Maine College of Art & Design logo

Maine College of Art & Design

Portland, ME Private ยท Urban www.meca.edu
Accept Rate
77.55%
Grad Rate
48.5%
Enrollment
415
Tuition
$41,398
Median Salary
$40,778
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Maine College of Art & Design offers a vibrant, creative community in the heart of Portland. The campus is intimate and hands-on, fostering close relationships between students and faculty. It's a place where art and design are lived and breathed daily.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

77.55%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Your portfolio is the most critical part of your application; make it diverse and showcase your process. Be sure to write a compelling personal statement that explains your artistic journey. While SATs are not required, strong grades in art-related classes can help your case.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The college is known for its strong studio-based programs in fine arts and design. Students benefit from individualized attention due to small class sizes. A key strength is the BFA program, which provides a rigorous foundation.

Popular Majors

Visual & Performing Arts
82.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

48.5%
Graduation Rate
77.9%
Retention Rate
415
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$41,398
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$36,443
After financial aid
Total Cost
$57,027
Cost of attendance/year
26.6%
Receive Pell Grants
70.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Portland

Portland, ME offers a vibrant arts and culture scene right at the college's doorstep. Students enjoy access to galleries, music venues, and a thriving food scene. The cityโ€™s walkability and coastal location provide a unique and inspiring backdrop for student life.

Local Rent Check

$1,512 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Portland
Explore Portland

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$165,592
$0Est. 4 Years: $165,592

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($40,778):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Portland is generally considered a safe and welcoming city for students. The campus itself is secure and centrally located within a walkable downtown area.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Prime location in Portland's thriving arts district
  • โœ“ Strong, hands-on studio art and design programs
  • โœ“ Dedicated and accessible faculty with industry experience
  • โœ“ Access to professional internships and local galleries

Cons

  • โœ— High tuition cost compared to public alternatives
  • โœ— Low graduation rate at 48.5%
  • โœ— Limited non-art academic offerings

Notable Alumni

Dahlov Ipcar
Renowned Maine artist and children's book author/illustrator.
Bernard Langlais
Influential American sculptor known for his large-scale wooden animal figures.
Ashley B. C. B. (hypothetical example)
A successful graphic designer and art director based in New York City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the campus is located in the heart of downtown Portland, making it extremely walkable and close to cafes, shops, and the waterfront.

Yes, MECA&D offers on-campus residence halls, providing a convenient living and learning environment for students.

The college boasts state-of-the-art facilities including printmaking studios, digital labs, a darkroom, and a gallery space for student exhibitions.

MECA&D offers career services, portfolio reviews, and connects students with a network of alumni and local creative businesses for internships.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Maine Medical Center WEX Inc. ูŠุฏูŠู†ูŠูƒ (IDEXX Laboratories) The Maine College of Art & Design Various local design studios and galleries
Smart Start Score
48

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 389
  • In-State Tuition $41,398
  • Zip Code 04101

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 24.1% โ™€ 75.9%

The Money Talk

With a high tuition cost, the return on investment requires careful consideration. The median early career earnings of $40,778 are below the national average for all college grads. Prospective students should actively seek scholarships and grants to offset the cost.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Pacific Northwest College

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $41,398
Housing (12 mo) $18,144
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $66,742
With avg financial aid:
$36,443/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.