What is The Southern California Institute of Technology Known For?
The Southern California Institute of Technology (SCIT) is known for its commitment to quality education through a unique blend of hands-on teaching methods and a student-centric culture. Established in 1987 by a dedicated team of educators, SCIT aims to bridge the qualities of traditional colleges and vocational schools, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience.
The school offers a front-loaded learning model focusing on hands-on learning, fostering ingenuity, teamwork, and critical thinking. Recognized for its transformative impact on students through preparing them for professional success and community advancement, SCIT also offers fast-track programs, including 8-month diplomas and 3-year degrees, allowing students to embark on technical careers sooner.
Whether through in-person or fully online options, SCIT ensures a managed schedule, academic support, and career services to enhance its students’ learning experience. The institute’s commitment to hands-on learning and a comprehensive approach to education distinguishes it as a leader in preparing students for success in their chosen fields.
Is it Legit?
The Southern California Institute of Technology (SCIT) is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Additionally, the institute is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
SCIT’s recognition extends to veterans, as it is authorized to participate in veterans’ education benefits programs under the GI Bill, reflecting its support for those who have served in the military. Furthermore, the institute is approved by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), Division of Apprenticeship Standards, to offer the Whole General Electrician Curriculum.
Lastly, SCIT’s approval for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training benefits from various Workforce Investment Boards underscores its commitment to preparing students for successful and impactful careers.
Is The Southern California Institute of Technology Worth It?
The Southern California Institute of Technology’s goals align with providing a truly valuable educational experience, making it a worthwhile educational experience. By emphasizing hands-on instruction, SCIT ensures that students gain theoretical knowledge and have the opportunity to apply and reinforce their learning, a crucial aspect for real-world success.
The school’s focus on fostering ingenuity and intellectual curiosity instills a mindset beyond rote learning, encouraging students to think critically and creatively. SCIT empowers students with industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing them for diverse and rewarding opportunities in the professional world.
The dedication of a dynamic faculty committed to teaching and mentoring creates a supportive learning environment. Additionally, the institute’s comprehensive curricula, designed to meet the needs of students, employers, and communities, further solidify its worth, ensuring graduates are well-prepared and adaptable in today’s dynamic job market.
The Southern California Institute of Technology vs. Community College
The Southern California Institute of Technology (SCIT) is a superior choice to community colleges thanks to its innovative and student-centric approach to education. Unlike traditional community colleges, SCIT employs a front-loaded and milestone-driven educational model that prioritizes acquiring practical skills needed for immediate employability.
The shorter programs at SCIT allow students to work while studying toward their degree, providing a fast-track route to begin a technical career.
The institute’s focused, accelerated, and targeted programs emphasize building employable knowledge and skill sets and bringing industrial devices, tools, and software from the field into the classrooms for a more hands-on experience. SCIT’s student-first approach is evident in its managed schedules, academic advising, monitoring, and tutoring services.
The institution also offers comprehensive career services, including resume assistance, career workshops, and job leads. With 5-week focused courses, flexibility in scheduling, evening classes and courses offered year-round, and the option for 8-month diplomas and 3-year bachelor’s programs, SCIT provides a more tailored and efficient educational experience than traditional community colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The Southern California Institute of Technology has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Cost Per Year
Total program tuition may vary depending on students’ course of study. On average, 8-month programs at the Southern California Institute of Technology cost approximately $20,500 for the entire class. Tuition for the institution’s 3-year bachelor’s programs averages $25,000 annually.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here.
School Hours
The Southern California Institute of Technology is open from 8 AM to 11 PM, Monday through Friday. Online programs available to enrolled students are accessible 24/7.
Programs & Courses
Computer and Information Technology
- Computer Networking
- Cyber Security
HVAC and Building Services
- Electrical
Campus Locations
Anaheim 525 North Muller Street, Anaheim, CA 92801
Financial Aid Services
There are many resources at SCIT that allow learners to fund their education. The college accepts a number of scholarships and grants, and financial aid counselors help with completing the FAFSA form and choosing payment plans. Attendees can also participate in federal work-study programs to help cover tuition costs.
Student Services
Many helpful resources are available at SCIT. Academic advisors assist with selecting classes and processing requests for leave or withdrawal. Tutors are accessible to help manage difficult coursework. The institute also has an on-site counselor to provide mental health support.
Career Services
SCIT prepares attendees to enter the workforce. The institute offers resume writing and interview training workshops. These services are voluntary and free to all students. Learners are able to work with a career representative and receive job leads upon graduation.
Veteran and Military Services
SCIT takes pride in its dedication to active duty, reserve, and veteran students. Military members and their eligible dependents have access to several GI Bill programs. Those with relevant experience may be able to transfer credits based on learning they received during their service.
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, the Southern California Institute of Technology (SCIT) in Anaheim presents a deeply polarized picture, with graduates sharply divided on its value due to issues surrounding cost, debt, and the specific type of accreditation it holds.
Overall Score: 3.9/5 Stars
Common Praises
Job Placement and Career Results: Many alumni report excellent success in the job market, often securing employment in their field very quickly after graduating (e.g., “2 weeks after my graduation date I started working”). Graduates mention being “hooked up with a job right away” and feel the program provided them with a great entry point into their career.
Hands-On, Practical Experience: The school is highly praised for its application-centered, hands-on teaching approach and strong lab facilities. Students feel they gain “technical/useful degree[s] in the real world” because they work directly with relevant equipment and computer programs.
Accelerated and Flexible Scheduling: The fast-paced, accelerated curriculum is perfect for non-traditional students, veterans, or those needing a quick career pivot. The availability of night classes allows students to work while attending school, and the focus on one class at a time is appreciated for better focus.
Supportive Instructors and Staff: Multiple reviews commend the professional and knowledgeable faculty and staff who come from the field and offer extra help, including tutoring, to ensure students understand the material.
Common Criticisms
Accreditation and Credit Transfer: This is the most significant and frequent negative point. Multiple students claim the school is “NOT ACCREDITED” or that the credits are not transferable to other colleges (specifically due to its national accreditation, which is less widely accepted for transfer than regional accreditation). This has led several reviewers to call the school a “scam.”
High Cost and Student Debt: Critics argue the tuition is excessive for the credentials offered. Students report being left with large loans (e.g., $11,000 to $13,000 for a certificate) for programs they feel could be obtained “for free” or much cheaper at a community college.
Questionable Rigor and Organization: Critics claim classes are too fast, and some instructors “just pass you on.” One reviewer mentioned that students “can’t not pick your classes nor take the class over.” The negative reviews also highlight poor customer service from non-instructor staff and a belief that the school’s priority is money.
Momentum
The feedback is a tug-of-war: the school delivers on its promise of fast, hands-on training and career entry for many, especially in specialized technical fields. However, the most severe complaints—high debt, questions of accreditation, and non-transferability—are pervasive and continue into more recent years, suggesting a fundamental and ongoing issue with the cost-to-value proposition for many students seeking education at SCIT.