MICA vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

Compare Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD with Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rider University is larger than MICA based on total student enrollment (4,003 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); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Maryland Institute College of Art is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Maryland Institute College of Art 9:1; Rider University 14:1.

MICA vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MICA or Rider 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 Rider University than MICA ($26,506 vs. $47,834).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rider University are 15.5% lower than at Maryland Institute College of Art ($17,230 vs. $20,400).
• Maryland Institute College of Art is 38.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rider University (about $15,680 more per year; $56,800.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.1% higher at MICA than at Rider University (about $15,680 more per year; $56,800.00 vs. $41,120.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Maryland Institute College of Art as at Rider University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Maryland Institute College of Art students is 1% larger than aid received by Rider University students ($29,578 vs. $29,294).

MICA vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MICA or Rider 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 Rider University and MICA.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rider University (1210) is 20 points higher than at MICA (1190).
• Incoming MICA students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 29) as students at Rider University (29).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Maryland Institute College of Art 1078/1305; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Maryland Institute College of Art 25/33; Rider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MICA - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MICA Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MICA students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Rider University (3.41).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than MICA (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at MICA vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

MICA vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MICA and Rider 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).

• Maryland Institute College of Art's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Rider University's (63%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than MICA graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rider University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than MICA graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Rider University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MICA graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MICA students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 72%)

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.