Founded in 1886, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) is located in the rich art-and-design community of the Twin Cities. Recognized nationally and internationally for its innovative approaches to art and design education, MCAD is home to approximately 800 students from 45 states and 15 countries. Offering a transformative education for creative practitioners of all backgrounds, MCAD prepares students to confidently lead and practice in an ever-evolving world. It is where students find their personal and professional purpose as creative, cultural leaders. 

The college offers bachelor’s degrees in 14 disciplines including arts entrepreneurship, design, fine arts and media arts, one MFA, three online master’s degrees and continuing education classes for all ages. Through the core curriculum, students focus on their careers and craft by learning technical and professional skills and developing their creative leadership capabilities.

Including Emmy-winning directors, Whitney Biennial artists and Guggenheim fellows, MCAD alumni make an impact. They set new standards across a broad range of creative careers, from independent artist to corporate designer to entrepreneur.

Founded in 1886, MCAD is accredited by regional and national associations and consistently maintains one of the highest four-year graduation rates of all Midwestern visual arts colleges. MCAD has received numerous art and design education awards and accolades from the national press, including U.S. News & World Report, Dwell magazine, and Animation Career Review. The Princeton Review has included MCAD on its annual Best Midwestern Colleges list since 2005.

Religious affiliation: None

Learn more about MCAD’s community of equal opportunities and inclusivity.

At MCAD, we believe that a world-class art and design education is extremely valuable, but it should also be affordable. That’s why 97 percent of MCAD students receive financial assistance — we award more than $11 million in aid every year. And on top of that, MCAD tuition is below the national average for art colleges. In addition to MCAD’s own financial aid, we also work hard to help students discover and receive additional grants, scholarships, loans and part-time work to fund their education.

Net price calculator

Tuition and fees

First-time, full-time students receiving grants and scholarships
100%

Financial aid application deadline
Early Action, pending release date of new FAFSA; Priority, Feb. 15

FAFSA code
002365

Learn more about financial aid at MCAD.

Back-to-School BBQ. Black and White Ball. Thanksgiving Feast. ValleyScare Field Trip. These are just a few of many student events planned throughout the year as a way for you to unwind and make new friends. Free food is also often involved. In addition, MCAD is home to an endless list of student clubs, allowing you to get a break from your regular schedule, meet new people and maybe even learn a few things, too. Oh, and if none of our existing clubs spark your interest, you can always start your own.

Number of student organizations
50+

Within one year of graduating, 91 percent of MCAD alumni are working, pursuing further education or engaged in military or volunteer service. This is no accident — MCAD’s top-notch curricula gets students focused on their careers early and enables them to successfully transition from student to professional.

Disciplines with largest number of graduates
1. Visual and performing arts
2. Communications technologies/technicians and support services
3. Business, management, marketing, and related support services

Alumni majors
Use LinkedIn’s alumni tool* to explore what MCAD graduates majored in and the types of careers they have and with which companies.

*based only on those who have accounts on LinkedIn