MICA vs. Niagara University

Comparable Facts

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

Niagara University is larger than MICA based on total student enrollment (4,033 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); Niagara University is in Niagara University, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Maryland Institute College of Art is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Niagara University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Maryland Institute College of Art 9:1; Niagara University 10:1.

MICA vs. Niagara University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MICA or Niagara 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 Niagara University than MICA ($16,613 vs. $47,834).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Niagara University are 34.3% lower than at Maryland Institute College of Art ($13,400 vs. $20,400).
• Maryland Institute College of Art is 44.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Niagara University (about $17,455 more per year; $56,800.00 vs. $39,345.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.4% higher at MICA than at Niagara University (about $17,455 more per year; $56,800.00 vs. $39,345.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Maryland Institute College of Art as at Niagara University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Niagara University students is 13.5% larger than aid received by Maryland Institute College of Art students ($33,575 vs. $29,578).

MICA vs. Niagara University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Maryland Institute College of Art (1190) is 40 points higher than at Niagara University (1150).
• Incoming MICA students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 25 at Niagara University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Maryland Institute College of Art 1078/1305; Niagara University 1060/1235.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Maryland Institute College of Art 25/33; Niagara University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MICA - Test optional; Niagara University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MICA Feb 1, 2027; Niagara University Aug 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Niagara University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at MICA (3.47).
• Niagara University has a higher acceptance rate (87.4%) than MICA (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at MICA vs. 14.5% at Niagara University.

MICA vs. Niagara University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MICA and Niagara 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 Niagara University's (65%).
• Graduates from Niagara University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than MICA graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,100 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Niagara University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than MICA graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Niagara University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MICA graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Niagara University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MICA students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.