Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)
Private nonprofit four-year university in Minneapolis, MN that costs an average of $26,849 a year after financial aid, admits 48% of applicants and graduates 54% of full-time students.
Private nonprofitLarge city705 undergraduates
Cost of MCAD
| Total cost of attendance (per year) | $63,802 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, in-state | $47,264 |
| Housing and food (on campus) | $13,800 |
| Books and supplies | $3,914 |
| Average net price after aid | $26,849 |
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price / year |
|---|---|
| $0–30,000 | $18,437 |
| $30,001–48,000 | $18,488 |
| $48,001–75,000 | $22,186 |
| $75,001–110,000 | $28,228 |
| $110,001+ | $37,629 |
Net price is what students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Get your own estimate with MCAD's net price calculator ↗.
Admissions
| Acceptance rate | 48% |
|---|---|
| Average SAT | 1,161 |
| SAT reading (25th–75th percentile) | 600–710 |
| SAT math (25th–75th percentile) | 530–630 |
| ACT composite (25th–75th percentile) | 21–29 |
| Test scores | Considered but not required |
Graduation, earnings and debt
| Graduation rate | 54% |
|---|---|
| First-year retention | 75% |
| Median earnings 6 years after enrolling | $37,291 |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $50,254 |
| Rank in Minnesota (earnings) | 33rd of 38 similar colleges |
| Median debt of graduates | $27,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $307 (10-year plan) |
| Students with Pell grants | 48% |
| Students with federal loans | 75% |
Majors and programs at MCAD
Earnings one year after graduation and median debt, by program. Click a program for details and comparisons.
Bachelor's degree programs (7)
| Program | Graduates (2 yrs) | Earnings after 1 yr | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts | 132 | $34,544 | $27,000 |
| Graphic Communications | 47 | $29,895 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | 41 | $26,022 | $27,000 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | 11 | — | — |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | 19 | — | — |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | 5 | — | — |
| Woodworking | 6 | — | — |
Master's degree programs (4)
| Program | Graduates (2 yrs) | Earnings after 1 yr | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts | 19 | $66,037 | — |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 10 | — | — |
| Design and Applied Arts | 19 | — | — |
| Fine and Studio Arts | 38 | — | $41,000 |
Similar colleges in Minnesota
| College | City | Net price / yr | Acceptance | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Central University | Minneapolis | $26,221 | 99% | $45,958 |
| Martin Luther College | New Ulm | $18,652 | 87% | $47,683 |
| Bethany Lutheran College | Mankato | $21,589 | 39% | $50,975 |
| Crown College | Saint Bonifacius | $25,963 | 23% | $50,003 |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Winona | $20,422 | 93% | $68,708 |
| Herzing University-Minneapolis | St. Louis Park | $19,744 | 94% | $44,255 |
| College of Saint Benedict | Saint Joseph | $25,301 | 92% | $66,967 |
| Saint Johns University | Collegeville | $26,748 | 91% | $79,644 |
About MCAD
| Type | Private nonprofit four-year university |
|---|---|
| Location | Minneapolis, MN |
| Setting | Large city |
| Undergraduates | 705 |
| Student-to-faculty ratio | 12 to 1 |
| Accreditor | Higher Learning Commission |
| Website | mcad.edu ↗ |
Frequently asked questions
What is MCAD's acceptance rate?
Minneapolis College of Art and Design admits 48% of applicants, making it selective. Admitted students average 1,161 on the SAT.
How much does MCAD cost per year?
The full cost of attendance is $63,802 a year (tuition and fees: $47,264). After grants and scholarships the average student pays $26,849 a year, and students from families earning under $30,000 pay about $18,437.
How much do MCAD graduates earn?
Former students earn a median of $50,254 a year, 10 years after first enrolling — 33rd of 38 similar colleges in Minnesota. The best-paid bachelor's program is design and applied arts ($34,544 a year after graduation).
What is MCAD's graduation rate?
54% of full-time students graduate within six years, and 75% of first-year students return for a second year.