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California Institute of the Arts vs Pitzer College

California Institute of the Arts is a private institute in Valencia, 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 32% at California Institute of the Arts. Pitzer College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $34,191 a year against $46,080 at California Institute of the Arts. About 83% of students graduate at Pitzer College, compared with 65% at California Institute of the Arts. Ten years after enrolling, Pitzer College alumni earn a median of about $69,512, against $41,198 for California Institute of the Arts.

California Institute of the Arts

Valencia, CA · Private

Pitzer College

Claremont, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Valencia, CA
Claremont, CA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
860
1,227
Acceptance rate
32%
25%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
Test policy
Test blind
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$46,080
$34,191
Full cost / yr
$77,560
$86,466
In-state tuition
$58,996
$65,192
Out-of-state tuition
$58,996
$65,192
Application fee
$65
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$26,686
$14,535
$30k - $48k
$40,899
$7,769
$48k - $75k
$51,847
$20,846
$75k - $110k
$38,627
$29,452
Over $110k
$58,873
$46,793
Outcomes
Graduation rate
65%
83%
Freshman retention
82%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$28,018
$51,784
Median earnings (10 yr)
$41,198
$69,512
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$16,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
11%
First-generation students
16%
23%
International students
26%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
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 California Institute of the Arts or Pitzer College harder to get into?
Pitzer College is harder to get into. It admits about 25% of applicants, compared with 32% at California Institute of the Arts. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, California Institute of the Arts or Pitzer College?
Pitzer College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $34,191 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $46,080 at California Institute of the Arts. 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 California Institute of the Arts and Pitzer College?
Before aid, California Institute of the Arts costs about $77,560 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, California Institute of the Arts or Pitzer College?
Pitzer College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,535 there, against about $26,686 at California Institute of the Arts. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, California Institute of the Arts or Pitzer College?
Pitzer College is the larger of the two, with about 1,227 undergraduates against 860 at California Institute of the Arts.
Does California Institute of the Arts or Pitzer College have a better graduation rate?
Pitzer College has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 65% at California Institute of the Arts.
Do graduates of California Institute of the Arts or Pitzer College earn more?
Pitzer College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $69,512 ten years after enrolling, against about $41,198 for California Institute of the Arts. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California Institute of the Arts and Pitzer College require SAT or ACT scores?
California Institute of the Arts is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. 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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