MCAD vs. Northwest University

Comparable Facts

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

Northwest University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (1,053 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); Northwest University is in Kirkland, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwest University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; Northwest University 9:1.

MCAD vs. Northwest University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or Northwest 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 Northwest University than MCAD ($24,251 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest University are 16.3% lower than at Minneapolis College of Art and Design ($11,180 vs. $13,360).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 26.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwest University (about $9,449 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.2% higher at MCAD than at Northwest University (about $9,449 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $36,035.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design as at Northwest University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students is 14.1% larger than aid received by Northwest University students ($29,682 vs. $26,017).

MCAD vs. Northwest University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1240) is 40 points higher than at Northwest University (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; Northwest University 1040/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; Northwest University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027; Northwest University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwest University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• Northwest University has a higher acceptance rate (83.2%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 30.8% at Northwest University.

MCAD vs. Northwest University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and Northwest 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 Northwest University's (50%).
• Graduates from Minneapolis College of Art and Design earn a median of about $100 more per year than Northwest University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwest University graduates have a $4,218 lower median loan debt than MCAD graduates ($21,532 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Northwest University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MCAD graduates ($222 vs. $266).
• More MCAD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwest University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 62%)

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.