Maryland Institute College of Art SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
MICA’s 76.8% acceptance rate means your strategy should focus on fit, portfolio strength, and steady academics. Because the school is test-optional and relatively few students submit scores, send an SAT only if it clearly helps you, roughly 1150+ and especially near the upper end of the 967 to 1362 range.
⬡ LangSmithcd835372-4def-465d-86bd-c304f80a47efData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Maryland Institute College of Art facts and stats
Maryland Institute College of Art is an urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 1,192. MICA has an 83% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 72% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.
⬡ LangSmithee036f92-6d71-4031-ba2c-c92cea359239Baltimore, MD
How do your scores compare at MICA?
Key Maryland Institute College of Art application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 1
Early Action
December 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because MICA is test-optional, follow this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes or superscoring opportunities. For MICA’s December 1 Early Action deadline, an October retake is the safest last fall sitting whose scores should arrive in time.
⬡ LangSmith2f906b13-7ff3-4e74-b6d2-d80af84770e8Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Maryland Institute College of Art?
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What you'll actually pay
MICA is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $56,800, and students planning to apply for aid should submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.
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MICA’s estimated cost of attendance is about $77,200, including $56,800 in tuition and fees and $20,400 for room and board. Actual costs can vary based on housing choices, materials, and any financial aid a student receives. For context, graduates leave with an average of $17,472 in debt.
⬡ LangSmith4d06dfb6-4879-470a-8289-8600b9b16b7aStudent life at Maryland Institute College of Art
88% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Art Academy of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OHAcceptance rate: 32.2%
Columbus College of Art & Design
Columbus, OHAcceptance rate: 67.7%
Cleveland Institute of Art
Cleveland, OHAcceptance rate: 61.4%
SAT: 1030–1280
ACT: 23–29
Ner Israel Rabbinical College
Baltimore, MDAcceptance rate: 65.7%
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