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Art Center College of Design vs Westcliff University

Art Center College of Design is a private college in Pasadena, CA, and Westcliff University is a private for-profit university in Irvine, CA. Westcliff University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 73% of applicants against 75% at Art Center College of Design. Westcliff University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $35,426 a year against $48,661 at Art Center College of Design. About 81% of students graduate at Art Center College of Design, compared with 61% at Westcliff University.

Art Center College of Design

Pasadena, CA · Private

Westcliff University

Irvine, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Pasadena, CA
Irvine, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,017
2,363
Acceptance rate
75%
73%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$48,661
$35,426
Full cost / yr
$75,649
$44,210
In-state tuition
$54,170
$17,670
Out-of-state tuition
$54,170
$17,670
Application fee
$50
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$39,645
$24,253
$30k - $48k
$42,161
$33,829
$48k - $75k
$44,738
$35,913
$75k - $110k
$45,677
$36,031
Over $110k
$61,144
$40,799
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
61%
Freshman retention
86%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,562
Not reported
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,958
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$31,000
$23,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
6%
First-generation students
24%
Not reported
International students
44%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

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 Westcliff University harder to get into?
Westcliff University is harder to get into. It admits about 73% 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 Westcliff University?
Westcliff University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $35,426 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 Westcliff University?
Before aid, Westcliff University costs about $44,210 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 Westcliff University?
Westcliff University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $24,253 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 Westcliff University?
Westcliff University is the larger of the two, with about 2,363 undergraduates against 2,017 at Art Center College of Design.
Does Art Center College of Design or Westcliff University have a better graduation rate?
Art Center College of Design has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 61% at Westcliff University.
Do Art Center College of Design and Westcliff University require SAT or ACT scores?
Art Center College of Design is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Westcliff University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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