About Maryland Institute College of Art
The sticker price hits $55,150 for tuition, but most students pay far less. The average net price drops to $38,429 after aid, though only 20.81% of students receive federal grants. Graduates earn a median of $45,212 ten years out, which isn't huge but reflects the reality of creative careers. Most leave with $26,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $281.
Women make up 76.57% of the student body, typical for art schools. The 73.66% four-year graduation rate shows most students finish on time, ready to enter Baltimore's growing creative economy or move to major art centers like New York or Los Angeles.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 15.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 73.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.3%
- Retention Rate
- 85.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,212
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $67,240 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $50,782 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Master | $38,289 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $27,504 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $21,964 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $19,786 |
Campus Life
Baltimore's weather means you'll need both a winter coat and shorts. Summers hit the 80s with humidity, while January averages around 40 degrees with occasional snow. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your work personally, and critiques can feel intense but supportive. Weekends often center around the American Visionary Art Museum nearby or student gallery openings in the campus's multiple exhibition spaces. Since 76.57% of students are women, the social active skews heavily female. Many students spend Saturday afternoons in Baltimore's Inner Harbor or exploring the city's street art scene that complements their studio practice.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 997 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–46°F
- July Avg
- 75°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 23.4%
- Women
- 76.6%
- White
- 33.2%
- Black
- 11.8%
- Hispanic
- 9.9%
- Asian
- 11.3%
- In-State Students
- 29.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.8%
Location
- Address
- Baltimore, Maryland 21217-4134
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,212
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $38,805
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 73.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $281/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Maryland Institute College of Art?
MICA accepts 79.58% of applicants, making it more accessible than many top art schools. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 967-1362 on the SAT. This reflects the school's focus on portfolio strength over standardized test scores.
How much does Maryland Institute College of Art cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $38,429 after aid, down from the total cost of $76,574. Only 20.81% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating a relatively affluent student body. The typical graduate leaves with $26,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $281.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Maryland Institute College of Art?
MICA maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,319 total students. This intimate setting allows for intensive studio critiques and mentorship that art students need. The school's small size fosters close relationships between students and working professional artists on faculty.
What do graduates of Maryland Institute College of Art earn after graduation?
MICA graduates earn a median of $45,212 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 90.4%, reflecting strong demand for skilled artists and designers. Notable alumni include contemporary artist Jeff Koons and Wire creator David Simon, showing the school's reach across fine arts and media.
Where is Maryland Institute College of Art located and what is campus life like?
MICA sits in Baltimore, offering urban opportunities for art students in a large city setting. The school houses 997 students on campus out of 1,319 total enrollment. Baltimore's arts scene and proximity to Washington DC provide internships and cultural experiences that complement studio education.
Does Maryland Institute College of Art have a diverse student body?
Women make up 76.57% of MICA's student body, typical for art schools. The school draws students nationally, with only 29.07% from Maryland. White students represent 33.21% of enrollment, while Black, Hispanic, and Asian students comprise 11.83%, 9.86%, and 11.30% respectively.
