Scholarships and Grants | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Scholarships and Grants

If you show academic achievement and artistic talent you may qualify for scholarships. If you demonstrate financial need you may qualify for grants, which do not need to be repaid, or loans, which must be repaid after graduation. Additional scholarships, work study, and payment plans are also available.

Scholarships

MCAD Admissions Merit Scholarships

All admitted undergraduate students are automatically considered for an Admissions Merit Scholarship based on a holistic review of the strength of your application materials and portfolio at the time of application. This scholarship, which recognizes achievement and talent, is only available to new undergraduate students and no separate application is required. Awards are granted every year for a total of eight semesters of full-time attendance, provided you maintain the scholarship requirements and range from $12,000 to $27,000 per year.

In addition, qualified admitted students meeting the Early Action deadline are automatically considered for another level of merit scholarship awarding through MCAD's Competitive Scholarship Program and are notified of eligibility with their admission letter. This competition is juried by committee with announcements made by March 1. Eligible students may receive an additional scholarship in this competition ranging from $1,000 to full-tuition per year.

MCAD Admissions Competitive Scholarship Program

This competitive program awarding up to a full-tuition scholarship is offered to a limited number of admitted undergraduate students applying for the December 1 Early Action deadline. Students are notified of eligibility with their admission letter. Award announcements are made after a juried competition recognizing student achievement and talent and whose application materials show the highest level of skill, artistic voice, and leadership abilities. Additional scholarship in this competition ranges from $1,000 to full-tuition per year and recipients are announced by March 1.

MCAD Annual Merit Scholarships

This competitive scholarship competition is for students who are currently enrolled at MCAD full time in a degree-seeking program. Competition requirements and deadlines are posted each spring. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to enter. Competitions are judged by MCAD faculty.

Special Competition Scholarships

Matched by MCAD, the ARTS and the Scholastic Art Awards are national competitions for which you can earn scholarships. To receive a matching scholarship, you are expected to place as a gold key winner at the national competition and to be admitted to MCAD. These scholarships are need-based funds and are awarded on a funds-available basis. Please consult your high-school art teacher for more information.

Alumni MCAD Legacy Scholarships

This is a total scholarship of $8,000 over four years ($2,000 per year). Children and grandchildren of those who have completed a degree program at MCAD are eligible for this scholarship.

MCAD Laptop Scholarship

The MCAD Laptop Scholarship provides admitted students with a free MacBook computer. Students who have submitted their undergraduate application and all supporting materials by the Early Action Deadline are eligible for this scholarship.

External Scholarships

Outside scholarships, many of which are based on merit or special criteria, are great options for funding your education. MCAD students are often awarded money by businesses, community groups, and religious organizations.

Grants

Federal Pell Grants

Awarded based on financial need. Grants range from $650–$6,495.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

Awarded based on financial need. Priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. Grants range from $100 to $2,000.

Minnesota State Grants

Awarded if you meet criteria set forth by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Grant. Grant amounts are dependent upon annual appropriation levels established by the State of Minnesota, but typically range from $200–$10,000.

MCAD Opportunity and Renewable Opportunity Grants

Awarded by MCAD based on financial need. You must complete the FAFSA by March 15 to be considered.

MCAD Distance Grants

Awarded if you are an out-of-state student with an expected family contribution below $10,000. You must complete the FAFSA by March 15 to be considered.

Tuition Exchange Awards

Participating colleges and universities make funding available to dependents of faculty and staff.

Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Grants

Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Grants are a provision of the Post-9/11 Veteran’s Educational Assistance Act of 2008, also known as Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

Benefits for Veterans and Dependents

Veterans and their dependents may be eligible to receive help paying for tuition, fees, supplies, housing, and more.

Work-Study

Many different part-time jobs are available on campus to help you offset educational expenses and gain work experience. Work-study positions are posted approximately one week before classes begin and as available throughout the semester. Work-study students typically work five to ten hours per week.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.