
621 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-5882, USA


Massachusetts College of Art and Design holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education, ensuring it meets rigorous standards of quality and institutional effectiveness. Additionally, its art and design programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, which specializes in evaluating and endorsing visual arts education. These accreditations affirm that the college provides a recognized level of academic and professional preparation suitable for students pursuing careers in art and design fields.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design requires applicants to have completed secondary education, with a General Educational Development (GED) certificate accepted as well. Prospective students must submit a secondary school record and demonstrate completion of a college preparatory program. A minimum grade point average from secondary school is necessary, while a high school class rank is recommended but not mandatory. Additionally, applicants must provide recommendations and showcase relevant competencies as part of their application.
The institution mandates proof of English language proficiency through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for non-native speakers. While admission test scores such as the SAT or ACT are recommended, they are not strictly required. Massachusetts College of Art and Design does not follow an open admission policy, indicating selective admission standards. Dual credit options are not available; however, the college does accept transfer credits and Advanced Placement (AP) credits from prior coursework.
In terms of admissions statistics, the college reports an acceptance rate of approximately 77%, indicating a moderately selective process. In the most recent data, out of about 3,027 applicants, around 2,345 were admitted, and approximately 432 enrolled students, with a higher number of accepted and enrolled women compared to men.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admissions materials. This fee is standard and applies to all applicants. However, the institution offers fee waivers to certain candidates to reduce financial barriers to application.
Applicants eligible for fee waivers typically include those who demonstrate financial need or qualify through specific programs or circumstances outlined by the college. To obtain a fee waiver, students may need to provide documentation supporting their eligibility or follow a formal request process during application submission.
The availability of fee waivers helps ensure that cost does not prevent qualified applicants from applying, reflecting the college's commitment to accessibility and diversity in its student body.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design hosts an ROTC branch unit directly on its campus, providing students with the opportunity to participate in military training programs without leaving their school environment. Additionally, the college offers access to ROTC programs through cooperating host institutions, allowing students to engage with wider military education resources while pursuing their academic studies.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design accepts transfer students for both the fall and spring semesters, providing multiple opportunities throughout the academic year to begin studies. The institution recognizes transfer credits, allowing students to apply previously earned college credits toward their degree programs. Additionally, the college accepts credits through CLEP exams, including both CLEP Subject and CLEP General tests, facilitating a smoother transition for students with prior learning assessments. These policies collectively support transfer applicants in integrating their past academic achievements into their new educational paths at the college.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design offers a variety of study abroad opportunities tailored to enrich the academic and creative experiences of its students. These programs are designed to immerse students in different cultural and artistic environments, fostering global awareness alongside their artistic development.
Students can engage in semester-long exchanges, summer programs, and short-term workshops hosted in collaboration with international partner institutions. These options allow participants to study contemporary art practices, design methodologies, and visual culture within diverse global contexts.
The institution emphasizes hands-on learning and encourages students to explore art scenes outside the United States, enabling them to broaden their creative perspectives and professional networks. Program destinations often include major art hubs in Europe and Asia, where students can access specialized facilities and engage directly with local artists and communities.
To support these international experiences, Massachusetts College of Art and Design provides academic advising and assistance with credit transfer, ensuring study abroad courses complement students' degree requirements efficiently.
High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RequiredAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring