
Overview
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
Student body profile
Learn more about MCAD’s community of equal opportunities and inclusivity.
Academics
Learning options
Intercampus agreements
Internships
Study abroad/away (see details below)
Study abroad/away
When studying off campus, MCAD students have the chance to learn from new faculty members and peers while also oftentimes fulfilling your major requirements. Plus, it's affordable. Your tuition stays the exact same as what you pay to attend MCAD, including scholarships and financial aid.
The Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) Exchange program offers you the chance to study at any AICAD school in the US, Canada, Israel, China, the UK and Singapore. As part of this exchange program, MCAD students can spend a semester at one of the art and design colleges affiliated with AICAD.
I decided to come to MCAD because of its wide range of facilities and the introduction to many different mediums and ways of thinking.
Chance Tatum
Admissions
Cost & financial aid
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.
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.
Student activities
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+
Types of student organizations
Academic clubs
Cultural or ethnic
Religious
Student interest/hobbies
Fine art offerings
Theater & Dance
Comedy / Improv
Dance Team / Club
Theater club
After graduation
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
Contact information
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Office of Admissions
2501 Stevens Avenue
Minneapolis, MN55404
United States
Phone612-874-3760
Toll-free800-874-6223
Fax612-874-3701
Email[email protected]
Websitehttps://www.mcad.edu/