Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Online | mcad.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) occupies a campus in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis, adjacent to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Founded in 1886, MCAD operates as a private, nonprofit institution exclusively focused on visual arts education, offering BFA and MFA programs across multiple disciplines of art and design. The college's main academic building, designed by modernist architect Kenzo Tange, houses specialized studios, professional-grade equipment, and dedicated spaces for animation, photography, printmaking, and other visual arts disciplines. MCAD maintains on-campus apartment-style housing for students in its primary residence hall, while the college's gallery spaces regularly showcase student and professional work. The institution is particularly recognized for its programs in illustration, graphic design, and fine arts, with many graduates establishing careers in commercial art and creative industries throughout the Upper Midwest.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
MCAD is rated within the top 31% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1170/1380 |
| ACT | 19/27 |
| GPA | 3.29 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Apr 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $3,060 |
| Other Fees | $450 |
| Room and Board | $7,290 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,000 |
| Total One Year Cost | $54,910 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts | 73% |
| Business | 12% |
| Communications Technology | 9% |
| Precision Production Trades | 3% |
| Communication | 3% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering MCAD are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=174127 IPEDS survey data for Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
Current students may use the Minneapolis College of Art and Design GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024