MICA vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than MICA based on total student enrollment (104,327 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); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Maryland Institute College of Art is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Maryland Institute College of Art 9:1; Liberty University 18:1.

MICA vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MICA or Liberty 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 Liberty University than MICA ($29,532 vs. $47,834).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Liberty University are 32.2% lower than at Maryland Institute College of Art ($13,835 vs. $20,400).
• Maryland Institute College of Art is 152.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $34,335 more per year; $56,800.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 152.8% higher at MICA than at Liberty University (about $34,335 more per year; $56,800.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Maryland Institute College of Art than at Liberty University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Maryland Institute College of Art students is 136.8% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($29,578 vs. $12,489).

MICA vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Maryland Institute College of Art (1190) is 40 points higher than at Liberty University (1150).
• Incoming MICA students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 25 at Liberty University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Maryland Institute College of Art 1078/1305; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Maryland Institute College of Art 25/33; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MICA - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: MICA Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Liberty University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at MICA (3.47).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than MICA (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at MICA vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

MICA vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MICA and Liberty 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 Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Maryland Institute College of Art earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Liberty University graduates have a $2,834 lower median loan debt than MICA graduates ($24,166 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MICA graduates ($249 vs. $279).
• More MICA graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 36%)

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.