MICA vs. Alfred University

Comparable Facts

Compare Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD with Alfred University in Alfred, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alfred University is larger than MICA based on total student enrollment (2,007 students vs. 1,687 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Maryland Institute College of Art is located in Baltimore, MD (Large City setting); Alfred University is in Alfred, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Maryland Institute College of Art is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alfred University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Maryland Institute College of Art 9:1; Alfred University 9:1.

MICA vs. Alfred University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MICA or Alfred University? 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 Alfred University than MICA ($26,470 vs. $47,834).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alfred University are 24.6% lower than at Maryland Institute College of Art ($15,380 vs. $20,400).
• Maryland Institute College of Art is 36.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alfred University (about $15,300 more per year; $56,800.00 vs. $41,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.9% higher at MICA than at Alfred University (about $15,300 more per year; $56,800.00 vs. $41,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Maryland Institute College of Art as at Alfred University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alfred University students is 4.9% larger than aid received by Maryland Institute College of Art students ($31,022 vs. $29,578).

MICA vs. Alfred University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MICA or Alfred University? 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 Alfred University and MICA.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alfred University (1200) is 10 points higher than at MICA (1190).
• Incoming MICA students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Alfred University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Maryland Institute College of Art 1078/1305; Alfred University 1095/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Maryland Institute College of Art 25/33; Alfred University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MICA - Test optional; Alfred University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MICA Feb 1, 2027; Alfred University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MICA students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Alfred University (3.4).
• MICA has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Alfred University (73.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at MICA vs. 9.9% at Alfred University.

MICA vs. Alfred University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MICA and Alfred University? 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).

• Maryland Institute College of Art's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Alfred University's (60%).
• Graduates from Alfred University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than MICA graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Alfred University and MICA graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Alfred University and MICA graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Alfred University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MICA students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.