MCAD vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester

Comparable Facts

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

Minneapolis College of Art and Design is larger than University of Minnesota-Rochester based on total student enrollment (831 students vs. 578 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is located in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting); University of Minnesota Rochester is in Rochester, MN (Midsize City setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Minnesota Rochester is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; University of Minnesota Rochester 13:1.

MCAD vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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 University of Minnesota Rochester than MCAD ($14,953 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design are 4.5% lower than at University of Minnesota Rochester ($13,360 vs. $13,994).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 202.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Minnesota-Rochester (about $30,468 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $15,016.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 202.9% higher at MCAD than at University of Minnesota Rochester (about $30,468 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $15,016.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design than at University of Minnesota Rochester (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students is 111.2% larger than aid received by University of Minnesota Rochester students ($29,682 vs. $14,057).

MCAD vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MCAD or University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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 University of Minnesota-Rochester and MCAD.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1240) is 70 points higher than at University of Minnesota-Rochester (1170).
• Incoming MCAD students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at University of Minnesota-Rochester (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; University of Minnesota Rochester 950/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29; University of Minnesota Rochester 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; University of Minnesota-Rochester - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027; University of Minnesota-Rochester Jul 31, 2027.
• University of Minnesota-Rochester has a higher acceptance rate (71%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 20.3% at University of Minnesota-Rochester.

MCAD vs. University of Minnesota-Rochester Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and University of Minnesota-Rochester? 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).

• Graduates from University of Minnesota Rochester earn a median of about $16,700 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Minnesota Rochester graduates have a $5,565 lower median loan debt than MCAD graduates ($20,185 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCAD graduates ($208 vs. $266).
• More University of Minnesota-Rochester graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCAD students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.