Student Achievement | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Student Achievement

This central location of student achievement information was designed to meet federal reporting and disclosure requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) enacted on August 14, 2008.

Postgraduate Activities

Of the 2023-24 graduating class, 28.5% responded to the First Destination survey. While alumni tend to continue their independent creative practice, 34% were employed by external employers at six months after graduation. Those alumni earned on average $42,000 per year for undergraduates and $150,000 per year for graduate students. Nearly 10% decided to continue their education and training.

Student Persistence: Comparative Retention and Graduation Rates

75% MCAD
70% National
*The retention rate is the percentage of Fall 2023 first-time, full-time freshmen who returned Fall 2024.

51% MCAD
61% National
**The graduation rate is the percentage of Fall 2018 first-time, full-time freshmen who graduated after six-years (through 8/31/2024).

Source: The National Student Clearinghouse for the national average retention and graduation rates.

Additional Six-Year Graduation Rate Information Specific to MCAD

By Gender

  • Male 50%
  • Female 52%

By Race/Ethnicity

  • Asian 50%
  • Black 44%
  • Hispanic 38%
  • International 54%
  • Unknown 33%
  • White 54%

For Pell Grant Recipients 40%