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Maryland Institute College of Art

Baltimore, MD·Private nonprofit·1,319 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

77%
Accept
1,319
Students
$38,429
Net Price
71%
Grad Rate
$41,200
Earnings
10 yr
$16,250
Debt

About This School

Maryland Institute College of Art is a private nonprofit institution located in Baltimore, Maryland with approximately 1,319 undergraduate students enrolled. Maryland Institute College of Art has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 77%. The average net price after financial aid is $38,429 per year. The graduation rate is 71%, and the typical graduate earns $41,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is a private art and design college in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1826 as the Maryland Institute for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts, it is regarded as one of the oldest art colleges in the United States.

Founded in 1826, this is one of the oldest art colleges in the country and a legitimate destination for serious fine art and design students who want a focused, immersive environment. The numbers tell a mixed story, though — median earnings of $41,200 a decade out are modest against a net price of $38,429 per year, so students should have a clear career plan and not rely on MICA's name alone to pay the bills. The 71% graduation rate and 85% freshman retention are decent but not exceptional, making it worth asking hard questions about student support before committing.

Founded
1826
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts69%
Communications19%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Jeff KoonsAbbi JacobsonMorris LouisTamara DobsonN.D. StevensonSarah AndersenFrank ChoDhruvi AcharyaDavid Jacobs

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1207
Reading 75th %ile580
Math 75th %ile640

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$55,150
Out-of-State Tuition
$55,150
Avg Net Price
$38,429
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants21%
Median debt at graduation$16,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
71%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
85%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$30,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White33%
Black12%
Hispanic/Latino10%
Asian11%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,319 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Maryland Institute College of Art

1300 Mount Royal Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21217-4134

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Maryland

Browse all Maryland schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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