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Maine College of Art & Design vs Thomas College

Maine College of Art & Design is a private college in Portland, ME, and Thomas College is a private college in Waterville, ME. Maine College of Art & Design is the more selective of the two, admitting about 76% of applicants against 96% at Thomas College. Thomas College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,885 a year against $38,338 at Maine College of Art & Design. About 53% of students graduate at Thomas College, compared with 50% at Maine College of Art & Design. Ten years after enrolling, Thomas College alumni earn a median of about $44,991, against $40,778 for Maine College of Art & Design.

Maine College of Art & Design

Portland, ME · Private

Thomas College

Waterville, ME · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Portland, ME
Waterville, ME
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
415
647
Acceptance rate
76%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.06–3.56
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
870–1100
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,338
$18,885
Full cost / yr
$60,128
$47,198
In-state tuition
$42,942
$31,824
Out-of-state tuition
$42,942
$31,824
Application fee
$40
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$31,589
$12,655
$30k - $48k
$33,075
$11,904
$48k - $75k
$35,283
$16,227
$75k - $110k
$40,992
$18,145
Over $110k
$42,001
$26,770
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
53%
Freshman retention
72%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$24,333
$40,495
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,778
$44,991
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$24,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
18%
First-generation students
24%
38%
International students
0%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 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 Maine College of Art & Design or Thomas College harder to get into?
Maine College of Art & Design is harder to get into. It admits about 76% of applicants, compared with 96% at Thomas College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Maine College of Art & Design or Thomas College?
Thomas College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,885 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,338 at Maine College of Art & 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 Maine College of Art & Design and Thomas College?
Before aid, Thomas College costs about $47,198 a year and Maine College of Art & Design about $60,128. 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, Maine College of Art & Design or Thomas College?
Thomas College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,655 there, against about $31,589 at Maine College of Art & Design. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Maine College of Art & Design or Thomas College?
Thomas College is the larger of the two, with about 647 undergraduates against 415 at Maine College of Art & Design.
Does Maine College of Art & Design or Thomas College have a better graduation rate?
Thomas College has the higher graduation rate, at about 53% against 50% at Maine College of Art & Design.
Do graduates of Maine College of Art & Design or Thomas College earn more?
Thomas College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,991 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,778 for Maine College of Art & Design. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Maine College of Art & Design and Thomas College require SAT or ACT scores?
Maine College of Art & Design is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Thomas College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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