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Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Maine College of Art & Design

Portland's working waterfront doubles as a studio backdrop, and Maine College of Art & Design leans into it. The college is known for critique-driven learning across fine arts, design, and media, with a maker culture and cross-disciplinary habits. Facilities include light-filled studios, fabrication shops, digital labs, and street-level galleries that put student work in public view. Students find support through advising, career guidance, counseling, and tech help that keeps projects moving when deadlines get tight.

Campus life feels collaborative and hands-on, with student clubs, visiting artist talks, pop-up shows, and plenty of late studio energy. Career preparation runs through portfolio development, internships around the Arts District, and connections with galleries, studios, and nonprofits. The city's First Friday Art Walk offers real chances to show work and meet clients. And when it's time to breathe, the harbor, trails, and coffee-and-music scene are steps away. Distinctive vibe overall: city-as-campus, critique as ritual, making as daily practice.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 522 Congress St., Portland, Maine, 04101, USA
Phone: +1 (207) 669-5043
Website: meca.edu
Unit ID: 161509

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: NECHE
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research 4-Year Focus - Law
Campus Setting: Located in a small city (population under 100,000)
Tuition: In-state: $41,398 (Tuition $40,668 + Fee $730) · Out-of-state: $41,398 (Tuition $40,668 + Fee $730)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 474
Undergraduate: 415
Graduate/Other: 59
Male: 112 Female: 362
Applications:
Total Applicants: 913
Admitted: 708
Enrolled: 121
Acceptance: 77.5% Yield: 17.1%
Staff:
Total: 197 Full-time: 107 Part-time: 90

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Maine. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Maine vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (11)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0201 Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the aesthetics, techniques, and creative processes for designing and fashioning objects in one or more of the handcraft or folk art traditions, and that prepares individuals to create in any of these media.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,770 +$530 (+0.5%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $41,530 -$3,810 (-8.4%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 N/A N/A
50.0407 Fashion/Apparel Design. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic principles and techniques to the professional design of commercial fashions, apparel, and accessories, and the management of fashion development projects. Includes instruction in apparel design; accessory design; the design of men's', women's', and children's' wear; flat pattern design; computer-assisted design and manufacturing; concept planning; designing in specific materials; labor and cost analysis; history of fashion; fabric art and printing; and the principles of management and operations in the fashion industry.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,770 +$530 (+0.5%)
27-1022 Fashion Designers $122,430 N/A N/A
50.0409 Graphic Design. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. Includes instruction in computer-assisted art and design, printmaking, concepts sketching, technical drawing, color theory, imaging, studio technique, still and life modeling, multimedia applications, communication skills and commercial art business operations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $83,110 -$28,340 (-25.4%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,770 +$530 (+0.5%)
27-1011 Art Directors $128,100 $87,090 -$41,010 (-32%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 N/A N/A
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 N/A N/A
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $58,650 -$9,960 (-14.5%)
50.0410 Illustration. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to develop and execute interpretations of the concepts of authors and designers to specifications. Includes instruction in book illustration, fashion illustration, map illustration, rendering, exhibit preparation, textual layout, cartooning, and the use of various artistic techniques as requested by clients.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,770 +$530 (+0.5%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 N/A N/A
27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers $78,450 N/A N/A
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 N/A N/A
50.0605 Photography. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the principles and techniques of communicating information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the creation of images on photographic film, plates, and digital images and that may prepare individuals to be professional photographic artists. Includes instruction in camera and equipment operation and maintenance, film and plate developing, light and composition, films and printing media, color and special effects, photographic art, photographic history, use of computer applications to record or enhance images and applications to the photography of various subjects.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,770 +$530 (+0.5%)
27-4021 Photographers $55,650 $47,020 -$8,630 (-15.5%)
50.0702 Fine/Studio Arts, General. (PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to generally function as creative artists in the visual and plastic media. Includes instruction in the traditional fine arts media (drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, CAD/CAM) and/or modern media (ceramics, textiles, intermedia, photography, digital images), theory of art, color theory, composition and perspective, anatomy, the techniques and procedures for maintaining equipment and managing a studio, and art portfolio marketing.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,770 +$530 (+0.5%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $51,420 -$25,030 (-32.7%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 N/A N/A
50.0708 Painting. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by the application of paints and related chemical color substances to canvases or other materials. Includes instruction in color and color mixing, surface preparation, composition, oil and acrylic media, watercolor media, painting techniques, and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,770 +$530 (+0.5%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $41,530 -$3,810 (-8.4%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $51,420 -$25,030 (-32.7%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 N/A N/A
50.0709 Sculpture. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by creating three-dimensional art works. Includes instruction in the analysis of form in space; round and relief concepts; sculptural composition; modern and experimental methods; different media such as clay, plaster, wood, stone, and metal; techniques such as carving, molding, welding, casting, and modeling; and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,770 +$530 (+0.5%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $41,530 -$3,810 (-8.4%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $51,420 -$25,030 (-32.7%)
50.0710 Printmaking. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by rendering art concepts onto surfaces and transferring images, via ink or dyes, onto paper or fabric. Includes instruction in monochrome and color printing; tonality; chemistry; equipment set-up and maintenance; techniques such as serigraphy, lithography, intaglio, woodcut, block, stencil, relief, etching, and composite; and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,770 +$530 (+0.5%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $41,530 -$3,810 (-8.4%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $51,420 -$25,030 (-32.7%)
50.0711 Ceramic Arts and Ceramics. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by producing art works out of clay and similar materials. Includes instruction in handbuilt and wheelthrown techniques; molding; slips and glazes; trimming and decorating; firing and kiln operation; oxidation; mixed media; ceramic murals; and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,770 +$530 (+0.5%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $41,530 -$3,810 (-8.4%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $51,420 -$25,030 (-32.7%)
50.0713 Jewelry Arts. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by fashioning jewelry from gems, other stones, and precious metals. Includes instruction in design concepts, electroforming, enameling, gemology, lapidary technique and art, metal and non-metal casting and molding, metal coloring, metalsmithing and finishing, personal style development, photo etching, and stone cutting and polishing.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,770 +$530 (+0.5%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $41,530 -$3,810 (-8.4%)
51-9071 Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $55,030 $51,030 -$4,000 (-7.3%)
Media Tech (1)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0304 Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to use computer applications and related visual and sound imaging techniques to manipulate images and information originating as film, video, still photographs, digital copy, soundtracks, and physical objects in order to communicate messages simulating real-world content. Includes instruction in specialized camerawork and equipment operation and maintenance, image capture, computer programming, dubbing, CAD applications, and applications to specific commercial, industrial, and entertainment needs.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 N/A N/A
Communication (1)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
09.0499 Journalism, Other. (BSc)
Any instructional program in journalism not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
25-1122 Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $90,340 $92,160 +$1,820 (+2%)
27-3023 News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $106,030 $44,320 -$61,710 (-58.2%)
Education (1)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1302 Art Teacher Education. (PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to teach art and art appreciation programs at various educational levels.

Graduate Career Earnings in Maine

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Maine Avg ME vs US
25-1081 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $78,500 $70,910 -$7,590 (-9.7%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $102,770 +$530 (+0.5%)
25-2022 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $70,040 $60,530 -$9,510 (-13.6%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $60,280 -$13,420 (-18.2%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$60,398
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$60,398
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$41,398
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$41,398
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$15,650 (on) / $8,100 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,250
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$2,100
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$2,100
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$41,068
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$41,068
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

25%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$19,936
Avg. Loan
$14,631
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,434
Additional
Students with Any Grant
96
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
67
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
21
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$18,393
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

49%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
78%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$24,199 – $55,585
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$24,199 (25th %) $55,585 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $40,778
Median Salary After 6 Years
$24,333
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$40,778
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
66.2%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
71.1%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$27,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 64.6%
Middle 56.9%
High 75.0%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 68.2%
Independent 57.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D)

How much does it cost to attend Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D)?

The annual tuition at Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) is $41,398 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $60,398 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $15,650 (on) / $8,100 (off) and books and supplies $1,250.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Maine College of Art & Design offer?

Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) offers 17 academic programs across 4 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (11 programs)
  • Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (1 programs)
  • Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (1 programs)
  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Maine College of Art & Design?

Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) has an 77.5% acceptance rate and a 17.1% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 913
  • Students admitted: 708
  • Students enrolled: 121

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Maine College of Art & Design?

Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) provides financial aid to 25% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $19,936 and average loans of $14,631.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,281
  • State/Local grants: $2,679
  • Institutional grants: $18,393
  • Federal loans: $5,434

The university supports 96 students with grants and 67 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Maine College of Art & Design graduates?

Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) graduates earn a median salary of $24,333 after 6 years and $40,778 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $24,199 (25th percentile) to $55,585 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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