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Art Center College of Design vs Mount Saint Mary's University

Art Center College of Design is a private college in Pasadena, CA, and Mount Saint Mary's University is a private university in Los Angeles, CA. Mount Saint Mary's University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 73% of applicants against 75% at Art Center College of Design. Mount Saint Mary's University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,413 a year against $48,661 at Art Center College of Design. About 81% of students graduate at Art Center College of Design, compared with 53% at Mount Saint Mary's University. Ten years after enrolling, Mount Saint Mary's University alumni earn a median of about $72,379, against $71,958 for Art Center College of Design.

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Art Center College of Design

Pasadena, CA · Private

Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,017
1,719
Acceptance rate
75%
73%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
900–1110
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
18–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$48,661
$21,413
Full cost / yr
$75,649
$66,726
In-state tuition
$54,170
$49,564
Out-of-state tuition
$54,170
$49,564
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$39,645
$23,849
$30k - $48k
$42,161
$13,718
$48k - $75k
$44,738
$17,876
$75k - $110k
$45,677
$30,247
Over $110k
$61,144
$18,762
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
53%
Freshman retention
86%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$53,562
$61,335
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,958
$72,379
Median debt at graduation
$31,000
$25,949
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
57%
First-generation students
24%
50%
International students
44%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Dec 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Art Center College of Design or Mount Saint Mary's University harder to get into?
Mount Saint Mary's University is harder to get into. It admits about 73% of applicants, compared with 75% at Art Center College of Design. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Art Center College of Design or Mount Saint Mary's University?
Mount Saint Mary's University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,413 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $48,661 at Art Center College of Design. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Art Center College of Design and Mount Saint Mary's University?
Before aid, Mount Saint Mary's University costs about $66,726 a year and Art Center College of Design about $75,649. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Art Center College of Design or Mount Saint Mary's University?
Mount Saint Mary's University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $23,849 there, against about $39,645 at Art Center College of Design. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Art Center College of Design or Mount Saint Mary's University?
Art Center College of Design is the larger of the two, with about 2,017 undergraduates against 1,719 at Mount Saint Mary's University.
Does Art Center College of Design or Mount Saint Mary's University have a better graduation rate?
Art Center College of Design has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 53% at Mount Saint Mary's University.
Do graduates of Art Center College of Design or Mount Saint Mary's University earn more?
Mount Saint Mary's University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $72,379 ten years after enrolling, against about $71,958 for Art Center College of Design. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Art Center College of Design and Mount Saint Mary's University require SAT or ACT scores?
Art Center College of Design is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Mount Saint Mary's University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

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