Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), established in 1886, is a premier institution for visual arts, animation, and design. Ranked among the top art schools nationally, it fosters creativity through cutting-edge programs.
The campus includes digital fabrication labs, animation studios, and a student-run gallery. Its Minneapolis location provides access to a vibrant arts community and internship opportunities with major design firms.
Minneapolis College of Art and Design Acceptance Rate
Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 48.36%. This means that 48 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Minneapolis College of Art and Design Admission Requirements
MCAD GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at MCAD is 3.29. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A’s and B’s is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
If your GPA is between 2.99 and 3.29, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
MCAD GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at MCAD utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.29, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.29 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.09 – 3.28 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 2.89 – 3.08 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 2.88 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At MCAD, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Minneapolis College of Art and Design Average SAT Score: 1170
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 1170 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1170 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1430 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Minneapolis College of Art and Design allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1110, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to MCAD. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 610 | 540 | 680 |
| SAT Reading | 660 | 570 | 750 |
| SAT Composite | 1170 | 1110 | 1430 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1110 then you are below most of the admitted students at MCAD and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1430 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) with a 1450 SAT?
With a 1450 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) are good but the admission staff at MCAD tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at MCAD is 22.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Minneapolis College of Art and Design slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 22 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 19 | 16 | 22 |
| ACT English | 23 | 20 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 20 | 24 |
Can I get into Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a 24 ACT?
With a 24 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Minneapolis College of Art and Design are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 22.MCAD Profile
Name: Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)
City: Minneapolis
URL: https://mcad.edu/
State: Minnesota
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 55404
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Can I Get Into MCAD Without SAT Or ACT?: Minneapolis College of Art and Design considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Does a degree from MCAD Worth It?
Getting into MCAD can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. MCAD offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at MCAD is USD: 70094.27 and unemployment rate is 2.9%.
How much does a degree from MCAD Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Minneapolis College of Art and Design is USD: 54606. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Minneapolis College of Art and Design is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
40.17% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 73.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to MCAD and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Minneapolis College of Art and Design, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist MCAD as your choice in the form.
How much a MCAD Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 40873. An average MCAD graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Minneapolis College of Art and Design. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee University, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Lynn University, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Florida International University, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| University of West Florida | University of West Florida, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Georgia College & State University | Georgia College & State University, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Georgia State University, GA | 1149 | 23 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Minneapolis College of Art and Design. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah College of Art and Design, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Hawaii Pacific University, HI | 1180 | 25 |
| The College of Idaho | The College of Idaho, ID | 1166 | 24 |
| North Central College | North Central College, IL | 1165 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Minneapolis College of Art and Design. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | California Lutheran University, CA | 1224 | 26 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Design and Applied Arts
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Graphic Communications
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Woodworking
Masters Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Minneapolis College of Art and Design Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $40873 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $54606 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Minneapolis College of Art and Design is 48.36 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.29. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.99, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.99, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 2.99 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 2.89 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Minneapolis College of Art and Design if my GPA is below 2.89
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.29, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Minneapolis College of Art and Design is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1170 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1110-1430
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.