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Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Set next to the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis College of Art and Design is known for studio-centered learning across fine art, design, and media. Classes lean into critique and making, with access to studios, galleries, fabrication labs, print and photo shops, and digital media suites. Students find practical help through advising and career support, plus visiting artists who keep conversations candid and current.

Campus culture feels collaborative and driven, with late-night studio energy and plenty of cross-pollination. On campus, student-run shows, film nights, zine swaps, and an annual art sale bring people together. In the city, galleries, theaters, creative agencies, and parks sit within easy reach. The college has a reputation for portfolio development, internships around the Twin Cities, and connections that turn studio work into real-world opportunities.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 2501 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55404, USA
Phone: +1 (612) 874-3737
Website: mcad.edu
Unit ID: 174127

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: HLC
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, Master's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research 4-Year Focus - Law
Campus Setting: Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Tuition: In-state: $43,824 (Tuition $43,374 + Fee $450) · Out-of-state: $43,824 (Tuition $43,374 + Fee $450)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 824
Undergraduate: 701
Graduate/Other: 123
Male: 252 Female: 572
Applications:
Total Applicants: 885
Admitted: 428
Enrolled: 169
Acceptance: 48.4% Yield: 39.5%
Staff:
Total: 274 Full-time: 165 Part-time: 109

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Minnesota. 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 Minnesota vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (12)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0102 Digital Arts. (PostBacCert)
A general, undifferentiated program that focuses on the use of computerized digital images as the primary medium of expression in the visual and performing arts, and that may prepare individuals for a wide variety of careers using new media, including graphic design, digital animation, motion graphics, 3D visualization, game and interactive media design, music and sound design, video production, web design, photography, and other fields.

Graduate Career Earnings in Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $117,920 +$15,680 (+15.3%)
27-1011 Art Directors $128,100 $114,310 -$13,790 (-10.8%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $67,620 -$42,490 (-38.6%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $42,980 -$36,510 (-45.9%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $52,020 -$16,590 (-24.2%)
27-4021 Photographers $55,650 $69,170 +$13,520 (+24.3%)
50.0404 Industrial and Product Design. (Cert2y+)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences via the creation of effective forms, shapes, and packaging for manufactured products. Includes instruction in designing in a wide variety of plastic and digital media, prototype construction, design development and refinement, principles of cost saving, and product structure and performance criteria relevant to aesthetic design parameters.

Graduate Career Earnings in Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $117,920 +$15,680 (+15.3%)
27-1021 Commercial and Industrial Designers $88,000 $70,990 -$17,010 (-19.3%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $52,020 -$16,590 (-24.2%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $89,740 +$11,740 (+15.1%)
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 Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $92,830 -$18,620 (-16.7%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $117,920 +$15,680 (+15.3%)
27-1011 Art Directors $128,100 $114,310 -$13,790 (-10.8%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $67,620 -$42,490 (-38.6%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $42,980 -$36,510 (-45.9%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $52,020 -$16,590 (-24.2%)
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 Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $117,920 +$15,680 (+15.3%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $42,980 -$36,510 (-45.9%)
27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers $78,450 $64,320 -$14,130 (-18%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $89,740 +$11,740 (+15.1%)
50.0499 Design and Applied Arts, Other. (PostBacCert)
Any instructional program in design and applied arts not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
99-9999 NO MATCH N/A N/A N/A
50.0602 Cinematography and Film/Video Production. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the making and producing of films and videos. Includes instruction in theory of film, film technology and equipment operation, film production, film directing, film editing, cinematographic art, film audio, techniques for making specific types of films and/or videos, media technologies, computer image making, multi-media production, and the planning and management of film/video operations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $117,920 +$15,680 (+15.3%)
27-2012 Producers and Directors $114,280 $62,960 -$51,320 (-44.9%)
27-4031 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $79,870 $71,560 -$8,310 (-10.4%)
27-4032 Film and Video Editors $83,530 $67,340 -$16,190 (-19.4%)
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 Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $117,920 +$15,680 (+15.3%)
27-4021 Photographers $55,650 $69,170 +$13,520 (+24.3%)
50.0702 Fine/Studio Arts, General. (Cert2y+, 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 Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $117,920 +$15,680 (+15.3%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $72,910 -$3,540 (-4.6%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $42,980 -$36,510 (-45.9%)
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 Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $117,920 +$15,680 (+15.3%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $33,670 -$11,670 (-25.7%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $72,910 -$3,540 (-4.6%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $67,620 -$42,490 (-38.6%)
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 Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $117,920 +$15,680 (+15.3%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $33,670 -$11,670 (-25.7%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $72,910 -$3,540 (-4.6%)
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 Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $117,920 +$15,680 (+15.3%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $33,670 -$11,670 (-25.7%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $72,910 -$3,540 (-4.6%)
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 Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $67,620 -$42,490 (-38.6%)
Business (2)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0213 Organizational Leadership. (PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on leadership skills that can be applied to a business, government, non-profit, or educational setting. Includes instruction in organizational planning, dynamics of leadership, finance, team building, conflict resolution and mediation, communication and other management skills.

Graduate Career Earnings in Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
11-2033 Fundraising Managers $137,290 $164,590 +$27,300 (+19.9%)
11-3121 Human Resources Managers $160,480 $138,060 -$22,420 (-14%)
11-3131 Training and Development Managers $140,590 $134,870 -$5,720 (-4.1%)
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $130,640 -$19,250 (-12.8%)
13-1111 Management Analysts $114,710 $86,870 -$27,840 (-24.3%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $86,270 -$27,570 (-24.2%)
52.0701 Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. (Cert2y+)
A program that generally prepares individuals to perform development, marketing and management functions associated with owning and operating a business.

Graduate Career Earnings in Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
11-1011 Chief Executives $262,930 $230,580 -$32,350 (-12.3%)
11-1021 General and Operations Managers $133,120 $99,930 -$33,190 (-24.9%)
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $130,640 -$19,250 (-12.8%)
25-1011 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $113,840 $86,270 -$27,570 (-24.2%)
Communication (1)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
09.0702 Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the development, use, critical evaluation, and regulation of new electronic communication technologies using computer applications; and that prepares individuals to function as developers and managers of digital communications media. Includes instruction in computer and telecommunications technologies and processes; design and development of digital communications; marketing and distribution; digital communications regulation, law, and policy; the study of human interaction with, and use of, digital media; and emerging trends and issues.

Graduate Career Earnings in Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $130,640 -$19,250 (-12.8%)
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $92,830 -$18,620 (-16.7%)
25-1122 Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $90,340 $78,420 -$11,920 (-13.2%)
27-3099 Media and Communication Workers, All Other $84,870 $59,960 -$24,910 (-29.4%)
Production (1)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0702 Furniture Design and Manufacturing. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to prepare and execute furniture design projects, assemble and finish furniture articles or subassemblies, repair furniture, and use a variety of hand and power tools.

Graduate Career Earnings in Minnesota

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Minnesota Avg MN vs US
51-7021 Furniture Finishers $44,310 $45,490 +$1,180 (+2.7%)
51-7099 Woodworkers, All Other $43,730 $54,700 +$10,970 (+25.1%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

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

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$60,374
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$60,374
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$43,824
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$43,824
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$10,910
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$3,640
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$2,000
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$2,000
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$43,824
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$43,824
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

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

23%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$27,729
Avg. Loan
$8,091
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,418
Additional
Students with Any Grant
160
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
128
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
61
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$23,185
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.

69%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
82%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$23,889 – $59,320
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$23,889 (25th %) $59,320 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $40,873
Median Salary After 6 Years
$35,198
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$40,873
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
66.3%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
69.5%
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 62.3%
Middle 66.2%
High 69.3%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 68.2%
Independent 57.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)

How much does it cost to attend Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)?

The annual tuition at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) is $43,824 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $60,374 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,910 and books and supplies $3,640.

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 Minneapolis College of Art and Design offer?

Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) offers 19 academic programs across 5 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (12 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
  • Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (1 programs)
  • Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (1 programs)
  • Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (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 Minneapolis College of Art and Design?

Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) has an 48.4% acceptance rate and a 39.5% yield rate, making it highly selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 885
  • Students admitted: 428
  • Students enrolled: 169

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 Minneapolis College of Art and Design?

Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) provides financial aid to 23% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $27,729 and average loans of $8,091.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,241
  • State/Local grants: $5,943
  • Institutional grants: $23,185
  • Federal loans: $5,418

The university supports 160 students with grants and 128 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 Minneapolis College of Art and Design graduates?

Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) graduates earn a median salary of $35,198 after 6 years and $40,873 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $23,889 (25th percentile) to $59,320 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $75,900 (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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