Dort vs. MCAD

Comparable Facts

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

Dordt University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (1,952 students vs. 831 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dordt University is located in Sioux Center, IA (Remote Town setting); Minneapolis College of Art and Design is in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting).
• Dordt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dordt University 14:1; Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1.

Dort vs. MCAD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dort or MCAD? 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 Dordt University than MCAD ($28,486 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dordt University are 11.9% lower than at Minneapolis College of Art and Design ($11,770 vs. $13,360).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 22.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Dort (about $8,434 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $37,050.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.8% higher at MCAD than at Dordt University (about $8,434 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $37,050.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Dordt University as at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students is 27.5% larger than aid received by Dordt University students ($29,682 vs. $23,277).

Dort vs. MCAD Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1240) is 40 points higher than at Dort (1200).
• Incoming Dort students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at MCAD (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dordt University 1070/1330; Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dordt University 21/29; Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dort - Test optional; MCAD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Dort students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• Dort has a higher acceptance rate (68.5%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38% at Dort vs. 38.9% at MCAD.

Dort vs. MCAD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dort and MCAD? 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 Dordt University's (60%).
• Graduates from Dordt University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,300 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dordt University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than MCAD graduates ($23,000 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Dort graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCAD graduates ($237 vs. $266).
• More Dort graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCAD students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.