Montserrat College of Art: $39,000 Tuition

$39,000Tuition

261Students

62%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,022Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Montserrat College of Art

Montserrat College of Art draws serious studio artists to its Beverly campus just north of Boston. With only 261 students, this specialized art school maintains an intimate creative community where three-quarters of students are women. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means direct mentorship from working artists. Montserrat has built its reputation on hands-on studio practice rather than art theory, preparing students for careers as practicing artists and designers.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average of $34,725 after aid, though families earning under $48,000 see lower costs. Recent graduates earn a median of $33,022 ten years out, which creates challenges given the typical $27,000 in student debt. Monthly loan payments of $286 represent a substantial portion of early-career artist income. About 77% of students need federal loans to cover costs.

The campus houses 243 students in a suburban setting that offers both creative focus and access to Boston's art scene. Women make up 75% of the student body, creating a distinctly different active than most colleges. The 61.5% graduation rate reflects both the intensity of art education and the reality that some students transfer to different programs or leave to pursue professional opportunities.

Academics & Faculty

Montserrat specializes in studio arts and design programs, giving students intensive hands-on training in visual arts. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means personalized attention from practicing artists and designers who serve as mentors. Students focus on disciplines like painting, sculpture, graphic design, and illustration rather than traditional liberal arts courses. The 61.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of art education and the reality that some students transfer or pivot careers. Small class sizes allow for detailed critiques and individual guidance on portfolio development. Faculty work closely with the 261 students to develop their artistic voice and prepare them for careers in creative fields.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 37.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 61.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 61.5%
Retention Rate: 75.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,022
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Fine and Studio Arts.	Bachelor	$21,964
Design and Applied Arts.	Bachelor	$21,899

View all 7 programs →

Campus Life

Montserrat's 261 students create an intimate artistic community where everyone knows each other. The campus sits in Beverly, about 25 miles north of Boston, making city trips possible but not daily occurrences. With housing for 243 students and total enrollment of 261, nearly everyone lives on campus in a tight-knit environment. New England winters mean heavy coats and snow boots are essential gear alongside art supplies.

The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your work intimately and critique sessions feel more like mentorship than lectures. Women make up 75% of the student body, reflecting broader art school demographics. Weekends revolve around studio time, with many students treating their art-making as a seven-day commitment rather than Monday-through-Friday classes. The small size means school-sponsored events draw most of the campus, from visiting artist talks to student exhibition openings. Beverly's seaside location provides ocean views and beach access when students need breaks from their studios, though most social life happens within the college's creative bubble.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 243 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1970

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–34°F
July Avg: 60°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 93.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Three-quarters of students are women, reflecting the college's strength in studio arts where female artists have found a supportive creative community. About half the 261 students come from Massachusetts, showing Montserrat's solid reputation among local families seeking affordable art education. One-third receive Pell Grants, making this small Beverly campus accessible to working-class students pursuing creative careers. The intimate scale means everyone knows each other across painting, sculpture, and design studios. Students here are serious about their craft but value collaboration over competition in their artistic development.

Men: 24.9%
Women: 75.1%
White: 63.6%
Black: 4.6%
Hispanic: 15.3%
Asian: 3.1%
In-State Students: 52.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.8%

Location

Montserrat College of Art sits in Beverly, Massachusetts, roughly 25 miles northeast of Boston. The North Shore location puts students near historic Salem and scenic coastal communities. Beverly blends suburban residential areas with access to beaches along Massachusetts Bay. The region attracts artists drawn to the area's maritime history and New England charm. Students can reach Boston's museums and galleries within an hour by train or car. The college's 261 students experience a small-town setting while maintaining connections to the broader Boston arts scene. Beverly's proximity to both nature and urban cultural resources creates an appealing environment for creative students.

Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Montserrat College of Art with similar schools in the region.

Address: Beverly, Massachusetts 01915-4508

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,022
Median Earnings (5 years): $34,625
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 58.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student-faculty ratio at Montserrat College of Art?

Montserrat maintains an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio with only 261 students enrolled. This intimate setting allows art students to work closely with professional artists and receive personalized critiques on their studio work.

How much does Montserrat College of Art cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $34,725 annually, though this varies by family income. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay around $25,745-$30,337, while the sticker price of $56,375 includes room and board.

What are the graduation rates at Montserrat College of Art?

About 61.5% of students graduate within six years, which reflects the challenging nature of intensive studio art programs. The college retains 75.5% of first-year students, showing most who start are committed to completing their artistic training.

How much do Montserrat College of Art graduates typically earn?

Recent graduates earn a median of $33,022 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $286. The employment rate reaches 92.3%, as the college's focus on practical studio skills helps graduates find work in creative industries.

Where do Montserrat College of Art students come from?

About 52% of students are Massachusetts residents, while the rest come from across the country to study in Beverly. Women make up 75% of the student body, reflecting broader trends in art school enrollment.

Does Montserrat College of Art provide on-campus housing?

The college houses 243 students on campus, which covers nearly the entire enrollment of 261. Room and board costs $15,475 annually, and the close-knit residential community helps foster artistic collaboration among students.