Overview
Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The school accepts 56.9% of applicants and enrolls 701 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 56.9%
- Average SAT
- 1,275
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,170–1,380
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 23
- Total Enrollment
- 701
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Your portfolio carries more weight than your grades at Minneapolis College of Art and Design, so spend months perfecting those 15-20 pieces that showcase your artistic range and technical skills. The admissions committee wants to see both finished work and process documentation, including sketches and iterations that reveal how you think through creative problems.
MCAD's comic arts program stands out nationally, offering specialized tracks in graphic novels, webcomics, and illustration that connect directly to Minneapolis's active comics scene. If you're interested in sustainable design, mention the college's emphasis on socially responsible art practice, which permeates programs from furniture design to fine arts. The entrepreneurship focus also sets MCAD apart,students regularly launch creative businesses while still enrolled.
Submit your application by December 1st for the best scholarship consideration, though MCAD accepts applications through July on a rolling basis. You'll complete the standard application plus upload your portfolio through SlideRoom. No separate essays are required beyond the Common App personal statement, but use that space to explain your artistic development and why you need MCAD's specific resources.
Campus culture revolves around making,studios stay open 24/7, and you'll find students working at all hours. The small size means you'll know your professors personally and collaborate across disciplines regularly. Students tend to be independent, experimental, and comfortable with critique. If you prefer traditional lecture-heavy classes or need extensive academic support services, larger universities might suit you better.
Visit during National Portfolio Day if possible, when MCAD faculty review work and provide feedback on campus. Connect with current students through Instagram and attend virtual info sessions to understand how different majors approach their craft. Research Minneapolis's art scene beforehand,the Walker Art Center, numerous galleries, and design firms provide internship opportunities that MCAD students access regularly. Your application should reflect awareness of how you'll use the city's resources alongside the college's specialized facilities.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $25,935/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $43,824
- Students Receiving Aid
- 40%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.2%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $40,873/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 81.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Minneapolis College of Art and Design require SAT or ACT scores?
MCAD has a test-optional admissions policy. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores with their application.
What is the application deadline for Minneapolis College of Art and Design?
MCAD has rolling admissions with a priority deadline of February 15 for fall admission. Applications received after this date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Does Minneapolis College of Art and Design offer early decision or early action?
MCAD does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applications are processed through their rolling admissions system.
What portfolio requirements does Minneapolis College of Art and Design have?
MCAD requires a portfolio of 15-20 pieces of original artwork demonstrating technical skill and creative development. The portfolio must be submitted digitally through SlideRoom as part of the application.