MCAD vs. Winona State University

Comparable Facts

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

Winona State University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (6,045 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); Winona State University is in Winona, MN (Distant Town setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Winona State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; Winona State University 14:1.

MCAD vs. Winona State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or Winona 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 Winona State University than MCAD ($18,289 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 27.7% lower than at Minneapolis College of Art and Design ($9,654 vs. $13,360).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 330.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Winona State University (about $34,908 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $10,576.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 162.8% higher at MCAD than at Winona State University (about $28,176 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $17,308.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design than at Winona State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students is 452.2% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($29,682 vs. $5,375).

MCAD vs. Winona State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1240) is 120 points higher than at Winona State University (1120).
• Incoming MCAD students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Winona State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; Winona State University 980/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29; Winona State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; Winona State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027; Winona State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Winona State University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• Winona State University has a higher acceptance rate (75.5%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 24.2% at Winona State University.

MCAD vs. Winona State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and Winona 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 Winona State University's (54%).
• Graduates from Winona State University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,100 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winona State University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than MCAD graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Winona State University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCAD graduates ($248 vs. $266).
• More Winona State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCAD students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.