Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
The Vibe Check
MIAD offers an intimate, studio-focused environment where creative experimentation thrives. The campus is a tight-knit community of 883 students dedicated to craft and design. It feels like a professional studio where collaboration is constant.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
The curriculum is built around hands-on studio work and professional practice. Strong programs in Illustration, Industrial Design, and Animation prepare students for creative industries. Personalized mentorship from faculty artists and designers is a hallmark.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Milwaukee
Milwaukee provides a vibrant arts scene with galleries, theaters, and festivals right outside campus. Students enjoy a manageable cost of living compared to larger coastal cities. The city's lakefront and brewery culture offer plenty of off-campus recreation.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($41,174):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in the historic Third Ward, a well-patrolled and arts-focused district. Milwaukee's downtown area has standard urban precautions but is generally considered safe for students.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Intimate class sizes with **direct faculty mentorship**
- ✓ Prime location in Milwaukee's **creative Third Ward**
- ✓ Strong focus on **professional practice and internships**
- ✓ Specialized facilities for **animation, ceramics, and printmaking**
Cons
- ✗ **Higher tuition cost** without the name recognition of larger universities
- ✗ **Smaller alumni network** compared to large state schools
- ✗ Limited **non-art academic offerings**
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the first-year Foundation program allows students to explore **2D, 3D, and 4D disciplines** before declaring a major. This helps students find their passion before committing.
Studio classes are kept small, typically ranging from **12 to 20 students**, ensuring individualized attention and critique.
Yes, MIAD offers **semester-long programs in Europe and Asia**, as well as short-term faculty-led trips focused on design and art history.
MIAD is **test-optional**, allowing students to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application portfolio.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 947
- In-State Tuition $42,268
- Zip Code 53202
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a mid-range tuition for a private art school, the Return on Investment (ROI) is competitive. Graduates see median early-career earnings of $41,174, which is strong for the creative field. The 60.2% graduation rate indicates students who persist are well-positioned for success.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.