Carroll University vs Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Carroll University is moderately selective with a 58.4% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (62.8%). Graduates of Carroll University earn $16,835 more per year at the 10-year mark ($58,009 vs $41,174). For families earning $48k–$75k, Carroll University is more affordable at $22,720 net price vs $23,112.
Admissions & Outcomes
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design has a higher yield rate (30.1%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Carroll University has a higher median SAT (1160 vs 1050).
Waukesha, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Carroll University is more affordable at $18,992 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $27,395 vs $32,135.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (36%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Carroll University
- 1 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General$74,576
- 2 Computer Science$62,012
- 3 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$61,317
- 4 Accounting and Related Services$54,644
- 5 Business Administration, Management and Operations$45,618
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
- 1 Design and Applied Arts$37,363
- 2 Fine and Studio Arts$20,140
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Carroll University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 5 Zoology/Animal Biology
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
- 1 Design and Applied Arts
- 2 Fine and Studio Arts
- 3 Design and Applied Arts
- 4 Interior Architecture
- 5 Design and Applied Arts
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Carroll University
- International students3%
- Tuition (international)$33,200
- Est. total cost/year$44,540
- School typePublic
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
- International studentsN/A
- Tuition (international)$38,050
- Est. total cost/year$49,100
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs. 0
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Carroll University or Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design?
Carroll University is more selective with a 58.4% acceptance rate, compared to 62.8%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Carroll University or Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design?
Carroll University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $58,009 compared to $41,174. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Carroll University or Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Carroll University has a lower net price at $22,720 per year vs $23,112. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Carroll University vs Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design?
Carroll University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 69.6%, compared to 63.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Carroll University or Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design?
Carroll University has a larger international student population at 3% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Carroll University and Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design?
At Carroll University, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General graduates earn a median of $74,576 within two years. At Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, the top-earning major is Design and Applied Arts at $37,363. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.