Minneapolis College of Art and Design SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
MCAD is test-optional, but ACT scores still appear often enough to matter, with 21% of students submitting them. Aim for the upper end of the 21–29 ACT range before sending scores; for the SAT, 1380 is the comparable high-end target.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Minneapolis College of Art and Design facts and stats
Minneapolis College of Art and Design is an urban art and design college with an undergraduate enrollment of 720 students. MCAD has a freshman retention rate of 75%, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 51%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
Minneapolis, MN
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Key Minneapolis College of Art and Design application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
April 1
Early Action
December 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
February 15
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional MCAD, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and leave the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes. For the December 1 Early Action deadline, October is typically the last SAT or ACT sitting whose scores will arrive in time, and it gives you one more chance to improve a superscore.
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What you'll actually pay
MCAD is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students, with tuition and fees of $45,484. Among students receiving aid, the average merit award is $16,859, and 86% of students receive aid. Submit the FAFSA by March 1 for priority consideration.
MCAD’s estimated total cost of attendance is $62,034, including $45,484 in tuition and fees and $16,550 for room and board. Financial aid is common, with 86% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $31,092. The average merit award is $16,859. Graduates leave with an average debt of $40,898.
Student life at Minneapolis College of Art and Design
39% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
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