MCAD vs. St. Cloud State University

Comparable Facts

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

Saint Cloud State University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (10,732 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); Saint Cloud State University is in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; Saint Cloud State University 18:1.

MCAD vs. St. Cloud State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or St. Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University than MCAD ($14,735 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 20.7% lower than at Minneapolis College of Art and Design ($10,596 vs. $13,360).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 344% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Cloud State University (about $35,239 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 344% higher at MCAD than at Saint Cloud State University (about $35,239 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $10,245.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design than at Saint Cloud State University (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students is 321.9% larger than aid received by Saint Cloud State University students ($29,682 vs. $7,036).

MCAD vs. St. Cloud State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MCAD or St. Cloud State 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 St. Cloud State University and MCAD.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1240) is 100 points higher than at St. Cloud State University (1140).
• Incoming MCAD students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29; Saint Cloud State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; St. Cloud State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027; St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman St. Cloud State University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 16.6% at St. Cloud State University.

MCAD vs. St. Cloud State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and St. Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from Saint Cloud State University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,700 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Cloud State University graduates have a $3,250 lower median loan debt than MCAD graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, St. Cloud State University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCAD graduates ($232 vs. $266).
• More MCAD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Cloud State University 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.