Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), located just south of downtown Minneapolis, has educated talented artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and creative leaders for more than 130 years. As a nationally accredited institution, MCAD offers a unique combination of rigorous instruction and the creative freedom essential for nurturing individual expression. MCAD's distinguished faculty members—all practicing artists, designers, and entrepreneurs—are renowned for their ingenuity and practical expertise. MCAD graduates become professional artists, designers, visionary thinkers, creative leaders, and engaged global citizens. The college offers bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as certificates, in diverse fields such as design, fine arts, media, and communications.
Hover over dots to see degrees offered and online availability.
MAJORS OFFERED:AnimationBachelors Degree
Masters Degree
Comic ArtBachelors Degree
Masters Degree
Creative EntreprenuershipBachelors Degree
FilmmakingBachelors Degree
Masters Degree
Fine ArtsBachelors Degree
Masters Degree
Graphic DesignBachelors Degree
Optional Online
IllustrationBachelors Degree
Masters Degree
Product and Furniture DesignBachelors Degree
AdvertisingBachelors degree
Art HistoryBachelors degree
Creative WritingBachelors degree
Curatorial StudiesBachelors degree
Drawing/PaintingBachelors degree
Engaged and Public ArtsBachelors degree
Entrepreneurship Bachelors degree
Experimental GamesBachelors degree
PhotographyBachelors degree
Print Paper BookBachelors degree
SculptureBachelors degree
Teaching ArtistBachelors degree
This program is Residential.
| FULL-TIME | |
| TUITION | $ 44,784 |
| MANDATORY FEES | 700 |
| BOOKS & SUPPLIES | 3,800 |
| ON-CAMPUS ROOM & BOARD | 13,360 |
| OFF-CAMPUS ROOM & BOARD | 13,360 |
| OTHER | 4,512 |
| AID CATEGORY | AVG PER RECIPIENT | 1st YR RECIPIENTS |
| INSTITUTIONAL AWARDS3 | $23,185 | 100% |
| FEDERAL/NATIONAL GRANTS | 5,489 | 38% |
| STATE & LOCAL GRANTS | 5,943 | 41% |
| FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS | 5,418 | 79% |
AVERAGE AMOUNT RECEIVED PER RECIPIENT: $34,202
100% OF FULL-TIME FRESHMEN RECEIVED AID
* Most recent financial aid data available
Acceptance Rate = The percentage of students admitted out of applications received in a given year.
UNDERGRADUATE FTE1 = 706
UNDERGRADUATE
| FULL-TIME | 700 |
| PART-TIME | 14 |
NOTE 1: "Full-Time Equivalent" is the common way to measure the relative size of colleges. This adjusts for differences in the percentage of part-time students (or faculty). For example: one full-time student = 1 FTE; three half-time students = 1.5 FTE, etc.
| APPLICATION: | Required |
| ONLINE APPLICATION: | Required |
| APPLICATION FEES: | $50 (approximate) |
| HOME EXAM: | Not Required |
| INTERVIEW: | Recommended |
| ESSAY: | Required |
| SAT / ACT: | Required |
| PORTFOLIO: | Required, depending on program |
| LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: | Required (1) |
| IELTS: | Required if English is a second language |
| TOEFL: | Required if English is a second language |
TRANSCRIPTS
| HIGH SCHOOL: | Required |
| COLLEGE: | Required, if transferring |
FACULTY FTE1 = 108
| FULL-TIME | 37 |
| PART-TIME | 196 |
STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO: FALL 2023
7.4 TO 1
FTE STUDENTS PER FTE FACULTY1
FRESHMAN RETENTION
| FALL 2021 FRESHMEN RETURNING IN FALL 2022 |
75% |
| FALL 2022 FRESHMEN RETURNING IN FALL 2023 |
81% |
SIX-YEAR GRADUATION RATE
| FALL 2016 FRESHMEN GRADUATING WITHIN SIX YEARS |
58% |
| FALL 2017 FRESHMEN GRADUATING WITHIN SIX YEARS |
72% |
UNDERGRADUATE ETHNICITY
FALL 2023UNDERGRADUATE GENDER DISTRIBUTION
FALL 2023NEW STUDENT GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION2
FALL 2023Certificate Programs
Art Educator Workshops
Continuing Education
Camps and Classes for Youth
Pre-College Summer Session for High School Students
Postsecondary Education Opportunity (PSEO)
Online Master of Arts in Creative Leadership
Online Master of Arts in Graphic and Web Design
Online Master of Arts in Sustainable Design
Personal Studio Spaces
On-Campus Apartments
Study Abroad
AICAD Exchange Program
Local, National, and International Internships
Online Courses
Student-Run Gallery
MCAD Art Sale
MCAD DesignWorks
Career Development
NOTE 1: "Full-Time Equivalent" is the common way to measure the relative size of colleges. This adjusts for differences in the percentage of part-time students (or faculty). For example: one full-time student = 1 FTE; three half-time students = 1.5 FTE, etc. NOTE 2: Geographic distribution is reported for first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates. NOTE 3: Includes all institutional scholarships and grants, but does not include College Work Study or third party awards.