Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
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
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) offers 14 degree programs across 4 major academic fields, graduating approximately 125 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Arts (11 programs, 78 graduates), Media Tech (1 programs, 20 graduates), Communication (1 programs, 16 graduates) and Education (1 programs, 11 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Arts (11 programs, 78 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illustration | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0410 |
| Studio Arts, General | 12 |
|
Master's
|
50.0702 |
| Photography | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0605 |
| Painting | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0708 |
| Graphic Design | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0409 |
| Fashion and Apparel Design | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0407 |
| Sculpture | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0709 |
| Printmaking | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0710 |
| Craft Design and Artisanry | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0201 |
| Ceramic Arts | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0711 |
| Jewelry Arts | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0713 |
Media Tech (1 programs, 20 graduates)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animation and Interactive Technology | 20 |
|
Bachelor's
|
10.0304 |
Communication (1 programs, 16 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journalism | 16 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
09.0499 |
Education (1 programs, 11 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Education | 11 |
|
Master's
|
13.1302 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
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 14 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)
- Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (1 programs)
- Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (1 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 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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