Sci arc doesn't concern itself with making you employable, meaning that your portfolio will not be as sellable to an office once you're done. The curriculum and the faculty are more concerned with exploration/ experimentation. What Sci arc does provide is greater exposure to starchitects. some people get job offers from a hot shot sitting in on the jury of your thesis. Some people get really good internship opportunities with faculty that help with jobs later on. If you are interested in being in academics, Sciarc will provide the opportunities provided you prove your worth. But if the corporate rout is more of your thing, then there are plenty other schools (and far less expensive ones) that will serve you better.

The above poster is wrong. Completely wrong about the portfolio. It is what you make of it.

I work in a corporate firm, and the best young designers in the firm are all SciARC graduates. (Disclaimer - I am not)

The one thing I will say is that sciarc will get you in the door of most firms in LA - Small or Big, but might be a bit problematic on the East Coast.

It depends on what you want to do.

Your opportunities will be pretty much the same as anyone else on the west coast.