Maine College of Art & Design: 74.0% Acceptance Rate

74.0%Acceptance

$41,398Tuition

415Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,778Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Maine College of Art & Design

Maine College of Art & Design focuses entirely on art education, training students in fine arts, graphic design, and illustration since 1882. With just 415 students in Portland's small but creative city setting, this is one of the few schools where you'll find nothing but aspiring artists. The student body is 76% women, and most students come from out of state (79%), drawn to MECA&D's specialized programs and tight-knit community. Classes stay small with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, meaning professors know your work personally.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $36,443 after aid, which is substantial for a school where graduates earn a median of $25,999 in their first year after college. Even ten years out, median earnings reach only $40,778. Graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, leading to monthly loan payments of $286. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $29,849, but the earning potential remains limited compared to other fields.

Only 49% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many art students face completing their programs. However, 93% of graduates find employment, showing that the school's training does lead to jobs in creative fields, even if the pay starts low.

Academics & Faculty

Maine College of Art & Design focuses entirely on visual arts education, offering programs in fine arts, graphic design, illustration, and other creative fields. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get close mentorship from working artists and designers who know your name and your work. About 49% of students graduate within four years, which is typical for art schools where many students take gap years for internships or studio time. The college attracts serious artists who want intensive studio practice rather than general education requirements. Students spend most of their time in studios, workshops, and critiques rather than lecture halls, preparing for careers as professional artists, designers, or arts educators.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 28.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 48.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.7%
Retention Rate: 77.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,778

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$36,992
Design and Applied Arts.	Bachelor	$24,808
Fine and Studio Arts.	Master	$24,035
Film/Video and Photographic Arts.	Bachelor	$23,456
Fine and Studio Arts.	Bachelor	$21,736

View all 8 programs →

Campus Life

Maine College of Art & Design sits in Portland's Arts District, where students can walk to galleries, coffee shops, and the historic Old Port waterfront. With only 344 students able to live on campus and total enrollment at 415, most students find off-campus housing in Portland's neighborhoods. The city offers internships and job opportunities that many art schools lack, plus you're only two hours from Boston when you need big-city energy.

Maine winters are real. You'll need serious winter gear from November through March, but students say the snow makes the brick buildings and cobblestone streets look like a movie set. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your work. Studios stay open late, and you'll often find classmates painting or sculpting past midnight. Weekend life revolves around First Friday Art Walks, where students show their work alongside professional artists. With 75.90% women, the school has a collaborative rather than competitive feel. Portland's food scene gives students plenty of places to decompress after critiques.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 344 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1882

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 15°–32°F
July Avg: 61°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.1"
Annual Snowfall: 68.7"

Student Demographics

Maine College of Art & Design draws serious art students from across the country, with about 80% coming from out of state to study in Portland's creative scene. The student body is three-quarters women, which reflects the gender patterns you see at most art schools. With one in four students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves a mix of economic backgrounds, though the $41,398 tuition means many families are making significant financial commitments. These are students who chose a specialized art education over a traditional liberal arts path, often knowing exactly what creative field they want to pursue.

Men: 24.1%
Women: 75.9%
White: 73.5%
Black: 1.7%
Hispanic: 6.3%
Asian: 2.7%
In-State Students: 20.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.6%

Location

Maine College of Art & Design sits in Portland, Maine's largest city with about 68,000 people. Portland is 100 miles north of Boston, making it accessible but distinctly separate from major metropolitan areas. The city sits on Casco Bay and is known for its thriving arts scene, craft breweries, and historic Old Port district filled with galleries and creative spaces. This coastal setting gives art students access to natural inspiration and a community that values creativity. With 20.93% of students coming from in-state, most travel from other states to study here. Students considering colleges in Maine may also compare Maine College of Art & Design with similar schools in the region.

Address: Portland, Maine 04101-3494

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,778
Median Earnings (5 years): $34,439
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 66.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Maine College of Art & Design?

Maine College of Art & Design accepts 73.96% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a specialized art school. The college attracts students primarily interested in visual arts, with strong programs in graphic design and illustration that have built its reputation over more than 140 years.

How much does Maine College of Art & Design cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $36,443 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $29,849 net price, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full $58,298 total cost of attendance.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Maine College of Art & Design?

The student-faculty ratio is 8:1, providing intensive mentorship typical of specialized art colleges. With only 415 total students, the school creates a close-knit community where students work directly with practicing artists and designers.

What do graduates of Maine College of Art & Design earn after college?

Alumni earn a median of $40,778 ten years after graduation, with 93.2% finding employment in their field. The college's location in Portland's active arts district helps students build professional networks in creative industries throughout their studies.

Where do students live at Maine College of Art & Design?

The college houses 344 students on campus, accommodating most of its small student body in downtown Portland. Room and board costs $15,650 annually, placing students in the heart of Maine's largest city and cultural center.

Is Maine College of Art & Design predominantly female?

Women make up 75.90% of the student body, reflecting broader gender patterns in art education. The college has maintained this creative focus since 1882, developing from a small art school into Maine's top institution for visual arts education.