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Maine College of Art & Design and University of Southern Maine are both private nonprofit institutions — Maine College of Art & Design in Portland, ME and University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Portland, ME · Private
Acceptance rate: 76.1%
Undergrad enrollment: 415
Tuition: $42,942/year
Student-faculty ratio: 8.0:1
Graduation rate: 51.5%
Top programs: Visual and performing arts
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Portland, ME with published program strength in Visual and performing arts.
Portland, ME · Public
Acceptance rate: 79.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 4,222
Tuition: $27,944/year
Student-faculty ratio: 14.0:1
Graduation rate: 40.4%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Portland, ME with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
| Factor | Maine College of Art & Design | University of Southern Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 76.1% | 79.2% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 990–1250 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 24–28 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 415 | 4,222 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $42,942/year | $27,944/year |
| Average net price after aid | $38,338 | $13,596 |
| Graduation rate | 51.5% | 40.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $40,778 | $49,958 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 8.0:1 | 14.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Public |
| Location | Portland, ME | Portland, ME |
| Largest program areas | Visual and performing arts | Health professions, Business and marketing, Social sciences |
Maine College of Art & Design is more selective (76.1% vs 79.2% acceptance rate). University of Southern Maine has a lower average net price after grant aid ($13,596 vs $38,338). Maine College of Art & Design reports the higher graduation rate (51.5% vs 40.4%). University of Southern Maine is the larger undergraduate campus (4,222 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Maine College of Art & Design and University of Southern Maine
Maine College of Art & Design has an acceptance rate of 76.1%; University of Southern Maine is around 79.2%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Maine College of Art & Design tuition is $42,942/year. University of Southern Maine is $27,944/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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