Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.2%
- Retention Rate
- 81.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $40,873
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 66.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $28,236 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $25,967 | $26,950 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $25,967 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $22,192 | $27,000 |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $18,771 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Graduates earn a median of $40,873 ten years after leaving, creating a debt-to-income ratio of 66% with typical debt loads of $27,000. Monthly loan payments of $286 consume about 8.4% of gross income, which is manageable but higher than the national average of 6-7%. The 94.7% employment rate reflects strong demand for MCAD's specialized training in graphic design, illustration, and multimedia arts. Many alumni enter advertising agencies, design studios, or freelance creative work. The 66.33% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle with income volatility common in creative fields. While the college delivers solid career preparation, the financial return represents an average investment given the premium tuition and modest starting salaries typical of art careers.