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Maine College of Art & Design

MECA&D

Portland, Maine 04101-3494

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Tight-knitUrban

Close-knit campus

Maine College of Art & Design is a private urban institution in Portland, Maine. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.

A small campus of 415 undergraduates with a 8:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

49% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $40,778 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $36,443.

Established
1882
Type
Private art school

Campus Visits

57 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Jun 1 · Campus Visit

Plan Your Visit

Admission Office

522 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101

207-699-5026[email protected]
78%Acceptance
SAT Avg
415Students
8:1Student:Faculty
49%Grad Rate
$40,778Earnings 10yr
$36,443Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate77.5%

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

Admissions

Test-RequiredTracks InterestOn-Campus Interviews

Application Platforms

Common Application

Early Action

December 1

Regular Decision

February 15

Financial Aid

Merit Scholarships

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$41,398
Room & Board$15,650
Books & Supplies$1,250
Total Cost of Attendance$57,027
Average Net Price$36,443
Median Debt at Graduation$27,000
Monthly Payment (10yr)$286

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$29,849
$30–48K$31,197
$48–75K$34,323
$75–110K$37,820
$110K+$38,490

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

29.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

4.0%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$19,000

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

3

Peer Average

3

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus security, emergency notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

1

Burglary

0

Aggravated Assault

0

Robbery

0

Motor Vehicle Theft

0

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

1

Drug Arrests

1

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Academics

Semester
Majors
12
Avg class size
12
Student-faculty ratio
8:1

Programs (8)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

78%

Mixed

Campus Life

No varsity athleticsNo Greek Life

Housing & Residential Life

First-year students

Housing Styles

Artist residence hallsApartments in downtown Portland

Dining

Student Body

Undergrads
415
Gender Split
76% / 24%
Women / Men
First Generation
24%
Pell Grant Recipients
27%

Race & Ethnicity

White 73%
Black 2%
Hispanic 6%
Asian 3%
Two+ 10%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate48.7%
Freshman Retention77.9%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$24,333
10 Years$40,778

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

106Above Average

Estimated from ME state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Bostonpop. 675K
98 mi(170 min)
New Yorkpop. 8.3M
279 mi(484 min)
Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
359 mi(622 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

PWM Portland Jetport3 mi
MHT Manchester-Boston77 mi
BOS Boston Logan97 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA98 mi · ~2h 50m drive
New York, NY279 mi · ~8h 4m drive
Hartford, CT179 mi · ~5h 10m drive
Providence, RI139 mi · ~4h 1m drive
Albany, NY189 mi · ~5h 28m drive
Syracuse, NY299 mi · ~8h 38m drive
Rochester, NY370 mi · ~10h 41m drive
Buffalo, NY437 mi · ~12h 37m drive
Philadelphia, PA359 mi · ~10h 22m drive
Pittsburgh, PA546 mi · ~15h 46m drive
Harrisburg, PA413 mi · ~11h 56m drive
Newark, NJ284 mi · ~8h 12m drive
Trenton, NJ331 mi · ~9h 34m drive
Central (cold winters, warm summers)

Nearby Attractions

Portland Museum of Artwalkable

Maine's largest art museum with extensive New England collection

Old Port Districtwalkable

Historic waterfront area with galleries, shops, and restaurants

First Friday Art Walkwalkable

Monthly art event featuring galleries and studios throughout Portland

Eastern Promenade

Scenic waterfront park with views of Casco Bay

Portland Head Light

Historic lighthouse and Maine's most photographed landmark

Transfer Admission

Minimum credits
12 semester hours

International Students

Deadline Calendar

Maine College of Art & Design Application Checklist

Decision Notifications