MCAD vs. Dakota State

Comparable Facts

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

Dakota State University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (3,774 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); Dakota State University is in Madison, SD (Distant Town setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; Dakota State University 18:1.

MCAD vs. Dakota State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or Dakota State? 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 Dakota State University than MCAD ($20,438 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dakota State University are 27.1% lower than at Minneapolis College of Art and Design ($9,742 vs. $13,360).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 371.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dakota State (about $35,830 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $9,654.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 256.6% higher at MCAD than at Dakota State University (about $32,728 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $12,756.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design than at Dakota State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students is 452.6% larger than aid received by Dakota State University students ($29,682 vs. $5,371).

MCAD vs. Dakota State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dakota State University (1320) is 80 points higher than at MCAD (1240).
• Incoming MCAD students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Dakota State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; Dakota State University 1190/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29; Dakota State University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; Dakota State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Dakota State students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• Dakota State has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 18% at Dakota State.

MCAD vs. Dakota State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and Dakota State? 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 Dakota State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Dakota State University earn a median of about $700 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dakota State University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than MCAD graduates ($23,500 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Dakota State graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCAD graduates ($242 vs. $266).
• More MCAD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Dakota State students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 67%)

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.