Michigan Tech vs. MCAD

Comparable Facts

Compare Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI with Minneapolis College of Art and Design in Minneapolis, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Michigan Technological University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (7,403 students vs. 831 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Michigan Technological University is located in Houghton, MI (Remote Town setting); Minneapolis College of Art and Design is in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting).
• Michigan Technological University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Michigan Technological University 13:1; Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1.

Michigan Tech vs. MCAD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan Tech or MCAD? 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 Michigan Technological University than MCAD ($16,879 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan Technological University are 2.3% lower than at Minneapolis College of Art and Design ($13,050 vs. $13,360).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 137.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Michigan Tech (about $26,361 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $19,123.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at MCAD than at Michigan Technological University (about $2,496 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $42,988.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design than at Michigan Technological University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students is 49.2% larger than aid received by Michigan Technological University students ($29,682 vs. $19,898).

Michigan Tech vs. MCAD Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Michigan Tech or MCAD? 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 MCAD and Michigan Tech.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan Technological University (1240) is the same as at MCAD (1240).
• Incoming Michigan Tech students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at MCAD).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan Technological University 1130/1350; Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan Technological University 25/31; Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan Tech - Test optional; MCAD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan Tech students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• Michigan Tech has a higher acceptance rate (92.4%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Michigan Tech vs. 38.9% at MCAD.

Michigan Tech vs. MCAD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan Tech and MCAD? 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).

• Minneapolis College of Art and Design's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Michigan Technological University's (65%).
• Graduates from Michigan Technological University earn a median of about $24,500 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,000 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minneapolis College of Art and Design graduates have a $1,150 lower median loan debt than Michigan Tech graduates ($25,750 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, MCAD graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan Tech graduates ($266 vs. $278).
• More Michigan Tech graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCAD students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 74%)

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.