Campus Vibe
Public urban college in Boston
Massachusetts College of Art and Design is a public urban institution in Boston, Massachusetts. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A small campus of 1.8K undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
69% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $43,582 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $23,764.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Massachusetts College of Art and Design Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Action
December 1
Regular Decision
February 1
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
49.4%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
14
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Programs (21)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
84%
- •84% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •During the school's first decade, the state rented space for it in several locations, including Boston's Pemberton Square, School Street, and the Deacon House mansion on Washington Street.
- •In 1886, the state built the school's first building at the corner of Exeter and Newbury streets.
- •In 1929 the school was moved to its second built campus at Longwood and Brookline avenues.
- •2016: The Design Innovation program is founded with the launch of the Master of Design, Innovation 2017: David P.
- •2020: Nelson steps down as president and Kymberly Pinder becomes acting president.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Nearby Attractions
Museum of Fine Artswalkable
World-class art museum with free admission for MassArt students
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museumwalkable
Stunning museum in a Venetian-style palace
Fenway Parkwalkable
Historic home of the Boston Red Sox
Back Bay Fenswalkable
Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park with gardens and paths
Symphony Hallwalkable
Home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra
Transfer Admission
International Students
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