MCAD vs. Carroll University

Comparable Facts

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

Carroll University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (3,138 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); Carroll University is in Waukesha, WI (Small City setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; Carroll University 14:1.

MCAD vs. Carroll University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or Carroll 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 Carroll University than MCAD ($27,031 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design are 6.4% lower than at Carroll University ($13,360 vs. $14,280).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 17% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carroll University (about $6,594 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $38,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17% higher at MCAD than at Carroll University (about $6,594 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $38,890.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design as at Carroll University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students is 15.8% larger than aid received by Carroll University students ($29,682 vs. $25,634).

MCAD vs. Carroll University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1240) is 80 points higher than at Carroll University (1160).
• Incoming MCAD students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Carroll University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; Carroll University 1040/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29; Carroll University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; Carroll University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carroll University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• Carroll University has a higher acceptance rate (66.8%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 17.5% at Carroll University.

MCAD vs. Carroll University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and Carroll 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 Carroll University's (57%).
• Graduates from Carroll University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 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 Carroll University graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MCAD graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carroll University graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More MCAD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carroll University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.