MCAD vs. University of Missouri-Columbia

Comparable Facts

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

University of Missouri Columbia is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (31,543 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); University of Missouri Columbia is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Missouri Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; University of Missouri Columbia 17:1.

MCAD vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 Missouri Columbia than MCAD ($22,169 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design are 2.5% lower than at University of Missouri Columbia ($13,360 vs. $13,700).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 206.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Missouri-Columbia (about $30,647 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $14,837.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.1% higher at MCAD than at University of Missouri Columbia (about $9,428 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $36,056.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design than at University of Missouri Columbia (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students is 124.8% larger than aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students ($29,682 vs. $13,203).

MCAD vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1240) is the same as at University of Missouri-Columbia (1240).
• Incoming University of Missouri-Columbia students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at MCAD).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29; University of Missouri Columbia 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Missouri-Columbia students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• University of Missouri-Columbia has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia.

MCAD vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 University of Missouri Columbia's (69%).
• Graduates from University of Missouri Columbia earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,200 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Missouri Columbia graduates have a $3,867 lower median loan debt than MCAD graduates ($21,883 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, University of Missouri-Columbia graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCAD graduates ($226 vs. $266).
• More MCAD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Missouri-Columbia students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 73%)

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.