MICA vs. JCU

Comparable Facts

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

John Carroll University is larger than MICA based on total student enrollment (2,864 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); John Carroll University is in University Heights, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Maryland Institute College of Art is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. John Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Maryland Institute College of Art 9:1; John Carroll University 13:1.

MICA vs. JCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MICA or JCU? 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 John Carroll University than MICA ($30,030 vs. $47,834).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at John Carroll University are 28.8% lower than at Maryland Institute College of Art ($14,520 vs. $20,400).
• Maryland Institute College of Art is 12.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than JCU (about $6,300 more per year; $56,800.00 vs. $50,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.5% higher at MICA than at John Carroll University (about $6,300 more per year; $56,800.00 vs. $50,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Maryland Institute College of Art as at John Carroll University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by John Carroll University students is 21% larger than aid received by Maryland Institute College of Art students ($35,785 vs. $29,578).

MICA vs. JCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at John Carroll University (1260) is 70 points higher than at MICA (1190).
• Incoming MICA students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 28 at JCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Maryland Institute College of Art 1078/1305; John Carroll University 1180/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Maryland Institute College of Art 25/33; John Carroll University 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MICA - Test optional; JCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MICA Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman JCU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at MICA (3.47).
• JCU has a higher acceptance rate (80.9%) than MICA (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at MICA vs. 15.9% at JCU.

MICA vs. JCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MICA and JCU? 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 MICA is the same as at John Carroll University (71% vs. 71%).
• Graduates from John Carroll University earn a median of about $17,300 more per year than MICA graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, John Carroll University graduates have a $61 lower median loan debt than MICA graduates ($26,939 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, JCU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MICA graduates ($278 vs. $279).
• More JCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MICA 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.