Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
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
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) offers 16 degree programs across 5 major academic fields, graduating approximately 182 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Arts (11 programs, 140 graduates), Media Tech (1 programs, 23 graduates), Business (2 programs, 15 graduates), Communication (1 programs, 3 graduates) and Production (1 programs, 1 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Arts (11 programs, 140 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illustration | 54 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0410 |
| Studio Arts, General | 27 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0702 |
| Graphic Design | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0409 |
| Digital Arts | 12 |
|
Master's
|
50.0102 |
| Applied Arts and Design | 8 |
|
Master's
|
50.0499 |
| Photography | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0605 |
| Painting | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0708 |
| Industrial and Product Design | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0404 |
| Cinematography and Film Production | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0602 |
| Printmaking | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0710 |
| Sculpture | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0709 |
Media Tech (1 programs, 23 graduates)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animation and Interactive Technology | 23 |
|
Bachelor's
|
10.0304 |
Business (2 programs, 15 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organizational Leadership | 10 |
|
Master's
|
52.0213 |
| Entrepreneurship Studies | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0701 |
Communication (1 programs, 3 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Media and Multimedia | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0702 |
Production (1 programs, 1 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture Design and Manufacturing | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
48.0702 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD).
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 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 16 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 (11 programs)
- Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (1 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
- Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (1 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (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 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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