About

About Minneapolis College of Art and Design

art and design focusedsmall studio environmentprivate art collegecareer technical emphasislow student faculty ratio

Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a community college in Minneapolis, MN, known for its art and design focused, small studio environment, and private art college. With an acceptance rate of 57%, Minneapolis College of Art and Design is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 160 students each year. Minneapolis College of Art and Design is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1170–1380, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Minneapolis College of Art and Design offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $27,267 per year; the sticker price of $55,702 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Minneapolis College of Art and Design acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

57%
Overall Accept Rate
1275
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1170 – 1380 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 19 – 27

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Minneapolis College of Art and Design

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
MCAD's admissions process centers heavily on your portfolio, so submit 15 to 20 pieces that show range across different media and techniques rather than repeating the same style. Include process sketches or work-in-progress images where possible to demonstrate how you think and develop ideas.
Essay Strategy
Write your personal statement around a specific project or creative problem you solved, since MCAD faculty want to understand your artistic voice and process, not just your list of accomplishments. Ground your statement in concrete details about materials, decisions, and what you discovered.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Minneapolis College of Art and Design actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$56k/yr$23.7k
30k-48k~$56k/yr$23.9k
48k-75k~$56k/yr$26.6k
75k-110k~$56k/yr$33.0k
110k+~$56k/yr$34.3k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

69%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$35k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
645
Undergrad Enrollment
Minneapolis College of Art and Design Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch