MCAD vs. Canisius

Comparable Facts

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

Canisius University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (2,451 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); Canisius University is in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Canisius University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; Canisius University 11:1.

MCAD vs. Canisius Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or Canisius? 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 Canisius University than MCAD ($19,666 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design are 1.5% lower than at Canisius University ($13,360 vs. $13,560).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 31.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Canisius (about $10,984 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.8% higher at MCAD than at Canisius University (about $10,984 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design as at Canisius University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students is 18.9% larger than aid received by Canisius University students ($29,682 vs. $24,972).

MCAD vs. Canisius Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1240) is 50 points higher than at Canisius (1190).
• Incoming MCAD students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Canisius (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; Canisius University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29; Canisius University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; Canisius - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Canisius students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• Canisius has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 13.1% at Canisius.

MCAD vs. Canisius Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and Canisius? 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 Canisius University's (67%).
• Graduates from Canisius University earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,900 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Canisius University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than MCAD graduates ($24,750 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Canisius graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCAD graduates ($255 vs. $266).
• More MCAD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Canisius students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 71%)

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.