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Home/Colleges/Minnesota/Minneapolis College of Art and Design
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Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Minneapolis, Minnesota · Private (nonprofit)

Apr 1Application deadline

FindU Grade

BValue
N/ACampus
A-Academics
BAdmissions
B+Student Life
B+Overall

About

Minneapolis College of Art and Design is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is a private (nonprofit) institution. The university enrolls approximately 701 students.

mcad.edu

Cost and aid

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$43,824
Out-of-state tuition$43,824
Room & board$10,910
Avg aid package$29,335
Students receiving aid40%
Pell grant recipients40%

Minneapolis College of Art and Design's tuition is approximately $46,464 per year, but 100% of full-time freshmen receive financial aid. The average amount of aid received is $35,842, which can significantly reduce the net price. MCAD also offers substantial scholarships, especially for students with strong portfolios, making it a worthwhile investment for aspiring artists and designers.

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Admissions

Test scores

SAT · middle 50%1110–1430
4001600
ACT · middle 50%20–24
136

Application info

Acceptance rate48%
Average GPA3.29
Student–faculty ratio10:1
Test optionalYes
Common AppNo
Application fee$50

Application dates

PriorityFeb 15
Early DecisionFeb 15
Regular DecisionApr 1

MCAD has a moderately selective admission policy with an acceptance rate of 48%. The college considers SAT/ACT scores, but they are not required. A portfolio of visual art is required for Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates, while a creative writing essay is required for Bachelor of Science candidates.

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Academics

Graduation rate63%
Retention rate82%
Student–faculty ratio10:1
Full-time faculty28%

MCAD offers a creative and motivational environment where students inspire and support one another. The faculty are praised for being knowledgeable, accomplished, and supportive, providing professional critiques and encouraging creativity. Small class sizes foster a collaborative environment, and students have 24-hour studio access to work flexibly on their art projects.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$40,873
Avg starting salary$42,100
Job placement rate93%
Internship rate90%
Earn more than HS grad57%
Economic mobility131%
Loan default (3 yr)1%
Loan repayment (3 yr)66%

MCAD graduates are known for becoming professional artists, designers, visionary thinkers, and creative leaders. Alumni have achieved success as Emmy-winning directors, Whitney Biennial artists, and Guggenheim Fellows. The college focuses on developing technical, professional, and leadership skills to prepare students for a wide range of creative careers.

Student life

Demographics

Small School
701Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio
Female 69%Male 31%
63% WhiteRacial diversity
White 63%Hispanic 11%Asian 8%Black 7%Other 11%
Campus housingYes

MCAD provides a diverse and inclusive community where a wide range of ethnicities, sexual orientations, and identities are represented. The school actively promotes acceptance through clubs and classroom discussions, creating a welcoming environment for many, including LGBTQ+ students and first-generation college attendees. While MCAD does not have traditional varsity sports, student clubs organize recreational activities.

Student reviews

Professors

Student

I enjoyed my experience for the first year, however there are some ups and down from my first year. The students are nice, less drama, not too loud and outragous; the people are what is keeping me here. The professors are nice if you know who to go for, ask upperclassman about who you should try to get, overall I am learning, and I am enjoying the work I am creating and the classes I am in.

Student

When I attended a recruitment event at MCAD, I was told the school helps students find internships and job placements. I know Covid messed a lot of things up for everyone, but I believed the career center would help me. They did not. I found a decent internship on my own that met the school requirements, but after I graduated, remotely, it was like they were done with me.

Campus and vibes

Student

I really enjoy going to MCAD. All the professors are very kind and understanding with the students. The school has many programs for students who need all kinds of accommodations. The faculty does their best to connect with and uplift every student. The school also provides several opportunities to get students' work out in the world and promote their artistic endeavors.

Student

From what I’ve seen so far and informed Minneapolis College of Art and Design is pretty good for art students in any category. The staff I have met have been nice and get back to me fast when I need a question answered. The students im talking with are all very nice and friendly, if you think you’re too awkward and afraid to talk, they’re in the same boat with you!

Student

The education is very high quality. All the professors are nice and dedicated to making sure you improve as much as possible. The surrounding area is relatively safe for a city the size of Minneapolis, though not the best. There are full kitchens in all the dorms and several grocery stores near by.

About Minneapolis College of Art and Design

MCAD Public Safety strives to maintain a safe, secure, and stable environment for living, learning, working, and visiting. Officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and there is an emergency phone line answered 24/7. Monitored cameras are located in parking lots, building entrances, and other areas of the academic buildings.

Minneapolis College offers a new Honors Program within its School of Liberal Arts and Cultures, providing more educational engagement, learning opportunities, and community connections. The program includes honors scholarships, faculty mentors, one-on-one academic advising, and customized curriculum. Admission is based on a student's potential, not test scores or GPA.

MCAD welcomes a diverse student body, including international students from 15 countries. The college is known for its innovative approaches to art and design education, high-caliber faculty, and world-class facilities. International students receive support through visa assistance and a welcoming campus environment.

Endowment$50,555,286
Avg faculty salary$93,144

Minneapolis College of Art and Design FAQ

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Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
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