MCAD vs. Augustana University

Comparable Facts

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

Augustana University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (2,390 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); Augustana University is in Sioux Falls, SD (Midsize City setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Augustana University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; Augustana University 12:1.

MCAD vs. Augustana University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or Augustana 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 Augustana University than MCAD ($24,977 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Augustana University are 22.7% lower than at Minneapolis College of Art and Design ($10,326 vs. $13,360).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 13.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Augustana University (about $5,324 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $40,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.3% higher at MCAD than at Augustana University (about $5,324 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $40,160.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design as at Augustana University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Augustana University students is 2.6% larger than aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students ($30,445 vs. $29,682).

MCAD vs. Augustana University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Augustana University (1260) is 20 points higher than at MCAD (1240).
• Incoming MCAD students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Augustana University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; Augustana University 1150/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29; Augustana University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; Augustana University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Augustana University students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• Augustana University has a higher acceptance rate (67.7%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 26.1% at Augustana University.

MCAD vs. Augustana University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and Augustana 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 Augustana University's (65%).
• Graduates from Augustana University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minneapolis College of Art and Design graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Augustana University graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MCAD graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Augustana University graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Augustana University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MCAD students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.