Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Set in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is known for studio-intensive learning that blends visual communication, design thinking, and fine arts practice. Students work in light-filled studios, fabrication shops, print and photo labs, and digital media suites, supported by a library, tech help, advising, and wellness services. Critiques are frequent and frank, the kind that sharpen ideas and build confidence. And faculty keep projects tied to real problems, from sketch to prototype to presentation.
Student life revolves around galleries, pop-up shows, visiting creatives, and clubs that spill into nearby theaters, coffee shops, and maker spaces. The city becomes part of the classroom, with internships at local firms, community arts work, and a network of employers who know the MIAD portfolio. Career services shape resumes, portfolios, and interviews, and the year often ends with a public senior exhibition. Lakefront walks, festivals, murals, good tacos. It feels like a working studio that never quite sleeps.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Wisconsin. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Arts (4)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0404
Industrial and Product Design.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Wisconsin
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Wisconsin Avg | WI vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $58,680 | -$43,560 (-42.6%) |
| 27-1021 | Commercial and Industrial Designers | $88,000 | $78,830 | -$9,170 (-10.4%) |
| 27-1024 | Graphic Designers | $68,610 | $56,900 | -$11,710 (-17.1%) |
| 27-1029 | Designers, All Other | $78,000 | $61,520 | -$16,480 (-21.1%) |
50.0409
Graphic Design.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Wisconsin
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Wisconsin Avg | WI vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15-1255 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | $111,450 | $82,730 | -$28,720 (-25.8%) |
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $58,680 | -$43,560 (-42.6%) |
| 27-1011 | Art Directors | $128,100 | $95,540 | -$32,560 (-25.4%) |
| 27-1014 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | $110,110 | $66,450 | -$43,660 (-39.7%) |
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $51,410 | -$28,080 (-35.3%) |
| 27-1024 | Graphic Designers | $68,610 | $56,900 | -$11,710 (-17.1%) |
50.0410
Illustration.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Wisconsin
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Wisconsin Avg | WI vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $58,680 | -$43,560 (-42.6%) |
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $51,410 | -$28,080 (-35.3%) |
| 27-1027 | Set and Exhibit Designers | $78,450 | $55,500 | -$22,950 (-29.3%) |
| 27-1029 | Designers, All Other | $78,000 | $61,520 | -$16,480 (-21.1%) |
50.0702
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Wisconsin
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Wisconsin Avg | WI vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,240 | $58,680 | -$43,560 (-42.6%) |
| 27-1013 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | $76,450 | $59,500 | -$16,950 (-22.2%) |
| 27-1019 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | $79,490 | $51,410 | -$28,080 (-35.3%) |
Architecture (1)
Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services
04.0501
Interior Architecture.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Wisconsin
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Wisconsin Avg | WI vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $175,710 | $131,660 | -$44,050 (-25.1%) |
| 25-1031 | Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary | $110,360 | $77,590 | -$32,770 (-29.7%) |
| 27-1025 | Interior Designers | $71,430 | N/A | N/A |
Media Tech (1)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0304
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Wisconsin
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Wisconsin Avg | WI vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27-1014 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | $110,110 | $66,450 | -$43,660 (-39.7%) |
Human Sciences (1)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
19.0901
Apparel and Textiles, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in Wisconsin
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Wisconsin Avg | WI vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1192 | Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $84,450 | N/A | N/A |
| 25-9021 | Farm and Home Management Educators | $60,470 | $57,940 | -$2,530 (-4.2%) |
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 Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD)
How much does it cost to attend Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD)?
The annual tuition at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) is $42,040 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $55,374 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,430 and books and supplies $1,060.
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 Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design offer?
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) offers 8 academic programs across 4 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (4 programs)
- Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services (1 programs)
- Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (1 programs)
- Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development (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 Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design?
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) has an 62.8% acceptance rate and a 30.1% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 1,059
- Students admitted: 665
- Students enrolled: 200
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 Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design?
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) provides financial aid to 25% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $24,605 and average loans of $9,111.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,990
- State/Local grants: $3,786
- Institutional grants: $21,345
- Federal loans: $5,475
The university supports 221 students with grants and 186 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 Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design graduates?
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) graduates earn a median salary of $29,841 after 6 years and $41,174 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $22,588 (25th percentile) to $62,110 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $66,200 (90th 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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