Minneapolis College of Art and Design
The Vibe Check
MCAD feels like a creative incubator, where the energy is focused, hands-on, and deeply collaborative. The small campus fosters a tight-knit community where you know everyone in your studio, and the line between classroom and professional practice blurs. It's an environment where experimentation is encouraged and your unique artistic voice is expected.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
MCAD's academic strength lies in its studio-based, immersive approach to art and design, with top programs in Visual Arts and Graphic Design. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning with personalized mentorship from faculty who are active, practicing professionals. While research is more practice-based, students have significant opportunities for collaborative projects and real-world client work.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Minneapolis
Minneapolis offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, with students frequenting the Walker Art Center, Weisman Art Museum, and countless independent galleries. For fun, students enjoy exploring the city's many lakes and parks for biking and walking, catching indie shows at venues like the 7th Street Entry, and diving into the renowned food scene in neighborhoods like Northeast and Uptown.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($40,873):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in a safe, established neighborhood of Minneapolis with a visible campus security presence. Like any urban area, students should be aware of their surroundings, but the area is generally considered secure and student-friendly.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Small, intimate class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty.
- ✓ Strong integration with the vibrant Minneapolis arts and culture scene.
- ✓ Intensive, studio-focused curriculum builds a robust professional portfolio.
- ✓ High retention rate (81.9%) indicates strong student satisfaction.
Cons
- ✗ High tuition cost, even with a lower average net price.
- ✗ Very small overall enrollment limits the breadth of social circles and campus activities.
- ✗ 10-year median earnings are below the national average for private college graduates.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
MCAD is known for its rigorous, studio-based education in fine arts, design, and media. It has particularly strong programs in Visual Arts, Graphic Design, and Illustration, and is recognized for its professional focus, preparing students for careers as working artists and designers. The college is also noted for its intimate learning environment and its connection to the thriving Minneapolis arts community.
MCAD has a moderate acceptance rate of 48.36%, making it more selective than many colleges but accessible to well-prepared applicants. While an average SAT score of 1170 is competitive, the most important factor is a strong portfolio that demonstrates artistic potential and skill. The admissions process is holistic, with significant weight given to your creative work and personal statement.
Campus life at MCAD is intensely creative and collaborative. With only about 700 students, the community is small and tight-knit, where you'll likely know many of your peers and professors. Students spend much of their time working in studios, but they also engage in student clubs, critique sessions, and exploring the rich cultural offerings of Minneapolis outside of campus.
The value of an MCAD degree depends heavily on your career goals and financial aid package. With an average net price of $25,935, it's more affordable than the sticker price, but still a significant investment. The ROI is solid if you leverage the strong network, hands-on training, and Minneapolis arts scene to launch a creative career, but graduates must be proactive to ensure their earnings justify the cost over time.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 742
- In-State Tuition $43,824
- Zip Code 55404
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a sticker price of over $43,000, the investment is significant, but the average net price of $25,935 after aid makes it more accessible for many families. The 40% Pell Grant rate indicates a strong commitment to supporting students from diverse economic backgrounds. The 10-year median earnings of $40,873 are modest for a private college degree, suggesting that while the education is valuable, graduates should be strategic about career paths to maximize their return on investment.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.