Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
Located in Baltimore's historic Bolton Hill neighborhood, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is one of the oldest continuously degree-granting art colleges in the United States, established in 1826. The urban campus combines Victorian-era buildings with modern academic facilities and studio spaces across a 13-acre footprint in central Baltimore. MICA maintains a selective admission process based on portfolio review and academic achievement, offering undergraduate and graduate programs with particular strengths in illustration, graphic design, painting, and fiber arts. The campus features multiple exhibition spaces, including the Fox Building and Decker Gallery, while student housing options range from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living in renovated historic buildings. The college operates specialized facilities including the Digital Fabrication Studio, multiple darkrooms, and the Dolphin Press & Print studio.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
MICA is rated within the top 37% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Maryland Institute College of Art within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#325 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#238 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#7 in Best Colleges in Maryland
#4 in Best Private Colleges in Maryland
#575 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#10 in Best Value Colleges in Maryland
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 915/1220 |
| ACT | 26/30 |
| GPA | 3.47 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Feb 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $70 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| Other Fees | $1,990 |
| Room and Board | $19,924 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,650 |
| Total One Year Cost | $78,224 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts | 100% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering MICA are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=163295 IPEDS survey data for Maryland Institute College of Art.
Current students may use the Maryland Institute College of Art GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025