MCAD vs. Drew University

Comparable Facts

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

Drew University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (2,232 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); Drew University is in Madison, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drew University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; Drew University 11:1.

MCAD vs. Drew University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or Drew 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 Drew University than MCAD ($28,425 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design are 24.3% lower than at Drew University ($13,360 vs. $17,640).
• Drew University is 3.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than MCAD (about $1,616 more per year; $47,100.00 vs. $45,484.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.6% higher at Drew University than at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (about $1,616 more per year; $47,100.00 vs. $45,484.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design than at Drew University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drew University students is 24% larger than aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students ($36,807 vs. $29,682).

MCAD vs. Drew University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1240) is 20 points higher than at Drew University (1220).
• Incoming Drew University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at MCAD).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; Drew University 1103/1338.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29; Drew University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; Drew University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027; Drew University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MCAD students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.29) than students at Drew University (3.1).
• Drew University has a higher acceptance rate (67.8%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 10.7% at Drew University.

MCAD vs. Drew University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and Drew 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 Drew University's (68%).
• Graduates from Drew University earn a median of about $14,000 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,500 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minneapolis College of Art and Design graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Drew University graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MCAD graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drew University graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More MCAD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drew University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 70%)

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.