At Maine College of Art & Design, we understand that finances are often one of the most important considerations for students and families when making a college decision. Listed below are the published costs for full-time BFA degree students.
These figures are the maximum amount a student pays to attend our college. MECA&D is committed to doing all it can to make a high-quality art education accessible to all students.
Most of our students receive significant scholarship and grant support from the college. Additional federal and state grants and scholarships are applied based on eligibility. The level of financial aid support provided is based on your demonstrated financial need and the quality of your artwork and academic achievement. It is important to us to make our education available to students from a broad range of backgrounds, therefore we will work with you and your family to make it possible for you to attain the education you deserve and the career you seek after graduation.
Tuition and Fees (2021–22)
| Item | Full Time Semester | Full Time Annual | Part Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $18,980 | $37,960 | $1,582/per credit hour |
| Fees | $50 one-time transcript fee | $50 one-time transcript fee | $50 one-time transcript fee |
| Technology & Services Fee | $340 | $680 | $340/ per semester |
| Total | $19,370 | $38,690 | varies by person |
Tuition and Fees (2020–21)
| Item | Full Time Semester | Full Time Annual | Part Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $18,425 | $36,850 | $1,535/per credit hour |
| Fees | $50 one-time transcript fee | $50 one-time transcript fee | $50 one-time transcript fee |
| Technology & Services Fee | $340 | $680 | $340/ per semester |
| Total | $18,815 | $37,580 | varies by person |
All incoming students are billed a one time $50.00 fee which entitles a student to send transcripts at any time in the future at no charge. There are some additional studio fees charged. These studio fees vary depending on the major field of study. In addition to studio fees, students are responsible for purchasing supplies. The figures for room and board vary depending on individual needs and choices. Commuting students living at home may save some room and board expenses over the campus resident.
May 1 is the uniform reply date for the $300 enrollment fee to reserve a space in the Fall semester. It is a non-refundable enrollment fee. We continue to accept deposits after May 1st on a space-available basis.
Additional Fees
| Item | Full Time Semester | Full Time Annual | Part Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Health Insurance* | $2,725 | (not available) | |
|
Lab Fees (average) |
$300 | $600 | varies by person |
|
On Campus Room & Board |
$6,385 (estimate) |
$12,770 (estimate) |
(not available) |
| Orientation Fee | $100 one-time fee | $100 one-time fee | $100 one-time fee |
| Commencement Fee | $150 one-time fee | $150 one-time fee | $150 one-time fee |
| Books, Art Supplies | $625 (estimate) | $1,250 (estimate) | varies by person |
| Transportation | $500 (estimate) | $1,000 (estimate) | varies by person |
| Personal/Misc. | $550 (estimate) | $1,100 (estimate) | varies by person |
| Meals | 50 Meals plus $50 MECA&D BUCKS: $525 (available to off-campus students only). Learn more about our meal plans here. |
*To waive this fee, please visit this site. The site was open to students in June 2020.
Mandatory Health Insurance
All students at Maine College of Art & Design are required to be covered by a health insurance policy that is valid in Maine. On the billing statement there is a charge for mandatory health insurance. If you have your own health insurance, you can opt out of the MECA&D sponsored insurance plan by waiving the insurance online at https://www.studentinsurance.com/Client/1507. The waiver site will be open to BFA students starting June 10, 2021 and you must create an account and opt out of the insurance by September 10, 2021.
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Payment Plan
Tuition and fees are billed by semester. The balance due, after deducting any financial aid or loans, must be paid five weeks prior to the start of classes. The College also offers a monthly payment plan through Nelnet Campus Commerce. For more information on payment plans available through Nelnet Campus Commerce, visit mycollegepaymentplan.com/meca.
Tuition Protection Plan
Tuition Insurance to Protect Your Investment in Higher Education
At Maine College of Art & Design, we believe it is important to offer an easy, affordable way to protect the investment you and your family are making in higher education. The Tuition Protection Plan helps students and their families overcome the financial losses that may result from events, which force students to withdraw from the semester due to a covered medical reason. Helping families get the most out of your Maine College of Art & Design experience is always our top priority. That is why we have partnered with GradGuard™ to provide our students and their families with tuition insurance.
This coverage is supplemental protection, which strengthens and broadens the scope of our existing refund policy by reimbursing students for tuition, room and board and other fees for covered withdrawals, such as illness, injury, mental health disorders and death of a tuition payer, at any time during the semester. The Tuition Protection Plan also comes with a 24-hour Student Life Assistance hotline to help students stay safe on and off campus.
Please remember the deadline to enroll is the day before classes begin each semester.
Learn more at GradGuard.com/Tuition/meca or call 877-794-6603.
Tuition Insurance Video YouTube Link can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1Dk6LE9QZs.
Refund Policy
Students who withdraw from the college during a semester may be eligible for a refund. A refund is a reduction in the original tuition and housing charges, rather than a portion of the amount already paid to the college. The withdrawal date is established by the receipt of a written withdrawal notice by the Registrar's Office.
| Fall | Spring | Percentage of Refund | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Withdraw by | 8.29.21 | 1.10.22 | 100% |
| Exit form filed by | 9.7.21 | 1.18.22 | 75% |
| Exit form filed by | 9.14.21 | 1.25.22 | 40% |
| No refund after | 9.14.21 | 1.25.22 | 0% |
Federal Aid Recipients
Students who withdraw and receive federal financial aid will be subject to return of Title IV funds and/or repayment of unearned aid as specified in 34 CFR 668.22. Maine College of Art & Design uses the Return of Title IV Funds for Withdrawn Students online program designed by the U. S. Department of Education to calculate the return and late disbursement of Title IV funds.