Organizer Information
Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) is an independent college of art and design located in Portland, Maine, United States. The institution offers undergraduate and graduate education in studio art, teacher education, documentary storytelling, and related creative disciplines. Its academic offerings include the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Arts in Education (MAEd), and graduate certificates. The college also provides pre-college, continuing education, and online learning opportunities.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D)
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, pre-college, continuing education
- Degrees Offered: BFA, MFA, MAT, MAEd; graduate certificates
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Studio Art, Art Education, Documentary Studies, Film, Radio and Podcasting, Nonfiction Writing, Arts Leadership, Expressive Arts Therapy
- Relevant Programs: Bachelor of Fine Arts; Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art; Master of Arts in Teaching; Master of Arts in Education (Online); Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies; Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration (Online); Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy (Online)
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Varies by program and entry term
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026 onward, depending on program and entry term
- Start of Studies: Spring and fall 2027; online program schedules vary
- Application Fee: $70 for MFA, MAT and Salt applications; $40 for Pre-College
- Tuition: From $26,460 per year for MAT; BFA and MFA tuition is $44,760 per year
- Funding: Merit scholarships, need-based aid and program-specific awards are available
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- MECA&D offers programs for artists, designers, educators, and documentary storytellers. The BFA provides undergraduate studio-based education, while the MFA focuses on advanced studio practice. The MAT prepares artists for K–12 art education. Documentary Studies applicants can choose Radio & Podcasting, Short Film, or Nonfiction Writing.
- The MAEd and online graduate certificates provide further study in education, arts leadership and administration, and expressive arts therapy. Admission criteria differ by program. The Salt Graduate Certificate welcomes applicants with hands-on storytelling experience in audio, video, or writing; applicants do not need to present distribution-ready work.
General Eligibility
MECA&D welcomes domestic and international applicants. Eligibility depends on the selected program and study level.
- BFA: Applicants submit academic records and a portfolio. First-year applicants may provide a high school diploma, GED, or HiSET; transfer applicants must submit college transcripts for credit evaluation.
- MFA: Applicants demonstrate an established or developing studio practice through a portfolio and supporting application materials.
- MAT: Applicants submit a portfolio, academic records, and participate in a virtual interview.
- Salt Graduate Certificate: Applicants demonstrate storytelling experience and submit two narrative nonfiction work samples.
- Online graduate programs: Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their selected degree or certificate.
International applicants to on-campus programs must also meet English-language and immigration-documentation requirements.
Educational Background
- BFA applicants must provide a high school transcript or GED/HiSET documentation. Transfer applicants must provide transcripts from previously attended colleges; transfer credits are assessed under the institution's stated accreditation, course-level, credit and grade criteria.
- Graduate applicants must submit official college transcripts. The specific prior-degree and academic requirements depend on the program. The published Salt admissions criteria emphasize storytelling experience, portfolio quality, personal essay and academic achievement.
Language Requirements
- International applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an accepted alternative.
- MECA&D publishes the following minimum scores for relevant international admissions routes:
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| TOEFL paper-based | 550 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 |
| Pearson PTE | 53 |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 |
Accepted alternatives include specified US high-school or college English coursework and qualifying study at an English-speaking higher-education institution. Exact exemption conditions depend on the program and supporting documentation.
Application fees
| Program | Application fee | Waiver |
|---|---|---|
| BFA | $70 | Common App fee-waiver options |
| MFA | $70 | Request through Graduate Admissions |
| MAT | $70 | Request through Graduate Admissions |
| Salt Graduate Certificate | $70 | Request through Graduate Admissions |
| Pre-College | $40 | No waiver confirmed on the cited fee page |
| Online MAEd | $70 | Check the program's fee-waiver eligibility |
Tuition
| Program | Tuition | Billing structure | Additional costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| BFA | $44,760 | Annual; $22,380 per semester full-time | Technology and services fee: $750/year; lab fees estimated at $675/year; health insurance estimated at $3,550 |
| MFA | $44,760 | Annual; $14,920 per trimester | Enrollment fee $300; technology fee $275; studio fee $180; other fees and estimated insurance apply |
| MAT | $26,460 | Annual; $13,230 per semester | Enrollment fee $300; technology fee $200; lab fees estimated at $100; insurance and other fees apply |
| Salt Graduate Certificate | $13,280 | 16 credits at $830 per credit | Enrollment fee $300; technology fee $200; transcript fee $50; insurance and housing costs may apply |
| Online MAEd | $720 per credit | 30 credits | Technology fee $100 per e-term; estimated tuition and fees $22,100–$22,500 |
| Online Graduate Certificates in Arts Leadership and Administration and Expressive Arts Therapy | $720 per credit | 12 credits per certificate | Technology fee $100 per e-term; estimated tuition and fees $9,040 per certificate |
- For the BFA, the published annual total including estimated room and board, listed fees, and estimated health insurance is $67,215. The MFA's published annual total is $72,390, including estimated housing and insurance. These totals include estimates and should not be interpreted as tuition alone. Valid outside health insurance may qualify students for a waiver of the institution's insurance charge.
Funding & Financial Support
MECA&D offers merit-based scholarships and other financial assistance, with eligibility depending on the program and applicant category.
- BFA: First-year merit scholarships typically range from $15,000 to $23,000 per year. Transfer scholarships typically range from $13,000 to $21,000 per year. One renewable full-tuition scholarship is awarded annually to an eligible first-time freshman applying by 1 February.
- MFA: Merit scholarships cover 10–50% of annual tuition and may be renewed for both years. One full-tuition scholarship is offered per admissions cycle.
- MAT: Admitted students automatically receive an institutional scholarship of $1,000–$4,000, based on application strength and interview.
- Online MAEd and graduate certificates: Merit- and need-based funding is available; the online programs are eligible for federal financial aid.
- Salt Graduate Certificate: Scholarship opportunities include the Spotify Studios Union Scholarship.
- Pre-College: Limited need-based scholarships are available.
Federal financial aid eligibility depends on the relevant program and applicant circumstances. International applicants should verify their eligibility for each award before relying on it in a financial plan.
University Services & Academic Support
- MECA&D provides admissions counseling, portfolio reviews, virtual information sessions, campus tours, and portfolio-day events. Academic resources include the Joanne Waxman Library, writing and tutoring support, academic advising, and disability services and accommodations.
- The college's Artists at Work initiative helps students explore internships, fellowships, and professional connections. Studio facilities, exhibitions, and mentoring opportunities support creative development, subject to program and student access conditions.
Application Requirements
- BFA: Common App application, personal essay, portfolio of 12–20 recent works, official high school transcript or GED/HiSET, college transcripts if applicable, and at least one recommendation.
- MFA: Application, portfolio of 10–20 digital images or up to 15 minutes of time-based work, personal essay of approximately 1,000 words, résumé/CV, two recommendation letters, and official transcripts.
- MAT: Application, portfolio of 10–20 digital images or up to 15 minutes of time-based work demonstrating proficiency in at least two mediums, personal essay of approximately 1,000 words, résumé/CV, two recommendation letters, transcripts, and a virtual interview by invitation.
- Salt Graduate Certificate: Application, two narrative nonfiction samples in video, audio, or writing, personal essay, résumé/CV, and college transcripts. Short-film and audio samples should be 3–5 minutes; writing samples should be 1,000–1,500 words.
- Online MAEd: Personal statement of up to 750 words, résumé/CV, two professional endorsements, and transcripts.
- Online graduate certificates: Application, personal statement or essay, résumé/CV, official transcripts, and two recommendations, subject to the specific program's instructions.
International applicants may additionally need evaluated and translated transcripts, proof of English proficiency, a passport copy, and financial documentation for on-campus study.
How to Apply?
- BFA Application Portal
- Graduate, Salt, Pre-College and Certificate Applications Portal
- Online Graduate Programs
Deadline & Timeline
BFA — Spring 2027
- Priority Application Deadline: 15 November 2026
- Rolling Review: After 15 November 2026, subject to available space
BFA — Fall 2027
- Early Action Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Full-Tuition Scholarship Deadline: 1 February 2027
- Priority Application Deadline: 1 March 2027
- Rolling Review: After 1 March 2027, subject to available space
- Enrollment Confirmation Deadline for Early Action Applicants: 1 May 2027
MFA — 2027
- Full-Tuition Scholarship Deadline: 17 January 2027
- Priority Application Deadline: 21 February 2027
- Rolling Admission: After 21 February 2027, subject to available space
MAT — Fall 2027
- Priority Application Deadline: 17 January 2027
- Rolling Review: After 17 January 2027, subject to available space
Salt Graduate Certificate — Spring 2027
- Early Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Application Deadline: 29 November 2026
- Program Start: 11 January 2027
Salt Graduate Certificate — Fall 2027
- Early Application Deadline: 7 March 2027
- Application Deadline: 2 May 2027
Online Graduate Programs — Spring 2027
- Priority Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
Pre-College — Summer 2027
- Priority Application and Scholarship Deadline: 1 February 2027
- Application Deadline: 15 April 2027
- Program Dates: 11–31 July 2027
Location
Maine College of Art & Design — Portland, Maine, United States
Additional Details
- International applicants: On-campus programs require financial documentation and a passport copy for the institution to issue an I-20 for an F-1 student visa. Online programs, including the MAEd and graduate certificates, are not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship.
- MAT prerequisites: Applicants should hold a BFA or BA in Studio Art or satisfy the program's alternative prerequisites. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is also stated in the admissions requirements.
- Online MAEd: The degree does not lead to teacher certification. The 30-credit program can be completed in approximately 10–18 months, depending on course load.
- Housing and insurance: Housing costs are estimates. Mandatory health insurance may be waived when students provide proof of qualifying outside coverage.
- Program-specific verification: Applicants should confirm the current application requirements, fee-waiver eligibility, and deadlines for their intended entry term before submitting an application.