Elmhurst University vs. MCAD

Comparable Facts

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

Elmhurst University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (3,997 students vs. 831 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Minneapolis College of Art and Design is in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting).
• Elmhurst 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: Elmhurst University 15:1; Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1.

Elmhurst University vs. MCAD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst University than MCAD ($24,629 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design are 8% lower than at Elmhurst University ($13,360 vs. $14,528).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 5.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elmhurst University (about $2,529 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.9% higher at MCAD than at Elmhurst University (about $2,529 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University as at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 1.3% larger than aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students ($30,079 vs. $29,682).

Elmhurst University vs. MCAD Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1240) is 110 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at MCAD).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; MCAD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• Elmhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (73.6%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 38.9% at MCAD.

Elmhurst University vs. MCAD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst 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).

• The graduation rate at Elmhurst University is the same as at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (70% vs. 70%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than MCAD graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCAD graduates ($222 vs. $266).
• More MCAD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elmhurst University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 72%)

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.