Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Acceptance rate
76.3%
2025
Peer median 62.9%
Out-of-state tuition
$43,400
In-state $15,400
Peer median $40,069
Undergraduates
1,871
Student-faculty ratio 9:1
Peer median 9 : 1
Graduation rate
54.3%
4-year; 6-year rate 66.0%
Peer median 52.9%
“Peers” are all 55 art, music and design schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is a distinguished institution located in Boston, Massachusetts, known for its commitment to art and design education. Founded in 1873, MassArt holds the title of the first freestanding public college of art and design in the United States. The college emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, encouraging students to explore their creativity through various mediums such as painting, sculpture, graphic design, and fashion. The campus fosters an inclusive and vibrant community, where students from diverse backgrounds collaborate and share ideas, enriching the overall educational experience.
In addition to its strong academic programs, MassArt boasts impressive facilities that include state-of-the-art studios, galleries, and resources tailored to support artistic endeavors. The college's curriculum is designed not only to develop technical skills but also to cultivate critical thinking and a deep understanding of contemporary art and design issues. Moreover, MassArt is known for its active engagement with the local community, offering students opportunities to work on projects that have real-world impacts, thus enhancing their employability upon graduation. With a commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists and designers, Massachusetts College of Art and Design stands out as a leader in art education, fostering creativity and innovation in its students.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at Massachusetts College of Art and Design
The Massachusetts College of Art and Design presents a noteworthy trend in tuition costs that merits attention. Over the past decade, both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate tuition has seen a significant increase. For instance, in-state tuition rose from $10,400 in 2014 to $14,570 in 2023, reflecting a 40% increase. Meanwhile, out-of-state tuition surged from $28,600 to $40,960, illustrating a staggering 43% increase. This escalation in tuition fees can be attributed to various factors, including inflation and rising operational costs, which can impact accessibility for prospective students.
On the student demographics front, the gender ratio has remained relatively consistent, with female undergraduate enrollment consistently outpacing male enrollment. In 2023, female students accounted for approximately 74% of the undergraduate population. This trend reflects broader patterns within higher education, where female students have increasingly enrolled in art and design programs. The representation of women in graduate programs also remains strong, indicating a possible shift in career aspirations and fields of study.
Retention rates have shown some fluctuations over the years but saw a slight decline to around 84% in 2023, down from peaks of approximately 92% in 2016. This decrease could signal challenges in student satisfaction or support systems, which warrant further investigation to ensure that students feel supported throughout their educational journey.
Lastly, graduation rates have notably improved, with on-time graduation rates reaching approximately 60% in 2023, up from around 38% in 2013. This upward trend indicates enhanced academic support and resources that the institution has likely implemented to bolster student achievement.
Overall, while the increase in tuition presents concerns regarding affordability, the improvements in graduation rates and the consistent representation of women in both undergraduate and graduate programs are positive indicators of the institution's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Boston
- Nearest international airport
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), about 5 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Mary Grant (President)
- Phone
- 6178797000
- City
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Address
- 621 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115-5882
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 62.9% · all 55 art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 45.8%, women 62.6%.
Data insights
Trends in Admissions at Massachusetts College of Art and Design
The admissions data from Massachusetts College of Art and Design reveals significant trends over the years, particularly in the context of gender differences in acceptance rates and overall enrollment. Notably, the acceptance rate for male applicants has fluctuated from approximately 44.6% in 2009 to a peak of around 69.3% in 2022, while the female acceptance rate has shown a similar upward trajectory, increasing from 54.1% to 82.1% in the same period. This growing gap suggests an increasing accessibility for female applicants, potentially reflecting broader societal shifts towards gender equity in education.
Enrollment numbers have also seen a general increase, with the highest enrollment recorded at 424 students in 2018, although this number has slightly declined in subsequent years. The data indicates a consistent trend of higher denial rates, peaking at 1,302 denials in 2020, coinciding with a global trend of increased applications to colleges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in deferrals, particularly in 2020, may reflect students' hesitance to commit to in-person education during uncertain times.
Overall, while Massachusetts College of Art and Design has maintained a robust admissions process, the evolving dynamics of acceptance rates and enrollment highlight the institution's efforts to adapt to shifting educational landscapes and demographic trends. This data serves as a crucial indicator for prospective students and stakeholders, illustrating both challenges and opportunities within the college's admissions framework.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.
Data insights
Trends in Admission Test Scores at Massachusetts College of Art and Design
The admission data for Massachusetts College of Art and Design reveals a notable trend in standardized test scores over the years. From 2007 to 2023, the SAT reading and math scores have shown a general decline in both the 25th and 75th percentile scores. For instance, the 75th percentile reading score dropped from 630 in 2007 to 590 by 2023. This downward trend is concerning, especially as it could indicate a shift in the applicant pool's overall preparedness for college-level coursework.
Moreover, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has decreased significantly, from 97% in 2007 to a consistent 87% in recent years. This raises questions about the increasing number of test-optional policies being adopted by colleges and universities nationwide. Many institutions are beginning to recognize that standardized tests may not accurately reflect a student’s potential for success, particularly in creative fields such as art and design.
The data also shows that while the number of students submitting test scores has decreased, the college's commitment to maintaining a diverse and talented student body remains evident. The consistent admissions process likely focuses more on holistic assessments, valuing creative portfolios and personal statements alongside academic metrics.
As the landscape of college admissions continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how institutions like the Massachusetts College of Art and Design adapt their evaluation criteria to prioritize a broader range of student achievements beyond standardized testing. This trend may ultimately lead to a more inclusive and representative admissions process in the arts.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 8 in 10
2,756 applicants in 2025, 76.3% admitted
2,102 admitted 654 not admitted Yield 17.3%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia · Master's11 (73% international)
- Art Teacher Education · Master's11 (0% international)
- Fine/Studio Arts, General · Master's10 (0% international)
- Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology · Master's7 (29% international)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other · Master's6 (33% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Statistics in Arts and Design Programs
The graduation statistics from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design reveal interesting insights into the trends and demographics of art education. Notably, the Bachelor’s program in Illustration produced the highest number of graduates, with 89 students, of which 6 were international students. This indicates a strong interest in this field, possibly reflecting the growing demand for illustrators in various industries, including publishing, advertising, and digital media.
In contrast, the Fine/Studio Arts program, which traditionally encompasses a broader range of artistic practices, did not have any undergraduate graduates, although it had 15 students complete their Master's degree. This shift towards advanced education may suggest that students are increasingly seeking specialized skills and recognition in a competitive job market.
Cinematography and Film/Video Production also showcased a healthy interest, with 61 Bachelor’s graduates, including 2 international students. This aligns with the rising popularity of visual storytelling in the digital age, fueled by platforms like streaming services, which require skilled professionals in film and video production.
Interestingly, the Art Teacher Education program did not yield any undergraduate graduates but had a substantial output of 20 Master’s graduates, indicating a trend towards higher qualifications among those pursuing careers in education. This aligns with broader educational trends where advanced degrees are becoming essential for teaching positions.
Overall, the data reflects a dynamic landscape in arts education, with students gravitating towards specialized fields and higher degrees, aligning with industry demands and educational trends. The presence of international students in various programs also highlights the institution's appeal to a global audience, enriching the learning environment with diverse perspectives.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry. | - | ||
| Industrial and Product Design. | $32,893-$51,058 | ||
| Fashion/Apparel Design. | $32,893-$51,058 | ||
| Illustration. | $32,893-$51,058 | ||
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | $26,431 | ||
| Photography. | $26,431 | ||
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts, Other. | $26,431 | ||
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | $30,360-$42,752 | ||
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | $30,360-$42,752 | ||
| Intermedia/Multimedia. | $30,360-$42,752 | ||
| Painting. | $30,360-$42,752 | ||
| Sculpture. | $30,360-$42,752 | ||
| Printmaking. | $30,360-$42,752 | ||
| Ceramic Arts and Ceramics. | $30,360-$42,752 | ||
| Fiber, Textile and Weaving Arts. | $30,360-$42,752 | ||
| Jewelry Arts. | $30,360-$42,752 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Teacher Education. | $49,342-$49,905 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology. | - |
Students
1,989 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 25:75 · Freshman retention 89.1%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,382
- First-year undergraduates 357
- Graduate students 118
- Transfers and others 132
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,871)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Student Composition at Massachusetts College of Art and Design 2023
The student demographic data from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design for 2023 reveals some interesting trends in the composition of its student body. A total of 1,859 students were categorized, with undergraduate freshmen comprising 409 students, followed by undergraduate juniors at 1,262, undergraduate transfer students at 82, and graduate students at 106. Notably, there is a significant gender disparity across these categories, with a majority of female students. For instance, undergraduate freshmen show a female representation of 78.2%, while graduate students have 70.8% females.
The breakdown by race highlights a predominantly white student body, especially among undergraduate juniors, where 664 out of the total 1,262 students identified as white. The representation of other racial groups, including Asian, Latinx, and African American students, appears to be less pronounced. The data indicates an ongoing challenge for the institution in terms of promoting diversity and inclusion within its student population.
The higher male representation among undergraduate transfer students (32.9%) could suggest that males are more likely to transfer into art programs, which may reflect broader societal trends regarding gender and education in creative fields.
Overall, while the college showcases a vibrant community of artists and designers, the gender and racial imbalances point to areas for potential growth and improvement, particularly in fostering a more inclusive environment that reflects a wider variety of backgrounds and experiences. As educational institutions increasingly prioritize diversity and equity, it will be crucial for Massachusetts College of Art and Design to strategize effectively to attract a more diverse student body in future years.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Massachusetts College of Art and Design
The age demographic data from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design reveals a predominance of younger students, particularly those in the 18-21 age range. Specifically, students aged 18-19 and 20-21 comprise a substantial majority of the student body, with 80 male undergraduates and 273 female undergraduates in the 18-19 age group alone, representing approximately 72% of the total female student population. Similarly, the 20-21 age group shows 166 male undergraduates and 465 female undergraduates, further emphasizing the skew towards younger students.
Interestingly, the data also indicates a gradual decline in student numbers as age increases, with only a handful of students in the 50-64 and over 65 categories. This trend is not uncommon among higher education institutions, where younger individuals are more likely to pursue undergraduate degrees immediately after high school.
The representation of graduate students appears limited, especially among males, suggesting that the institution may attract a larger cohort of undergraduates compared to graduate candidates. The data shows that while the female graduate population is relatively small, it does include some diversity in age, particularly among those aged 25-29 and 30-34, indicating that some students may pursue further education later in life.
Overall, the demographic breakdown reflects broader trends in higher education, where younger students dominate enrollment figures, potentially impacting campus culture and the types of programs offered. As institutions continue to adapt to the needs of diverse age groups, understanding these demographics becomes crucial for developing inclusive educational environments.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 55 art, music and design schools in the U.S.
63 in 2025 · 3.7% in 2016
28 in 2025 · 22.5% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Massachusetts College of Art and Design
The data on international student enrollment at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design reveals notable trends over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the number of undergraduate international students fluctuated, with a peak of 86 students in 2019 and 2020, corresponding to 4.40% of the total undergraduate population. This is a significant increase compared to just 3.29% in 2004. However, the percentage of international undergraduates has remained relatively low overall, suggesting that the institution may have room for growth in attracting more diverse student populations.
In terms of graduate enrollment, a more pronounced increase is observed. The percentage of international graduate students reached as high as 28.57% in 2017, reflecting a growing interest in master's programs among international students. The most recent data from 2023 indicates that 24.53% of graduate students are international, which is still a healthy representation.
The overall trend shows that while undergraduate enrollment has seen ups and downs, graduate programs appear to be more appealing to international students, potentially due to the specialized nature of these programs or stronger institutional support. It's also important to consider the global context, where the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted international student mobility. As the world adjusts post-pandemic, colleges like Massachusetts College of Art and Design could benefit from strategies aimed at enhancing their international presence and support systems, thereby attracting a more diverse student body in the coming years.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$62,812
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $43,400
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $15,400
- Room and board
- $19,412
- Graduate tuition
- $26,550
Peer median tuition + room and board $58,201 · all 55 art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Tuition rose 39% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 47%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$100M
Expenses$98.2M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 55 art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Northeastern UniversityBoston · 0.6 mi
U.S. News #42
-
Boston UniversityBoston · 1.1 mi
U.S. News #34
-
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge · 1.6 mi
U.S. News #1
-
Harvard UniversityCambridge · 2.8 mi
U.S. News #3
-
Boston CollegeChestnut Hill · 3.6 mi
U.S. News #31
-
Tufts UniversityMedford · 5.0 mi
U.S. News #31
-
Wellesley CollegeWellesley · 11.0 mi
Liberal Arts #10
-
College of the Holy CrossWorcester · 36.9 mi
Liberal Arts #22
-
Brown UniversityProvidence · 38.6 mi
U.S. News #16
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near the Massachusetts College of Art and Design:
-
Harvard University - Ranked 3rd in the 2024 US News rankings, Harvard is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, known for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty.
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology - With a 2024 US News ranking of 2, MIT is renowned for its engineering, technology, and science programs and is a leader in innovation and research.
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Boston University - Ranked 43rd, Boston University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its vibrant campus life and diverse student body.
-
Northeastern University - With a ranking of 53, Northeastern is known for its co-op program, allowing students to gain professional experience while completing their degrees.
-
Wellesley College - Ranked 4th among liberal arts colleges, Wellesley is an all-women's college known for its strong emphasis on leadership and academic excellence.
These institutions provide a rich academic environment and opportunities for collaboration, making them great options for students in the area.
Peer median 1.3 · all 55 art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Massachusetts College of Art and Design
The crime data from Massachusetts College of Art and Design reveals a significant fluctuation in crime rates over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, the average crime rate per 1,000 students peaked in 2015 at 11.93, which correlates with a total of 25 reported crimes that year. However, the trend shows a general decline in crime rates in recent years, with the average crime rate dropping to 1.34 in 2023.
The most concerning offenses, such as arrests related to firearms and drugs, have seen varied reporting, indicating changes in campus safety measures or possibly a shift in student behavior. In 2018, the total number of crimes reported reached 27, translating to a high average rate of 13.08 per 1,000 students. This could suggest that the college was facing increased safety challenges, but the subsequent years show a concerted effort to improve campus safety, as evidenced by the marked decrease in crime rates leading to just 2.6 crimes reported in 2023.
This decrease can be attributed to various factors, including heightened awareness of campus safety, improved law enforcement strategies, and possibly a shift in student demographics. However, it is crucial to maintain vigilance and continue implementing effective safety policies to ensure the well-being of students and staff alike. The fluctuating crime rates serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges educational institutions face in creating safe environments for learning. For more information on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
All 24Notable alumni of Massachusetts College of Art and Design include Hal Hartley (Independent film director and screenwriter), Walter Piston (Composer and Harvard professor of music) and Katya Zamolodchikova (Drag queen from RuPaul's Drag Race).
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Hal Hartley 1959–
Independent film director and screenwriter
-
Walter Piston 1894–1976
Composer and Harvard professor of music
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Katya Zamolodchikova 1982–
Drag queen from RuPaul's Drag Race
-
Albert Henry Munsell 1858–1918
Painter and inventor of the Munsell color system
-
Christian Marclay 1955–
Visual artist and composer
-
Nancy Haigh 1946–
Set decorator and two-time Academy Award winner
-
Beauford Delaney 1901–1979
Modernist painter of the Harlem Renaissance
-
William Wegman 1943–
Artist known for photographing Weimaraner dogs
-
Herbert Adams 1858–1945
American sculptor
See all 24 notable alumni of Massachusetts College of Art and Design →
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.