MICA vs. Simmons University

Comparable Facts

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

Simmons University is larger than MICA based on total student enrollment (4,666 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); Simmons University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Maryland Institute College of Art is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Maryland Institute College of Art 9:1; Simmons University 9:1.

MICA vs. Simmons University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MICA or Simmons 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 Simmons University than MICA ($28,691 vs. $47,834).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simmons University are 13.6% lower than at Maryland Institute College of Art ($17,618 vs. $20,400).
• Maryland Institute College of Art is 21.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $9,926 more per year; $56,800.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.2% higher at MICA than at Simmons University (about $9,926 more per year; $56,800.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Maryland Institute College of Art as at Simmons University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simmons University students is 18.7% larger than aid received by Maryland Institute College of Art students ($35,123 vs. $29,578).

MICA vs. Simmons University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Simmons University (1310) is 120 points higher than at MICA (1190).
• Incoming Simmons University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at MICA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Maryland Institute College of Art 1078/1305; Simmons University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Maryland Institute College of Art 25/33; Simmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MICA - Test optional; Simmons University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MICA Feb 1, 2027; Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at MICA (3.47).
• MICA has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Simmons University (70%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at MICA vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

MICA vs. Simmons University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MICA and Simmons 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 Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from Simmons University earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than MICA graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simmons University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than MICA graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Simmons University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MICA graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Simmons University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MICA students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.