Maine College of Art, M.E.C.A.
college
Maine College of Art, M.E.C.A.

Maine College of Art, M.E.C.A.

Educates artists and designers for life.

522 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA

About Maine College of Art, M.E.C.A.

Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D), founded in 1882 in Portland, Maine, delivers a transformative learning experience. It prepares students for artistic excellence, creative entrepreneurship, and civic engagement within an intimate and demanding educational environment. MECA&D focuses on empowering artists and designers to excel with integrity, professionalism, and community leadership. The curriculum emphasizes a lively studio practice—a space for research, experimentation, reflection, and problem-solving to create meaningful artwork. The college is committed to inclusivity, nurturing creative agents of change, and fostering a culture of shared accountability and collaborative success, ensuring graduates are prepared for fulfilling careers and to make a profound impact on the world.
Program NameDetails
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Bachelor

The BFA program offers majors in areas like Animation & Game Art, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, and Textile & Fashion Design. It provides students with 24/7 access to facilities and studio spaces.

4 Years
English
$40,668 per year (2025-2026)
Deadline: Early Action: December 1, Priority Application: March 1, Rolling admissions as space is available after March 1
Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art (MFA)
Master

The MFA in Studio Art is an interdisciplinary program that encourages students to challenge their artistic boundaries. It offers both full residency and low residency options.

2 years, full-time, 60 credits
English
Contact the college for current tuition information.
Deadline: Contact the college for deadlines.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Master

The MAT program prepares artists to become effective art educators. The program is divided into three phases including a Summer Intensive, Fall Semester, and Spring Semester.

10 months
English
Contact the college for current tuition information.
Deadline: Priority Application Deadline: January 18, 2026, Rolling Admission
Online Master of Arts in Education
Master

This online program is designed for educators seeking to advance their careers. Further details can be obtained from the college directly.

Varies
English
Contact the college for current tuition information.
Deadline: Fall 2026 Priority Deadline: July 1, 2026, Spring 2027 Priority Deadline: December 1, 2026
Online Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration
Certificate

This online certificate program focuses on leadership and administration within arts organizations. Contact the college directly for further information.

Varies
English
Contact the college for current tuition information.
Deadline: Fall 2026 Priority Deadline: July 1, 2026, Spring 2027 Priority Deadline: December 1, 2026
Online Graduate Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy
Certificate

This online certificate program focuses on expressive arts therapy techniques. More information is available from the college.

Varies
English
Contact the college for current tuition information.
Deadline: Fall 2026 Priority Deadline: July 1, 2026, Spring 2027 Priority Deadline: December 1, 2026
Salt Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies
Certificate

This certificate program focuses on documentary studies. Further details can be obtained from the college directly.

Varies
English
Contact the college for current tuition information.
Deadline: Spring 2026 Application Deadline: November 30, 2025, Fall 2026 Early Application Deadline: March 8, 2026, Fall 2026 Application Deadline: May 3, 2026

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
0
Students
0
Faculty
0
Alumni
7
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD).
Admissions
77.5%
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
early_action
December 1, 2025
rolling_admission
After March 1, 2026 (as space available)
priority_application
March 1, 2026
mat_priority_application
January 18, 2026 (for international/study abroad)
full_tuition_scholarship_competition
February 1, 2026
Requirements
0: Online application with personal information
1: Portfolio (10-20 digital images or up to 15 min video, showcasing proficiency in 2+ mediums)
2: Personal Essay
3: Resume or Curriculum Vitae
4: Two Endorsement Forms (recommenders complete digital form, at least one instructor/professor/art/education field)
5: College Transcripts & Academic Prerequisites (BFA or BA in Studio Art, or 6 credits in Art History + Praxis Art: Content Knowledge (5134) test with 158+ score, 3.0+ GPA)
6: International applicants: English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL min 79, PTE, or Duolingo English test) and evaluated transcripts by NACES member if from outside US
7: Holistic review prioritizing portfolio, GPA, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and interviews.
Recent Rankings
Most Popular Design & Applied Arts School in Maine (2023, CourseAdvisor.com): #1
Best Graphic Design Schools in Maine (Undergraduate, Plexuss): #1
Best Photography Schools in Maine (Undergraduate, Plexuss): #1
Best Design and Applied Arts Schools in Maine (Undergraduate, Plexuss): #1
Best Arts Schools in Maine (Undergraduate, Plexuss): #4

Maine College of Art, M.E.C.A. Academic FAQ

Maine College of Art, M.E.C.A. is Educates artists and designers for life.

The acceptance rate for Maine College of Art, M.E.C.A. is 77.5%, reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: Online application with personal information, Portfolio (10-20 digital images or up to 15 min video, showcasing proficiency in 2+ mediums), Personal Essay, Resume or Curriculum Vitae, Two Endorsement ....

Maine College of Art, M.E.C.A. provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art (MFA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Online Master of Arts in Education, Online Graduate Certificate in Arts Leadership and Administration.

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

Maine College of Art, M.E.C.A. is situated in Portland, United States, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, Maine College of Art, M.E.C.A. holds accreditations from: Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD)..