MCAD vs. Caldwell University

Comparable Facts

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

Caldwell University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (2,005 students vs. 831 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is located in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting); Caldwell University is in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; Caldwell University 12:1.

MCAD vs. Caldwell University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or Caldwell 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 Caldwell University than MCAD ($21,875 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design are 5.8% lower than at Caldwell University ($13,360 vs. $14,188).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 11.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caldwell University (about $4,636 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.3% higher at MCAD than at Caldwell University (about $4,636 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design as at Caldwell University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Caldwell University students is 9% larger than aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students ($32,340 vs. $29,682).

MCAD vs. Caldwell University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MCAD or Caldwell 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 Caldwell University and MCAD.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Caldwell University (1250) is 10 points higher than at MCAD (1240).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; Caldwell University 1130/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; Caldwell University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Caldwell University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• Caldwell University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 8.5% at Caldwell University.

MCAD vs. Caldwell University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and Caldwell 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).

• Minneapolis College of Art and Design's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Caldwell University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Caldwell University and MCAD graduates have the same median loan debt ($25,750 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Caldwell University and MCAD graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($266 vs. $266).
• More MCAD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 50%)

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.