• Apply
• Financial Aid
• What MCAD Costs
• Applying for Aid
• Types of Aid and Eligibility
• Applying for Loans and Counseling
• Named Scholarships
• Additional Resources
• Housing
• Student Support Services
• Resources for Parents
• Admissions Events
• Request a Viewbook
• Laptop Requirements
• PSEO

• Grants
• Work-Study Programs
• Loans

Merit-based scholarships

MCAD's merit-based scholarships recognize student achievement and talent. Recipients of these scholarships are selected without regard to income information. The Admissions Office awards scholarships on a competitive basis to new students upon admission acceptance, until Feb. 15 prior to the upcoming academic year. The scholarships are granted each year for a total of eight semesters of full-time attendance, provided you meet the maintenance requirements of the scholarship outlined in the notification letter. These scholarships are non-need based; however, your total grants and scholarship awards (need and non-need based) cannot exceed the cost of tuition, fees and supplies.

MCAD Admissions Scholarship

Open to all entering undergraduate students. All needed admissions requirements must be submitted by Feb. 15. No additional application is required.

The annual BFA/BS competitive scholarship programs are open to all entering undergraduate students. This scholarship competition awards monies based on the strength of the applicant's admission file in relation to the applicant pool. Students must have all admissions materials submitted to MCAD by Feb. 15 to be considered for this scholarship.

Trustees Scholarship

This scholarship competition is open to all entering graduate students. The Trustees Scholarship is awarded based on the strength of the applicant's admissions file. Students must have all admissions materials submitted to MCAD by Feb. 15 to be considered for this scholarship. This is a merit-based competition, so you do not need to complete the FAFSA by Feb. 15.

Annual MCAD Merit Competition

This scholarship competition is designed for students who are currently enrolled full time in an MCAD degree-seeking program. Students are notified of the competition requirements and deadlines each spring. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better is required to enter. Competitions are judged by MCAD faculty.

MCAD MFA Merit Competition

This scholarship program is designed for graduate students presently enrolled full-time at MCAD. You should watch for information on the Merit competition in late January/early February for specific application procedures. Graduate faculty members of each division select the winners. A GPA of 3.0 or better is required.

Special Competition Scholarships

ARTS and the Scholastic Art Awards are a national competition that starts at the state level. High school students submit work to compete for a silver or gold key award. Gold Key winners go on to the national competition. Judging is determined by Scholastic Arts. MCAD has hosted this event for the last few years and supports this foundation by matching the Scholastic Art Award Scholarship. To receive a matching scholarship, applicants are expected to place as a gold key winner at the national competition and to be admitted to MCAD. These are need-based funds and are awarded on a funds-available basis. Please consult your high school art teacher for more information on the Scholastic Arts Competition.

External Scholarships

Outside scholarships, many of which are based on merit or special criteria, are an increasingly important source of funding for students. MCAD students bring in external scholarship money awarded by businesses, community groups and religious organizations.

The Internet is an excellent resource for scholarships, both finding and applying for them. Visit Additional Resources to find links to external scholarship sites.