About Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Massachusetts College of Art and Design has shaped creative careers since 1873, making it one of America's oldest independent art schools. The college enrolls 1,812 students in Boston's active arts scene, where future artists and designers master everything from traditional fine arts to modern digital media. Notable graduates include photographer Annie Leibovitz and filmmaker David Lynch, who built their legendary careers on foundations laid here. The 78.64% acceptance rate reflects the school's commitment to nurturing artistic talent across diverse backgrounds.
Students pay an average net price of $23,764, which varies dramatically by family income from $14,993 for the lowest-income families to $31,058 for the highest earners. Graduates earn a median of $43,582 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $25,755 with monthly payments around $273. The financial picture improves over time, as five-year median earnings reach $46,425, making the investment more sustainable for working artists.
Women comprise 74.94% of the student body, reflecting art education's gender trends nationwide. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship crucial for developing artistic skills. With an 83.99% retention rate and 91.8% employment rate, students typically stay engaged and find work in their creative fields after graduation.
Students pay an average net price of $23,764, which varies dramatically by family income from $14,993 for the lowest-income families to $31,058 for the highest earners. Graduates earn a median of $43,582 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $25,755 with monthly payments around $273. The financial picture improves over time, as five-year median earnings reach $46,425, making the investment more sustainable for working artists.
Women comprise 74.94% of the student body, reflecting art education's gender trends nationwide. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship crucial for developing artistic skills. With an 83.99% retention rate and 91.8% employment rate, students typically stay engaged and find work in their creative fields after graduation.
Academics & Faculty
MassArt is one of America's oldest independent art schools, tracing its roots to 1873. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means intensive mentorship in studios and critiques. With 67.71% of students graduating in four years, the focused curriculum demands commitment but delivers results. The college specializes in fine arts and design education across disciplines like painting, sculpture, graphic design, and film. Notable alumni including photographer Annie Leibovitz and filmmaker David Lynch showcase the school's creative pedigree. Students work directly with practicing artists who understand both traditional techniques and contemporary markets. The public status keeps costs lower than private art schools while maintaining professional-grade facilities and equipment.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 99.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 67.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.2%
- Retention Rate
- 84.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,582
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Certificate | $42,682 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $41,565 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $38,721 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $34,298 |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Master | $33,993 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $32,563 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $25,932 |
Campus Life
MassArt students navigate a bustling urban campus in the heart of Boston's Fenway neighborhood, just minutes from strong museums and galleries. With housing capacity for only 940 students and total enrollment of 1,812, about half of students live on campus while others scatter throughout the city's neighborhoods. Boston winters demand heavy coats and boots as students trek between studios, but spring brings outdoor sketching sessions in nearby parks.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your work intimately, critiquing pieces late into studio hours. Women make up 74.94% of the student body, creating a collaborative atmosphere where peer feedback flows freely. Weekends often blur into weekdays as students lose themselves in painting, sculpture, or digital media projects. The Mastodons gather for visiting artist lectures and student exhibitions that showcase everything from traditional fine arts to modern design work. Many students venture into Boston's active arts scene, visiting the Museum of Fine Arts or catching shows in local galleries where they might spot their own professors' work on display.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your work intimately, critiquing pieces late into studio hours. Women make up 74.94% of the student body, creating a collaborative atmosphere where peer feedback flows freely. Weekends often blur into weekdays as students lose themselves in painting, sculpture, or digital media projects. The Mastodons gather for visiting artist lectures and student exhibitions that showcase everything from traditional fine arts to modern design work. Many students venture into Boston's active arts scene, visiting the Museum of Fine Arts or catching shows in local galleries where they might spot their own professors' work on display.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 940 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1873
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–37°F
- July Avg
- 64°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 49.2"
Student Demographics
Three-quarters of students are women, reflecting the school's strength in fields like fashion design, textiles, and fine arts that have traditionally attracted more female students. With 1,812 enrolled students and a 78% acceptance rate, MassArt draws primarily from Massachusetts and New England, creating a tight-knit community of local artists. The student body is predominantly white but increasingly diverse, with growing Hispanic and Asian populations. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, making this public art college accessible to working-class families seeking professional arts training.
- Men
- 25.1%
- Women
- 74.9%
- White
- 54.7%
- Black
- 4.1%
- Hispanic
- 14.5%
- Asian
- 6.8%
- In-State Students
- 78.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.6%
Location
Massachusetts College of Art and Design sits in Boston, one of America's most college-dense cities. The school occupies the Fenway Cultural District, surrounded by strong museums including the Museum of Fine Arts and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Boston's thriving arts scene provides endless internship and exhibition opportunities for the college's 1,812 students. The city's compact layout makes everything walkable or accessible by subway. Winter temperatures average in the 30s, while summers reach the 70s. The nearby Back Bay and South End neighborhoods showcase Victorian architecture that inspires many art students. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Massachusetts College of Art and Design with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Boston, Massachusetts 02115-5882
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,582
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,425
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $273/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,755
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
MassArt accepts 78.64% of applicants, making it relatively accessible for a specialized art school. The school prioritizes portfolio quality and artistic potential over test scores, drawing students who are serious about visual arts careers.
How much does Massachusetts College of Art and Design cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $23,764 annually, with significant savings for lower-income families who pay around $15,000. As one of the few public art colleges in the country, MassArt offers professional arts training at a fraction of private art school costs.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
Students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring close mentorship in studio classes. The school's hands-on approach reflects its 150-year commitment to practical arts education and professional development.
What do graduates of Massachusetts College of Art and Design typically earn?
Alumni earn a median of $43,582 ten years after graduation, with 91.8% finding employment in their fields. The school has produced notable artists like photographer Annie Leibovitz and filmmaker David Lynch, demonstrating its pipeline to creative careers.
Where is Massachusetts College of Art and Design located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Boston's active arts district with housing for 940 students out of 1,812 total enrollment. Students tap into Boston's rich museum scene and gallery networks while building their artistic practice in the city.
Is Massachusetts College of Art and Design diverse in its student body?
Women comprise 74.94% of students, reflecting trends in contemporary art education. The school draws 78.55% of students from Massachusetts while maintaining racial diversity with significant Hispanic (14.46%) and Asian (6.84%) populations.
