MCAD vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

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

Seattle Pacific University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (2,261 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); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

MCAD vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or SPU? 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 Seattle Pacific University than MCAD ($25,232 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design are 19% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($13,360 vs. $16,491).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 12.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than SPU (about $5,077 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.6% higher at MCAD than at Seattle Pacific University (about $5,077 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $40,407.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design than at Seattle Pacific University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle Pacific University students is 6.3% larger than aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students ($31,558 vs. $29,682).

MCAD vs. SPU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1240) is 50 points higher than at SPU (1190).
• Incoming MCAD students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at SPU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027; SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SPU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• SPU has a higher acceptance rate (83.4%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 15.8% at SPU.

MCAD vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and SPU? 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).

• Seattle Pacific University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Minneapolis College of Art and Design's (70%).
• Graduates from Seattle Pacific University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle Pacific University graduates have a $147 lower median loan debt than MCAD graduates ($25,603 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, SPU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCAD graduates ($264 vs. $266).
• More SPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCAD students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.