MCAD vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

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

Houghton University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (1,200 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); Houghton University is in Houghton, NY (Remote Rural setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Houghton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; Houghton University 12:1.

MCAD vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or Houghton 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 Houghton University than MCAD ($21,274 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 15% lower than at Minneapolis College of Art and Design ($11,360 vs. $13,360).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 146.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $27,054 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 146.8% higher at MCAD than at Houghton University (about $27,054 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design as at Houghton University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students is 199.8% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($29,682 vs. $9,902).

MCAD vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Houghton University (1270) is 30 points higher than at MCAD (1240).
• Incoming Houghton University 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: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MCAD students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.29) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

MCAD vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and Houghton 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 Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Houghton University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,300 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Houghton University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than MCAD graduates ($25,500 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCAD graduates ($263 vs. $266).
• More Houghton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCAD students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.