77,779, against $71,958 for Art Center College of Design.

Art Center College of Design

Pasadena, CA · Private

Pomona College

Claremont, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pasadena, CA
Claremont, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,017
1,666
Acceptance rate
75%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$48,661
$19,285
Full cost / yr
$75,649
$85,300
In-state tuition
$54,170
$65,420
Out-of-state tuition
$54,170
$65,420
Application fee
$50
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$39,645
$4,841
$30k - $48k
$42,161
$7,026
$48k - $75k
$44,738
$17,054
$75k - $110k
$45,677
$15,719
Over $110k
$61,144
$37,842
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
93%
Freshman retention
86%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,562
$60,850
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,958
$77,779
Median debt at graduation
$31,000
$11,782
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
20%
First-generation students
24%
30%
International students
44%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 8
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 8

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 Pomona College harder to get into?
Pomona College is harder to get into. It admits about 7% 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 Pomona College?
Pomona College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,285 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 Pomona College?
Before aid, Art Center College of Design costs about $75,649 a year and Pomona College about $85,300. 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 Pomona College?
Pomona College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,841 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 Pomona College?
Art Center College of Design is the larger of the two, with about 2,017 undergraduates against 1,666 at Pomona College.
Does Art Center College of Design or Pomona College have a better graduation rate?
Pomona College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 81% at Art Center College of Design.
Do graduates of Art Center College of Design or Pomona College earn more?
Pomona College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,779 ten years after enrolling, against about $71,958 for Art Center College of Design. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Art Center College of Design and Pomona 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. Pomona College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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