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Art Center College of Design and Westmont College are both private nonprofit institutions — Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA and Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Pasadena, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 74.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,017
Tuition: $54,170/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 79.2%
Top programs: Visual and performing arts, Computer science, Architecture
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Pasadena, CA with published program strength in Visual and performing arts and Computer science.
Santa Barbara, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 77.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,302
Tuition: $53,584/year
Student-faculty ratio: 10.0:1
Graduation rate: 70.3%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Santa Barbara, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
| Factor | Art Center College of Design | Westmont College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 74.5% | 77.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 1240–1450 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 25–32 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,017 | 1,302 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $54,170/year | $53,584/year |
| Average net price after aid | $48,661 | $29,053 |
| Graduation rate | 79.2% | 70.3% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $71,958 | $64,778 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Pasadena, CA | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Largest program areas | Visual and performing arts, Computer science, Architecture | Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (74.5% vs 77.0%). Westmont College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($29,053 vs $48,661). Art Center College of Design reports the higher graduation rate (79.2% vs 70.3%). Art Center College of Design is the larger undergraduate campus (2,017 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Art Center College of Design and Westmont College
Art Center College of Design has an acceptance rate of 74.5%; Westmont College is around 77.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Art Center College of Design tuition is $54,170/year. Westmont College is $53,584/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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