Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants.
61%
Undergrad enrollment
837
Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.
$26,541
In-state tuition
$43,743
Out-of-state tuition
$43,743
Avg. ACT Range
19-27
Avg. SAT Range
1020-1270
Popular Majors
Illustration, Graphic Design, Studio Arts
Acceptance Rate
60.5%
4-Year Grad Rate
53%
Net Price After Aid
$25,472
Financial Aid Recipients
83.65%
Median Earnings After 1 Year
$36,427
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design?
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design's acceptance rate is approximately 61% (Milwaukee, WI), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
How much does Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design cost?
At Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, the average net price (after aid) is about $26,541 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design?
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design enrolls approximately 837 undergraduate students.
Where is Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design located?
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is located in Milwaukee, WI.
The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) is a scrappy, project-driven art school where students grind through rigorous studio work while tapping into Milwaukee's industrial creative scene. With a 60% acceptance rate and a focus on illustration, graphic design, and studio arts, MIAD delivers a no-frills, career-focused education—though its 56% graduation rate suggests it's not for the faint of heart.
Admissions
MIAD is moderately selective, with a 60.5% acceptance rate (629 admits from 1,039 applicants in 2024). The middle 50% of admitted students score between 19-27 on the ACT or 1020-1270 on the SAT, though the school accepts TOEFL scores in lieu of standardized tests for international applicants. Portfolio reviews weigh heavily, and the admissions process emphasizes creative potential over raw academic metrics.
MIAD’s project-based curriculum leans heavily on studio time, with illustration, graphic design, and studio arts as the most popular majors. The school touts top-20 national rankings for small art colleges and top-10 placements for illustration programs in the Great Lakes region. With a , the workload is notoriously demanding—alumni describe it as transformative but grueling, with one Reddit user noting it 'helped me grow personally and professionally' despite perceived declines in quality.
Life at MIAD revolves around the studio, with little emphasis on traditional campus perks—there’s no Greek life, and athletics are nonexistent. The school promotes a tight-knit, safety-focused community, with mandatory safety training during orientation. Social media glimpses show students engaged in activism (e.g., 'NO HUMAN BEING IS ILLEGAL' campaigns) and collaborative projects, reflecting Milwaukee’s blue-collar ethos.
Graduates earn a median salary of $36,427 one year post-graduation, though the school’s 56.5% six-year graduation rate (for fall 2020 entrants) hints at attrition challenges. Nationally, MIAD ranks in the bottom 41% of colleges overall, per College Factual—a reflection of its niche focus rather than broad academic reach.
The average net price after aid is $25,472, with 83.65% of students receiving financial aid. Scholarships and grants reduce the sticker price significantly—College Board reports an average post-aid cost of $28,024, though the school’s Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator helps families estimate personalized packages.
MIAD’s unapologetically gritty, Milwaukee-rooted identity sets it apart from more polished art schools. It’s a place where students trade dorm luxuries for industrial studio spaces, and where the curriculum’s intensity—evidenced by that 53% four-year graduation rate—filters out those not fully committed. For illustrators and designers willing to endure the grind, it offers a pragmatic path into creative careers without the debt load of higher-profile programs.
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design logo · sourceMilwaukee Institute of Art and Design - Encyclopedia of Milwaukee · sourceWELCOME - Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design · sourceMIAD: where passion finds purpose. - Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design · source
.jpg?width=1600)
