Founded in 1873, Massachusetts College of Art and Design. is a Public college. Located in Massachusetts, which is a city setting in Massachusetts, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 1,842 full time undergraduate students, and 140 full time graduate students.
The Massachusetts College of Art and Design Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 8:1. There are 112 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Massachusetts College of Art and Design include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
70%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
70
SAT Range
970-1160
ACT Range
21-26
Admissions at are considered Selective, with ,10% 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 Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
0%
“We”re apathetic”
15%
“We know about current events and vote”
62%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
23%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
15%
“Sometimes, but not often”
54%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
31%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
38%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
54%
“I feel extremely safe”
86%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
14%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
8%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
92%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
8%
“Available in class”
54%
“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”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
54%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
31%
“We only party on weekends”
8%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
8%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
46%
“There might be people who do”
23%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
23%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
15%
“We know about current events and vote”
62%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
23%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
15%
“Sometimes, but not often”
54%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
31%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
38%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
54%
“I feel extremely safe”
86%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
14%
“We bought the gear”
0%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
8%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
92%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
8%
“Available in class”
54%
“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”
89 Students rated on-campus housing 3 stars. 6 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
85 Students rated off-campus housing 2.8 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
100 Students rated campus food 2.6 stars. 7 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
102 Students rated campus facilities 3.7 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
102 Students rated class size 4.1 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
101 Students rated school activities 2.9 stars. 10 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
102 Students rated local services 4.4 stars. 59 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
102 Students rated academics 4 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
16 Students rated Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Shadia
It's great, couldn't have been better, not technically safe for my cholesterol system but it's ok, and helped cure a bit of my introversion
Emily
I personally enjoy attending MassArt, it gives me a lot of opportunities as an artist and, it allows me to do a lot of different art projects that I never done before. However, although I think the school is great, it is not without it’s flaws, the meal plan needs to improve as well as the housing plan. The falculty is very helpful but, personally I think the college needs to bring opportunities to undergraduate students.
Katiana
MassArt is presented as the sort of place where creatives of all backgrounds and cultures can exist and learn together harmoniously. For the most part, it is just that. This is the kind of college where liberal arts often come second to the creative process, must to the dismay of the professors teaching required courses. The community is strong and the dedication from the faculty and staff is even more so. With new groups forming each semester, and others often passing the leadership around as workloads change and shift, I've found there is always something new to learn and participate in. My personal experience has proved that the culture around mental health could use more attention, but the Counseling Center does everything in their power to keep up with the constant demands of the students. Overall, I think it is a fantastic place if you are hoping to learn the ins and outs of visual art/ design, how to live in a city as bustling as Boston, and how to navigate a world that is more often than not formulated around you not being successful.
Melina
Though the administration has had its hiccups, overall I've had a lovely experience and the people and professors I've met had made a huge difference in my education. We are always available for each other, and I've found connections in the city through professors and supervisors I most certainly would not have on my own.
Sophie
Amazing, I would recommend it not only for its price but also opportunities and quality. I have never felt so welcome or supported at a school before. I made friends easily and had great professional relationships with my professors. I learned and grew more in one semester at MassArt than in all 4 years of highschool.
Alice
Mass Art is a school where one needs to take charge of your future and build it how you want to. All the resources are available, but one needs to have the drive to achieve their goal. The wide range of majors, available work shops, and being in Boston are just a few of the resources Mass Art has to offer.
Marisa
Massart has some good qualities and challenges students to create a better portfolio, learn new viewpoints, and improve their work overall. Most teachers are very helpful and care about student progress. However, it is an extremely liberal school and there are a lot of extra expenses when it comes to supplies and elective classes.
GeMeisha
It's a nice small college that is easy to commute to and has plenty of shops and restaurants close by. The teachers and classrooms are very useful and always open and available for the students. One of the downsides is that it is so small. While many people may find this appealing, I find it to be a bit cramped but overall it is a great school and affordable.
Nicole
Nothing I would change I love my school and the people in it! just wish we had more scholarships cause I hate having to take out big loans.The culture of the city also plays a big role in the school. there is so much to do in Boston and it's always a blast weekdays and weekends sometimes ... I DONT EVEN WANT TO LEAVE CAMPUS!! I love the relationships created by students and teachers, all friendly and easy to confront when worried or just simple small questions the faculty is always ready to help. I know for sure I never want to leave this soon however again wish I had more money so I won't be in debt later on but its so worth it for the life and education of art taught on this great campus! The food is also amazing and the workers are really nice, in the dorms again the faculty is just beyond perfect a good morning every day no matter whats going on in my day they always make me smile with their bright smile and politeness. I wish more people knew how amazing this school is because I don't think it gets enough credit for all it puts out. The student art shows are extravagant and just completely beautiful to the eye, a must when visiting MassArt! I love my school and although I've said it a lot, I truly mean it, with all my heart and deep within bleeding orange and purple every day!
Nicole
Massachusetts College of Art and Design gives its students amazing opportunities in an urban environment. Boston has a beautiful setting and history that help the student become more comfortable in a big city like Boston. Let alone the fact that Massachusetts College of Art of Design is part of the colleges of Fenway creates, even more, opportunities for its students. From the endless majors rooted in the arts to the array of different food in the area, MassArt has their way with leaving students speechless and ready for the school year! Boston is filled with culture and history giving the students not only a phenomenal school but community as well, giving them sites to see and places to go such as Fenway Park multiple science and art museums.
Noah
Having just completed my freshman foundation year at MassArt, I can say that I love my school. Not only is there a wide variety of personalities in the student body, but there are also professors who are welcoming, available, and genuinely interested in their students and their students' work. I have already formed close relationships with a few of my professors who have proven themselves to be understanding, respectful, helpful, and invested in giving myself and others the most in-depth and hands-on art education possible. The facilities available to us include a large library with many newer-model computers (goodbye, Internet Explorer!), a huge print lab with materials such as printable cloth and oversize printing, and studio space for more experienced students. Administration is friendly and helpful, emails are always responded to within 48 hours, and older students are a very helpful resource. There is a large LGBT+ presence, which contributes to an open, safe environment and atmostphere. MassArt offers a variety of clubs and organizations for all interests, and the creation of a new club is simple and a relatively quick process--finding members is not hard! Classes tend to include 12-20 students, which makes for an in-depth critique of student work while maintaining a more intimate and individualized approach for one-on-one professor and student interaction. Different majors overlap, giving students a change to work with new techniques and materials not limited to their major. This school is a second home to me, with much to look forward to!
Demetri
MassArt is a great bargain if you're a resident of Massachusetts. Like most art schools, you really must be self motivated if you expect to gain anything substantial from it. That having been said if you put in 110% you are going to soar. Every professor I've had so far has been extremely competent and knowledgeable. Regarding the studio classes, if you demonstrate your total commitment to your artistic practice, your professors will take note and do everything in their power to mentor you and help you excel. Conversely, if you show up late and turn in work that merely fulfills — but does not exceed — requirements, you will likely stagnate.
Cydney
Compared to the university that I transferred from, Massart really takes the time to work with their students as individuals rather than a number. You really need to be open to sharing personal information during critiques in class. You really get a sense of an artistic community.
Hannah
During my first year at Mass. Art I have had the fortunate experience of being taught by educated, experienced professors who are available to contact and meet with both over email or during scheduled office hours. At Mass. Art the food in the accessible Cafe's is good tasting, but not nutritious.
Annalisa
The faculty is great, the community and people attending with me are interesting, dimensional people, good education for a small in-state tuition, lots of great equipment accessible to all students, awesome connections for after college, good school for my particular major.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Massachusetts College of Art and Design is 70%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
My advice to myself as a senior in highschool is this: College is a resource, just like a pen or a pencil. A pencil will not write a paper on its own, you must write with it. Sitting in a classroom will not make you more educated, you have to listen with a sense of curiosity and that will help you achieve a better education. Never lose your curiousity. Always want to know more, about everything, even if it is not in your major. Learn about life. Do not get wrapped up in your image and what people want you to be. You live your life, no one else does. Think over that statement for a while. Do not allow yourself to settle. KNOW what you want, and go for it at full force. Do not make excuses for yourself. You have potential to be everything you want to be. You are young, you have so much to learn and explore. Find the beauty in exploration. Do not spend your money on things you do not need. Remember that shirt you bought freshman year of college? No? Remember the knowledge you obtained in your classes? You will have that forever.
MassArt has a great student community. Although very competitive, the students become well aqcuainted with each other and rely on each other for support. The facilities are equipped with new technology and the library has amazing resources.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
I am never sure of if I will have a job within my field. Nothing reasures me that I will be able to have help from my school once I graduate. I am paying a lot of money (being from outof state) and have taken out several loans and I fear that in the end I wont have help at getting a job. Getting statistics of how many students have jobs would help. Athough I have this doubt in the back of my mind I have never been so happy following my passion and doing what I do at school.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
Spending my time building healthy habits will not only serve me better but make me happier than participating in counterproductive activities (i.e. smoking cigarettes, getting high). Positive ways to utilize my time include going to the gym regularly, getting involved in the community (there are many art shows), and eating healthy.
My classmates are the most creative and warm-hearted people I have ever met. I have really connected with everyone I have met at MassArt. I have not met anyone snobby, rude or cruel at MassArt and I believe I never will. Everyone here is diverse and has their own unique stories; which are inspiring and educational to my knowledge of culture. My classmates are also helpful and enthusiastic about everyone?s passions and talents. Plus, there are no ?clicks? at MassArt, everyone is friends with everyone, I have friends here from all different walks of life. I love MassArt.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
For a public university, MassArt offers no shortage of resources curcial to one's development as an artist and embarking in a tough economic field, that puts even a smaller, more selective school I attended (Gettysburg College) and others I visited in the past to shame; of course these resources are moot if one lacks the initiative to explore what a school has to offer before jumping headlong in.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
Massachusetts College of Art is both academically and artistically challenging. The students here are serious about their future, and work extreemly hard. Every member of the MassArt community is open to new ideas and alternative thinking. The only people who would not fit in, or shouldn't attend MassArt are those who are not accepting of others, are unpassionate about their future, and don't enjoy a challenge.
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.
90% of students attending Massachusetts College of Art and Design receive some sort of financial aid.
31% were awarded federal grants.64%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.