Benedictine University vs. MCAD

Comparable Facts

Compare Benedictine University in Lisle, IL with Minneapolis College of Art and Design in Minneapolis, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Benedictine University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (2,917 students vs. 831 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Benedictine University is located in Lisle, IL (Large Suburban setting); Minneapolis College of Art and Design is in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting).
• Benedictine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Benedictine University 15:1; Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1.

Benedictine University vs. MCAD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedictine University or MCAD? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Benedictine University than MCAD ($23,139 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedictine University are 18.8% lower than at Minneapolis College of Art and Design ($10,850 vs. $13,360).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 26.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Benedictine University (about $9,544 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $35,940.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.6% higher at MCAD than at Benedictine University (about $9,544 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $35,940.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design than at Benedictine University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students is 29.6% larger than aid received by Benedictine University students ($29,682 vs. $22,911).

Benedictine University vs. MCAD Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedictine University or MCAD? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between MCAD and Benedictine University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1240) is 70 points higher than at Benedictine University (1170).
• Incoming MCAD students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Benedictine University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedictine University 1050/1280; Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedictine University 19/28; Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedictine University - Test optional; MCAD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MCAD students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.29) than students at Benedictine University (3.26).
• Benedictine University has a higher acceptance rate (95.2%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Benedictine University vs. 38.9% at MCAD.

Benedictine University vs. MCAD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedictine University and MCAD? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Minneapolis College of Art and Design's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Benedictine University's (49%).
• Graduates from Benedictine University earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Benedictine University graduates have a $3,450 lower median loan debt than MCAD graduates ($22,300 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Benedictine University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCAD graduates ($230 vs. $266).
• More MCAD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedictine University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 56%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.