About Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Students pay an average of $27,514 after financial aid, less than the $42,268 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $41,174 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $27,000. Monthly loan payments average $286, manageable for creative professionals who often start with lower salaries but build earning potential over time. About 77% of students take federal loans, while 25% receive institutional grants averaging $24,731.
Women comprise 79% of the student body, typical for art schools nationwide. The 83% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the hands-on curriculum. About 53% of students come from Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community with Midwest values. Housing accommodates 450 students in downtown Milwaukee, where galleries and design firms provide internship opportunities. The 95% employment rate demonstrates strong industry connections that help graduates launch creative careers.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 41.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.3%
- Retention Rate
- 83.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,174
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $37,363 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
Campus Life
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate studio environment where professors know every student's work. Women make up 79% of the student body, creating a predominantly female creative community. Weekends often revolve around art events in the Third Ward, visits to the Milwaukee Art Museum, or collaborative projects in the 24-hour studio spaces. Students frequently showcase work at local galleries and coffee shops throughout the city. The employment rate of 95.5% reflects strong connections between student portfolios and Milwaukee's design industry. Many students intern at local agencies or freelance while completing their degrees, building professional networks before graduation.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 450 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1974
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–30°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 52.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 20.8%
- Women
- 79.2%
- White
- 65.1%
- Black
- 5.7%
- Hispanic
- 16.9%
- Asian
- 4.3%
- In-State Students
- 53.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.4%
Location
- Address
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-6003
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,174
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,877
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design?
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design accepts 63.97% of applicants. The school focuses on finding students passionate about specialized art and design fields rather than maintaining extremely selective admissions. With 883 students enrolled, MIAD maintains an intimate creative community where aspiring artists can develop their craft.
How much does Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $27,514 after financial aid at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. The sticker price is $42,268 for tuition, but 36.38% of students receive financial aid to help offset costs. Graduates typically leave with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286.
What is the student-faculty ratio like at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design?
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. This allows for intensive studio instruction and personalized mentorship that art students need to develop their technical skills. The small class sizes reflect MIAD's commitment to hands-on learning in fine arts, graphic design, and industrial design programs.
What are job prospects like for Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design graduates?
MIAD graduates have a 95.5% employment rate and earn a median of $41,174 ten years after graduation. Creative fields can be competitive, but the school's specialized training in art and design helps students build portfolios for professional success. About 60.16% of students graduate within four years.
Where do students live at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design?
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design has housing capacity for 450 students with room and board costing $10,430. The campus sits in the heart of Milwaukee, giving art students access to the city's galleries, museums, and creative community. About 53.08% of students come from Wisconsin, creating a mix of local and out-of-state perspectives.
Is Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design diverse in terms of gender?
Women make up 79.16% of students at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, while men represent 20.84%. This gender distribution reflects broader trends in art education where women outnumber men. The student body is 65.12% white with growing diversity, including 16.87% Hispanic and 5.66% Black students.
