MCAD vs. VWC

Comparable Facts

Compare Minneapolis College of Art and Design in Minneapolis, MN with Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Wesleyan University is larger than MCAD based on total student enrollment (1,853 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); Virginia Wesleyan University is in Virginia Beach, VA (Large City setting).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 12:1; Virginia Wesleyan University 15:1.

MCAD vs. VWC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MCAD or VWC? 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 Virginia Wesleyan University than MCAD ($21,267 vs. $30,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Wesleyan University are 10.7% lower than at Minneapolis College of Art and Design ($11,930 vs. $13,360).
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 21.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than VWC (about $7,984 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $37,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.3% higher at MCAD than at Virginia Wesleyan University (about $7,984 more per year; $45,484.00 vs. $37,500.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Minneapolis College of Art and Design as at Virginia Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Wesleyan University students is 0.8% larger than aid received by Minneapolis College of Art and Design students ($29,923 vs. $29,682).

MCAD vs. VWC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MCAD or VWC? 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 VWC and MCAD.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia Wesleyan University (1250) is 10 points higher than at MCAD (1240).
• Incoming VWC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at MCAD).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 1130/1340; Virginia Wesleyan University 1140/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minneapolis College of Art and Design 21/29; Virginia Wesleyan University 28/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MCAD - Test optional; VWC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MCAD Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VWC students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at MCAD (3.29).
• VWC has a higher acceptance rate (72.9%) than MCAD (48.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.9% at MCAD vs. 11.9% at VWC.

MCAD vs. VWC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MCAD and VWC? 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 Virginia Wesleyan University's (48%).
• Graduates from Virginia Wesleyan University earn a median of about $200 more per year than MCAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 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 VWC graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MCAD graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VWC graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More MCAD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VWC students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 57%)

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.