At $36,443/yr net price, Maine College of Art & Design graduates earn $40,778/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,778/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $36,443 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $145,772 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,778/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,778/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 21.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $29,849/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $31,197/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $34,323/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $37,820/yr |
| $110,001+ | $38,490/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $36,992 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $24,808 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $24,035 | $83,358 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $23,456 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $21,736 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
48.7% of students at Maine College of Art & Design graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Maine College of Art & Design delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the $36,443 annual cost. With median post-graduation earnings of just $40,778, you'll barely earn more than the net price of a single year, creating a challenging debt-to-income scenario.
The school's program-specific outcomes reveal stark disparities. Teacher education offers the strongest earning potential, though $36,992 still falls short of making the investment compelling. Design and applied arts graduates earn only $24,808 annually while carrying $27,000 in debt. Fine arts presents the worst financial picture, with some tracks showing graduates earning just $21,736 while shouldering debt loads as high as $83,358.
Your graduation chances stand at less than 50%, meaning nearly half of students pay substantial costs without completing their degree. The 77% retention rate suggests many realize the financial reality after their first year.
Only 26% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited institutional support for managing costs. This creates particular risk if you're middle-income and don't qualify for need-based assistance but struggle with the full price tag.
Consider MECA&D only if you have substantial family financial backing that eliminates debt concerns, or if you're pursuing teacher certification and can secure employment quickly after graduation. The regional job market in Portland offers some creative opportunities, but not at salary levels that support significant educational debt. Most prospective art students should explore more affordable state schools or community college pathways that don't create insurmountable financial burdens for creative careers that typically start with modest incomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maine College of Art & Design worth the cost?
With graduates earning $40,778 annually but paying $36,443 per year, the financial return is questionable. The low 49% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't complete their degree, making this a risky investment.
What programs at Maine College of Art & Design have the best ROI?
Teacher Education graduates earn the most at $36,992, while most art programs pay around $21,000-24,000 annually. Given the high cost of attendance, even the highest-paying programs struggle to justify the expense.
How much debt do Maine College of Art & Design graduates have?
The median debt is $27,000, which is relatively manageable compared to the school's high costs. However, with low starting salaries averaging $40,778, loan payments will still strain most graduates' budgets.
Does Maine College of Art & Design provide good financial aid?
The net price of $36,443 suggests limited financial aid relative to costs. Students should expect to pay close to full price at this school.