Maryland Institute College of Art
Maryland Institute College of Art — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Maryland Institute College of Art at a Glance
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.
Is Maryland Institute College of Art Worth It?
At a value score of 19/100, Maryland Institute College of Art is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,212 — 16% below average — while paying $42,729/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 3.8-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 72% graduation rate means roughly 28% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $26,500 representing 59% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Maryland Institute College of Art has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Maryland Institute College of Art compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #93 of 116 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | 52 | $18,327 | $56,405 |
| #2 | University of Evansville | 49 | $18,499 | $53,770 |
| #3 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | 49 | $17,545 | $51,540 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Oakland City University | 48 | $15,210 | $43,283 |
| #6 | John Brown University | 46 | $20,397 | $53,907 |
| #93 | Maryland Institute College of Art | 19 | $42,729 | $45,212 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Maryland Institute College of Art's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in MD.
Best Programs at Maryland Institute College of Art
The highest-earning program at Maryland Institute College of Art is Design and Applied Arts at $22,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Fine and Studio Arts at $17,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Design and Applied Arts graduate from Maryland Institute College of Art earns $22,700, while a Fine and Studio Arts graduate earns $17,200. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Design and Applied Arts graduates carry $26,974 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Fine and Studio Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $42,729/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts | $22,700 | $22,700 | $26,974 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $20,700 | $20,700 | $25,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $17,200 | $17,200 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in MD
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Baltimore, MD
- Student Body
- 1,189 students
- Admission Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 72%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $42,729
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,212
- Median Student Debt
- $26,500