MCAD vs. Marquette University

Comparable Facts

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

Marquette University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (11,746 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); Marquette University is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marquette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; Marquette University 14:1.

MCAD vs. Marquette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or Marquette 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 Minneapolis College of Art and Design than Marquette University ($30,305 vs. $34,322).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design are 19% lower than at Marquette University ($13,360 vs. $16,490).
• Marquette University is 12.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than MCAD (about $5,686 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $45,484.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.5% higher at Marquette University than at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (about $5,686 more per year; $51,170.00 vs. $45,484.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design as at Marquette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marquette University students is 11.2% larger than aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students ($32,996 vs. $29,682).

MCAD vs. Marquette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marquette University (1280) is 40 points higher than at MCAD (1240).
• Incoming Marquette 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; Marquette University 1200/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29; Marquette University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; Marquette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027; Marquette University Dec 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Marquette University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• Marquette University has a higher acceptance rate (81.3%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 14.1% at Marquette University.

MCAD vs. Marquette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and Marquette 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).

• Marquette University's six-year graduation rate (81%) is higher than Minneapolis College of Art and Design's (70%).
• Graduates from Marquette University earn a median of about $26,000 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($67,500 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 Marquette University graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MCAD graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marquette University graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Marquette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCAD students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.