Maine College of Art & Design
Maine College of Art & Design is a private nonprofit university in Portland, ME ranked #1893 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of D+, enrolling about 415 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 76.1%. Students most often pursue Design and Applied Arts and Fine and Studio Arts.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, 71.7% first-year retention, and 51.5% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $38,338, about $21,340 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -84.1%, roughly 169.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $24,333. That's about $19,355 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Maine College of Art & Design Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Maine College of Art & Design graduates 51.5% of students within six years and keeps 71.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Maine College of Art & Design's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $42,942 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,184 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,100 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $60,128 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 28.6% of Maine College of Art & Design students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $31,589 to $42,001 depending on family income. Use Maine College of Art & Design's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $40,992/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $42,001/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $24,333
- 10-Year Median Earnings $24,333
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 66.2%
- Employment Rate 17.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Maine College of Art & Design graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Maine College of Art & Design vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Maine College of Art & Design's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Maine College of Art & Design's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Maine College of Art & Design graduates earn $24,333 median, the -84.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 415
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 71.7%
- Graduation Rate 51.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 8:1
How to Get Into Maine College of Art & Design
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Maine College of Art & Design requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 76.1%, Maine College of Art & Design is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 76.1% acceptance rate, Maine College of Art & Design is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Maine College of Art & Design undergraduates. Design and Applied Arts, Fine and Studio Arts, and Graphic Communications draw the most students.
- Design and Applied Arts 42.7%
- Fine and Studio Arts 32.0%
- Graphic Communications 14.6%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 8.7%
- Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry 1.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Design and Applied Arts $37,416
- 2. Fine and Studio Arts $33,351
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degree) $29,954
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Design and Applied Arts grads earn $37,416—12% more than Fine and Studio Arts ($33,351). Graduate: Fine and Studio Arts programs lead with $29,954 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Maine College of Art & Design. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 44 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 33 graduates)
- Journalism (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 23 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Graphic Communications (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (5 programs)▼
- Design and Applied Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Graphic Communications
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Journalism
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 415
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 21.9%
- Female Students 78.1%
- Caucasian 77.6%
- Asian 2.4%
- Hispanic 7.2%
- Black 0.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 28.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Maine College of Art & Design's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Maine College of Art & Design's undergraduate population. Women make up 78.1% of the student body, while men represent 21.9%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Maine College of Art & Design support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Maine College of Art & Design, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 77.6% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 78.1% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Maine College of Art & Design support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Maine College of Art & Design, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Maine College of Art & Design offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -84.1% ROI. Ranked #1893 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $38,338 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $24,333 median earnings. With 51.5% graduating within six years and 71.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Maine College of Art & Design's Positioning
With a D+ grade and #1893 ranking, Maine College of Art & Design competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $38,338 annually, Maine College of Art & Design charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 71.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $26,837 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -84.1% ROI and $24,333 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $28,338+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Maine College of Art & Design ranks #1893 of 1942 institutions, with 1730 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 51.5% six-year graduation rate sits 11.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 71.7% first-year retention is 5.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -84.1% return on investment is 169.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $24,333 run about 44% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $38,338 is roughly $18,320 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 71.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 17.4% employment rate within three years sits 50.8 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $38,338 is about $18,320 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 28.6% trails the national share by 5.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Portland, ME, Maine College of Art & Design operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a D+ from EDsmart. It appears at #1893 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns B-, Support B+, Career Outcomes D-, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 71.7% of first-year students return, and roughly 51.5% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -84.1% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $38,338 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $60,128.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $21,790 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 28.6% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $24,333 six years after enrollment. That sits about 44% below the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 17.4%.
The ROI comes in near -84.1%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
76.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Maine College of Art & Design admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Portland, ME 04101-3494
- Website www.meca.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$15.5M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate5.1%