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Maine College of Art & Design

Maine College of Art & Design

Portland, ME · City · 415 students
Website Common App Scorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$38,338
Average net priceYour net price
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
50%
Graduation rate
63% typical
$40,778
Earnings 10 years on
$39,254 typical
76%
Acceptance rate
64% typical · not scored
Accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education
About

Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) is an intimate visual arts institution recognized for its rigorous studio-based curriculum, with standout programs in illustration, graphic design, metalsmithing & jewelry, and animation & game art. Located in the heart of Portland’s vibrant Arts District, the college integrates students directly into the local creative economy through public exhibitions, internships, and community arts initiatives. A defining feature of the MECA&D experience is the provision of guaranteed, dedicated individual studio spaces with 24/7 access for all majors starting in their sophomore year. The student culture is deeply collaborative, entrepreneurial, and community-minded, offering aspiring artists and designers a supportive environment along the scenic Maine coast.

Wikipedia:Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) is a private art school in Portland, Maine. Founded in 1882, Maine College of Art & Design is the oldest arts educational institution in Maine. Roughly 32% of MECA&D students are from Maine. The College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. In August 2021, the institution formerly named Maine College of Art changed its name to Maine College of Art & Design to reflect the school's emphasis on design.

Location
Portland, ME, 04101-3494 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
PWM · Portland ME
2 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$42,942
Housing & food (on campus)$17,184
Books & supplies$1,250
Cost of attendance$60,128
Average net price$38,338
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$42,942
Housing & food (on campus)$17,184
Books & supplies$1,250
Cost of attendance$60,128
Average net price$38,338
Net price by family income
$0–30k
$31,589
$30–48k
$33,075
$48–75k
$35,283
$75–110k
$40,992
$110k+
$42,001
Grants from the school
100% of first-years get a grant from the school, averaging $17,864
Source: College Navigator (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS)
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
50%
Within 4 yrs
47%
Back for yr 2
72%
Transferred
17%
Pell students: 36.6% · others: 62.5% 
8 yrs after starting
45% graduated · 27% transferred · 28% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings
6 yrs after entry$24,333
10 yrs after entry$40,778
Debt
Median at graduation$27,000
Monthly payment$286
Middle 50% owe$5.5k–$27k
90th percentile$31,000
Green marks a figure above the typical Special focus — arts, music & design: $39,254 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in
Admit rate
76%
Test policy
Not required
Admitted students
Admit rate: men 66.1% · women 76.5% 
Yield: 16.1% of admitted students enroll 

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Essay prompts

If Maine College of Art & Design asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 22%Women 78%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
8 : 1
Pell grant
29%
First-gen
24%
Family income
$56,585
Independent
12%
Age at entry
20.0
Part-time
3%
Where first-years come from
In state (ME)
18.0%
Out of state
82.0%
International
0.0%

Most out-of-state first-years from: MA 23 · NH 14 · NY 10 · VT 10 · CT 9

Race & ethnicity
White
78%
Hispanic
7%
Black
1%
Asian
2%
Two or more
7%
Unknown
4%
Varsity sports

No data. This school isn't in the U.S. Department of Education's athletics (EADA) file, so we can't list its teams. That doesn't mean it has none.

Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs
After 6 yrs
$24,333
After 10 yrs
$40,778
Design and Applied Arts33
Fine and Studio Arts22
Graphic Communications14
Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry7
Film/Video and Photographic Arts4
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$18M
Full-time faculty
32%
Faculty salary
$7,529/mo
Teaching spend
$15,840
per student
Federal loans
69%
Classification
Carnegie type
Special focus — arts, music & design
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions

Wondering if Maine College of Art & Design is the right fit for you?

omhu builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search