Founded in 1882, Maine College of Art. is a college. Located in Maine, which is a city setting in Maine, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 459 full time undergraduate students, and 29 full time graduate students.
The Maine College of Art Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 10:1. There are 26 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Maine College of Art include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
86%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
40
SAT Range
ACT Range
Admissions at MECA are considered Less Selective, with ,3% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 24 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Maine College of Art.
0%
“We”re apathetic”
25%
“We know about current events and vote”
38%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
38%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
13%
“Sometimes, but not often”
75%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
13%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
50%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
50%
“I feel extremely safe”
100%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
0%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
0%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
100%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
63%
“They keep regular office hours”
38%
“They”re always available”
100%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
0%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
100%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
0%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
0%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
63%
“There might be people who do”
38%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
25%
“We know about current events and vote”
38%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
38%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
13%
“Sometimes, but not often”
75%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
13%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
50%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
50%
“I feel extremely safe”
100%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
0%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
0%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
100%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
63%
“They keep regular office hours”
38%
“They”re always available”
100%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
0%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
18 Students rated on-campus housing 4 stars. 33 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
16 Students rated off-campus housing 3.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
21 Students rated campus food 3.6 stars. 24 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
21 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
21 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 67 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
21 Students rated school activities 3.2 stars. 14 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
21 Students rated local services 4.7 stars. 76 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
21 Students rated academics 4 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.
Maine College of Art REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Maine College of Art?
10 Students rated Maine College of Art
Illyria - 09/03/2024
I think The Maine College of Arts is a great school because it offers a diverse range of creative programs such as animation and ame art, ceramics , fashion and textile designs , illustration , photography, printing, printmaking just to name a couple. I also believe that they have a a strong focus on nurturing artistic talent. The faculty are experienced and supportive, and the facilities are top notch, providing students with every they need to succeed on there artistic endeavors.
Piper - 08/13/2019
I knew where I wanted to go as soon as I visited it during my sophomore year of high school. The classes are on the small side, challenging and engaging and the teachers are amazing. They really want you to be happy and doing your best work. The students are so creative, supportive and driven, I have definitely made life long friends here. I always knew I was going to do art in my life, there's no getting around that, but this school gave me the skills, tools, knowledge, support system and social network to not only be a better artist, but to also to make a living from doing art. As I am going into my senior year, I have a better idea on how to make the best work I am capable, how to talk about my work in a educated way and to sell my work.
Courtney - 06/24/2019
I really love MECA! The only reason why I gave it four out of five instead of the perfect rating is because a.) I think it's kind of an acquired taste (it's a very small close community, so if you're looking for a larger college experience then this wouldn't be for you) and b.) I think there are some areas they could improve on (some of the facilities and housing are a little worse for wear). However, all this being said I think MECA is a really great school for connecting with fellow artists (in both your peers and professors) and learning about your craft in a really great, artsy community.
Arikah - 08/20/2018
I like that Meca is a small and accessible school for artists, while still maintaining a professional environment that provides an outstanding education and career opportunities. The classes are thorough and provoke critical thinking in all shapes and forms.
Ruthie - 07/18/2018
MECA is the perfect fit for someone interested in any number of arts majors, but who is apprehensive about very large campuses. The community is very tight knit because of the class size (only about 500 students total), and its size also allows for consistent individual attention in classes. The location is in the center of a wonderful small city, perfect for someone like myself who doesn't really enjoy city life as much (Portland is a very laid back, small city). MECA is also the only art school to offer a music minor.
Gillian - 06/27/2018
I got my first taste of Maine College of Art as a high school junior. I spent the summer at MECA to participate in their precollege program, and I immediately knew it was the college for me. I feel completely at home there, and the city of Portland is absolutely beautiful. The school is in a great spot, everything is within walking distance, and they offer decent housing and meals. As a freshman, I noticed some of the students didn't seem so serious about their education, perhaps thinking that since it's an art school, they wouldn't have to try very hard, but I'm hoping that once I choose a major I'll be surrounded by people who are serious about art.
Jade - 06/12/2018
It is very known to local artists and you are pretty much paying for their name on your resume, however the tuition is hard to manage and there is no parking for students who commute like myself, so that is always an extra costs. For something I really was excited to be a part of has really dampened my mood.
Tyler - 04/29/2018
The Maine College of Art is unlike any school I have visited and, as an accepted student, I am more than excited about attending in the fall. The school is small with less than a thousand students which means intimate class sizes and plenty of face time with staff. Each student as an upperclassman is guaranteed a her own dedicated studio space and these spaces are available twenty-four hours a day.
Lina - 01/03/2018
Maine College of Art is a very small school but fret not, for the minuscule class rosters help to engage students and professors in more in-depth critiques and 1 on 1 assistance from professors. Within this liberal swarm of mostly caucasians, you will find that heaps of students are primarily focused is on LGBTQ+ rights. While I, myself, am not white, I have yet to ever feel excluded or out of place. Of course, explorations of other political, historical, purely technique and personal topics are greatly encouraged. I have found that the Portland location is a great central hub to engage in both local and global environmental issues as Maine's main Audubon center is only a 10 minute public transit ride away. The school has 24/7 access which means that you can use studios at any time of day to finish or continue work. Never have I ever felt unsafe within any of the MECA buildings (And I have been working in the studio at 4 AM before) or within the city of Portland itself.
aly - 03/13/2017
MECA is a wonderful environment that encourages art students to explore their talents and other abilities. It is a very small school right in the heart of Portland. There is so much to do around the city and the studio's in the school are 24/7 so you are always allowed to create art.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Maine College of Art is 86%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself two things. First of all, I would tell myself to take better advantage of the resources that were available to me. I found myself just gliding through things without full effort. If I had fully emersed myself into my work, specifically in my advanced art class, I would have been able to handle some of the academic challenges that I face in college. While I am not the worst at drawing, I could have easily prepared for the class better by focusing on it a little more in high school. The second thing I would tell myself is that nothing is set in stone; it's okay to change my mind and try new things. All throughout high school I had my mind set that I was going to art college and I was going to focus only on photography and that was it. However, instead of taking photography my first semester, I took a graphic design introduction class and fell in love with it. I can still do photography for sure, but it is okay to experiment.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
The school lately has been a experiencing a lack of money in the budget, unfortunately the prices are rising making it hard for a lot of students to continue attending the school, but that is my only complaint.
Many people think that art college is art college and it doesn't matter which one you choose because you will learn the same things no matter what. This is far from the truth at Maine College of Art. MECA offers a more integrated experience than any other school I considered. There is a strong connection to the Portland arts district that exposes students to the reality of what it is to be a working artist. Being able to see and interact with the community helps expose students like myself to the vast possibilities that comes with an art degree.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
Maine College of Art is a school for those who strive to be individual artist with the support of the falcutly and classmates and the facilites provided.
Successful students at this school are very driven. People whoe really want to create and learn a profession without limitations should really be looking into this school. It's very tough but I am very glad I chose it.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
The type of person that should not attend this school would be someone who is not self motivated. You have to have the drive to go above and beyond to richen your education. Art is about researching, designing, and figuring out new ways of creating. You also need to be responsible with materials, budgeting, and be considerate of your environment. In all I would encourge anyone that considers themselves creative to come to Maine College of Art as long as they are willing to put in the time and effort.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
It has one of the best facilities in the nation. The school has 24/7 access with the top ceramics facilities in the nation. Everyone who attends and teaches at the school wants you to do well and pushes you. There is lots of positive critiquing and refining when creating art. There are small class rooms and lots of one on one time with professors which enables you to grow tremendously from the beginning to the end of the year. All in all Maine College o f Art is a great choice for school and recommend it to all.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
all the various majors have private studios and work areas. sharing a wood shop with others can be very Frustrating when other do not clean up after them selve or mis-treat and mis-use tools. and though there are many passionate people working and making art work it can be quite annoying when studio mates never seem to care about preforming well or interested in working. we work in a shared space and weather you like it or not you feed of the creative energy of your studio mates.
Maine College of Art is best known for the dedication of the students and faculty. It is a small school, but very intense. It is also known for have 24/7 access so studnets are able to get their projects done on time. Faculty are always willing to help students in any way whether it is by going over something that was taught in class or by being flexible with a student if they have special needs. If you are a dedicated student then there is so much you can learn and do with your education.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
Maine College of Art is an intentionally small school, which focus's on the student body to ensure that the quality of education is top rate.
I didnt apply to any other school's, but I feel as though I made the right choice in coming to M.E.C.A. I love the one building campus, and community there in. Even though there are only roughly 400 students, and I certainly dont know them all, there is a certain amount of comradely that flows through the halls.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
100% of students attending Maine College of Art receive some sort of financial aid.
37% were awarded federal grants.82%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.