Academic Comparison between Southwest Minnesota State and MCAD

Southwest Minnesota State University and Minneapolis College of Art and Design are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Southwest Minnesota State is a four-year, public school located in Marshall, MN and MCAD is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Minneapolis, MN.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Southwest Minnesota State is a public and MCAD is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • MCAD has more expensive tuition & fees ($45,484) than Southwest Minnesota State ($10,361).
  • It is harder to admit to MCAD than Southwest Minnesota State.
  • MCAD has higher submitted ACT score (20) than Southwest Minnesota State (20).
  • Southwest Minnesota State has more students with 8,214 students while MCAD has 831 students.
  • MCAD has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Southwest Minnesota State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Southwest Minnesota State has more full-time faculties with 104 faculties while MCAD has 38 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Southwest Minnesota State Universityvs.Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Marshall, MinnesotaLocationMinneapolis, Minnesota
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationSchool of art, music, and design
In-State$10,361
Out-Of-State$10,361
2025 Tuition & Fees$45,484
24%% Receiving Financial Aid99%
$7,386Average Amount of Financial Aid$27,086
62.18 %Acceptance Rates48.48 %
22.20 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)38.89 %
-SAT Score1,220
20ACT Score23
45 %Graduation Rate51 %
36 %Transfer-out Rate28 %
74 %Retention Rate75 %
8,214Student Population831
104Number of Faculties38
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services