The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art vs Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Side-by-side comparison across admissions, costs, outcomes, campus life, and more. Data from US Department of Education.

💰
Best Value
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Lower Net Price
💼
High Earners
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Higher 10yr Salary
🏆
Most Selective
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Harder to get in
🎓
Graduation
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Higher success
Admissions Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
19.1%
48.4%
Avg SAT Score
1,480
1,170
SAT Range (25th–75th)
1400 – 1520
1110 – 1430
ACT Range (25th–75th)
33 – 34
20 – 24
Cost & Financial Aid
Avg Net Price
$16,478
$25,935
Tuition (In-State)
$46,820
$43,824
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$46,820
$43,824
Pell Grant Rate % students receiving Pell Grants
27.9%
40.2%
Federal Loan Rate
20.8%
73.5%
Career Outcomes
Median Salary (10yr)
$83,847
$40,873
Graduation Rate
82.0%
62.8%
Retention Rate Freshmen who return for 2nd year
91.3%
81.9%
Campus Life
Total Enrollment
891
701
Undergrad Enrollment
920
742
Type
Private
Private
Setting
Urban
Urban

📋 Report Cards

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
A-

Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Academics
B-
Value
C
Admissions
B-
Diversity
C

⚖️ Expert Analysis

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art and Minneapolis College of Art and Design are both well-regarded institutions, but they differ in important ways. Here's how they compare across key dimensions.

Admissions: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is more selective with a 19.1% acceptance rate compared to Minneapolis College of Art and Design's 48.4%. Average SAT scores are 1480 and 1170 respectively.

Cost: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers a lower average net price at $16,478, which is $9,457 less than Minneapolis College of Art and Design ($25,935). After financial aid, this can make a significant difference over 4 years.

Career Outcomes: Graduates from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art earn a median salary of $83,847 ten years after enrollment, which is $42,974 more than Minneapolis College of Art and Design graduates ($40,873).

Graduation: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art leads with a 82.0% graduation rate, and freshman retention rates are 91.3% vs 81.9%.

Campus Size: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is the larger campus with 891 total students, while Minneapolis College of Art and Design has 701.

Bottom Line: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art stands out as both more affordable and producing higher-earning graduates — making it the stronger value proposition overall.

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