MICA vs. DeSales University

Comparable Facts

Compare Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD with DeSales University in Center Valley, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

DeSales University is larger than MICA based on total student enrollment (2,972 students vs. 1,687 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Maryland Institute College of Art is located in Baltimore, MD (Large City setting); DeSales University is in Center Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Maryland Institute College of Art is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. DeSales University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Maryland Institute College of Art 9:1; DeSales University 12:1.

MICA vs. DeSales University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MICA or DeSales 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 DeSales University than MICA ($31,732 vs. $47,834).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at DeSales University are 32.4% lower than at Maryland Institute College of Art ($13,800 vs. $20,400).
• Maryland Institute College of Art is 21.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than DeSales University (about $10,000 more per year; $56,800.00 vs. $46,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.4% higher at MICA than at DeSales University (about $10,000 more per year; $56,800.00 vs. $46,800.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Maryland Institute College of Art as at DeSales University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DeSales University students is 4.5% larger than aid received by Maryland Institute College of Art students ($30,909 vs. $29,578).

MICA vs. DeSales University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MICA or DeSales University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between DeSales University and MICA.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Maryland Institute College of Art (1190) is 10 points higher than at DeSales University (1180).
• Incoming MICA students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (29 vs. 27 at DeSales University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Maryland Institute College of Art 1078/1305; DeSales University 1090/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Maryland Institute College of Art 25/33; DeSales University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MICA - Test optional; DeSales University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MICA Feb 1, 2027; DeSales University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman MICA students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at DeSales University (3.39).
• DeSales University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than MICA (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at MICA vs. 16.7% at DeSales University.

MICA vs. DeSales University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MICA and DeSales University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Maryland Institute College of Art's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than DeSales University's (69%).
• Graduates from DeSales University earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than MICA graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, DeSales University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than MICA graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, DeSales University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MICA graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More MICA graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DeSales University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 71%)

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.