MECA&D Grants & Scholarships

Our merit-based scholarships are available to all incoming first-year students upon acceptance to Maine College of Art & Design. These scholarships, which range from $10,000–$21,000, are awarded based upon previous high school academic achievement and the strength of the submitted portfolio and application. These merit-based scholarships are renewable for four years of study at MECA&D with good academic standing.

Graduates of any Maine high school who are accepted to MECA&D qualify instead for merit-based scholarships which range from $12,000–$21,000 based on the same criteria. These merit-based scholarships are renewable for four years of study at MECA&D with good academic standing.

We’re looking for a student who will have a positive impact on the MECA&D community — it might be you!

Each year MECA&D offers one renewable full tuition scholarship for a first-time freshman coming directly from high school to attend the Bachelor of Fine Arts Program. To be considered for this scholarship competition each applicant must:

• Be a high school senior applying for Fall 2021 admission
• Complete a full BFA application for Fall 2021 by February 1, 2021
• Submit a portfolio through Slideroom

This deadline has passed for 2021. The Full Tuition Scholarship recipient will be informed in March 2021.

Full Tuition Scholarship Competition & Honors Placement details:

Each year, the Dean of Maine College of Art & Design reviews applications to identify the top tier of first-year students intending to enroll at MECA&D. From this group of applicants, 15 students are offered placement in MECA&D’s Honors FY-In course, taught by the Chair of Foundation.

In this advanced course, students will take skills they have demonstrated through their application portfolio and apply them to a new idea that they will follow from inception to completion. For many students this is the first opportunity they have to spend an entire semester focused on one idea, and this can lead to new levels of consideration and completion in their work. In addition to placement in the Honors FY-In course, these students will be given the opportunity to participate in advanced critique sessions with members of our faculty throughout the year.

Along with consideration for placement in the Honors program, this application also qualifies high school students to be considered for the Full Tuition Scholarship that MECA&D awards to one applicant each year. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in high school at the time of their completed application and enroll in the college as a first-time, first-year student in the fall term. To qualify, students must complete the application process for undergraduate admissions by February 1 and submit their portfolio for review in Slideroom. There is no additional application form.

Winners of the Full Tuition Scholarship demonstrate academic rigor in their high school academic career, exhibit technical skill and personal voice in their application portfolio, and a strong commitment to community. The selection of our Full Tuition Scholar is made by a committee comprised of the Dean of the College, the Associate Dean of the College, the Director of Admissions, and the Executive Vice President of the College.

As part of Maine College of Art & Design’s commitment to educating the next generation of artists, we are pleased to offer BFA Racial Justice Scholarships for applicants to the Bachelor of Fine Arts at MECA&D. These Scholarships focus on supporting the work of students from communities of color who have been accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program at MECA&D. BFA Racial Justice Scholarships will be offered each year in the Spring and Fall terms to first-year and transfer students.

MECA&D is committed to educating artists in ways that are equitable and inclusive. We recognize inequities present in our societies and we are committed to transforming this field so that it reflects and amplifies a diversity of experiences, identities, and voices. Ideal applicants will have submitted a portfolio and application that embody and reinforce the core values of our Diversity Compact. This award specifically aims to promote and celebrate racial and ethnic diversity within the BFA program at MECA&D.

BFA Racial Justice Scholarships range between $1,500–$5,000 based on the criteria below and are renewable each year. The Scholarship Review Committee will award Racial Justice Scholarships to new incoming BFA students of color; both first-year students and transfer students are eligible to apply. These funds are allocated at the discretion of the committee and are to be awarded in addition to merit-based scholarships awarded from the Admissions department at the time of admission. Evaluation will be based on the criteria listed below, which focus on the student’s application, portfolio, and the alignment of their work with the values of MECA&D’s Diversity Compact.

Application Process
Interested applicants are required to complete and submit the following to be eligible for a BFA Racial Justice Scholarship:

• the standard BFA application on Common App (which includes a 500-word essay, a portfolio of 15–20 pieces, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts) completed by December 1 for Spring 2021 admission or February 1 for Fall 2021 admission;
• a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
• should self-identify as a student of color.

Applicants may choose to shape their Common App essay around ideas and commitment to racial justice, engagement with MECA&D’s Diversity Statement and Compact, and/or around their experiences and identity. Applicants are welcome to submit an optional resume.

The application deadline for Fall 2021 has passed; recipients will be notified by mid-March. The deadline for Spring 2022 is December 1, 2021.

Criteria for Consideration

• Alignment with MECA&D’s Diversity Statement and Compact
• Identification as a student of color
• Leadership and/or engagement in support of racial justice
• Concepts of racial justice demonstrated through the portfolio
• Diversity of background and lived experiences
• Demonstrated financial need

MECA&D’s Diversity Statement and Compact

To give further definition and distinction to Maine College of Art & Design’s institutional mission and to advance the goal of diversity in the strategic plan, the following set of principles were created to strengthen our learning community and cultivate an environment that prepares its students to thrive in a diverse and global world. Maine College of Art & Design recognizes that diversity is integral to the academic experience and strives to foster an inclusive culture defined by respect, equity and social responsibility. These principles serve as another catalyst for MECA&D students, faculty, staff and trustees to become the critically engaged citizens upon whom our world depends.

We understand the differences and diversity of our experiences include, but are not limited to, race, class, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, faith, religion, veteran status, mental, and physical ability.

I am responsible as a member of the MECA&D community:

1. For recognizing, validating and thinking critically about the diversity of experience within our community
2. To move beyond cultural stereotypes and assumptions in order to open up an authentic (and inclusive) culture of critique
3. To embrace the principles of a small caring community that supports the authentic expression of self and others
4. To see beyond assumptions in order to build authentic relationships across differences
5. To learn and be aware of how larger cultural inequalities and inequities influence our daily interactions
6. To participate with willingness and openness in opportunities which address current social events and to think critically about the impact on our college community and larger world
7. For respecting and supporting all members of our community
8. For engaging in action and dialogue when there is injustice driven by privilege and oppression.

The Financial Aid Office strongly suggests that students research and apply for any private funding sources for which they may be eligible. There are a number of organizations which will provide scholarship search services free or for a nominal fee. Check with your state department of education, your high school guidance office, or the public library in your area. You may also find scholarship information online, for example FinAid.org. We recommend using extreme caution when using search services that require a fee or when releasing personal information via the Internet.

Our merit-based scholarships are available to all incoming transfer students upon acceptance to Maine College of Art & Design. These scholarships, which range from $10,000–$16,000, are awarded based upon previous high school and college academic achievement and the strength of the submitted portfolio and application. These merit-based scholarships are renewable for four years of study at MECA&D with good academic standing.

Graduates of any Maine high school who are accepted to MECA&D qualify instead for merit-based scholarships which range from $12,000–$16,000 based on the same criteria. These merit-based scholarships are renewable for four years of study at MECA&D with good academic standing.

As part of Maine College of Art & Design’s commitment to educating the next generation of artists, we are pleased to offer BFA Racial Justice Scholarships for applicants to the Bachelor of Fine Arts at MECA&D. These Scholarships focus on supporting the work of students from communities of color who have been accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program at MECA&D. BFA Racial Justice Scholarships will be offered each year in the Spring and Fall terms to first-year and transfer students.

MECA&D is committed to educating artists in ways that are equitable and inclusive. We recognize inequities present in our societies and we are committed to transforming this field so that it reflects and amplifies a diversity of experiences, identities, and voices. Ideal applicants will have submitted a portfolio and application that embody and reinforce the core values of our Diversity Compact. This award specifically aims to promote and celebrate racial and ethnic diversity within the BFA program at MECA&D.

BFA Racial Justice Scholarships range between $1,500–$5,000 based on the criteria below and are renewable each year. The Scholarship Review Committee will award Racial Justice Scholarships to new incoming BFA students of color; both first-year students and transfer students are eligible to apply. These funds are allocated at the discretion of the committee and are to be awarded in addition to merit-based scholarships awarded from the Admissions department at the time of admission. Evaluation will be based on the criteria listed below, which focus on the student’s application, portfolio, and the alignment of their work with the values of MECA&D’s Diversity Compact.

Application Process
Interested applicants are required to complete and submit the following to be eligible for a BFA Racial Justice Scholarship:

• the standard BFA application on Common App (which includes a 500-word essay, a portfolio of 15–20 pieces, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts) completed by December 1 for Spring 2021 admission or February 1 for Fall 2021 admission;
• a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
• should self-identify as a student of color.

Applicants may choose to shape their Common App essay around ideas and commitment to racial justice, engagement with MECA&D’s Diversity Statement and Compact, and/or around their experiences and identity. Applicants are welcome to submit an optional resume.

The application deadline for Fall 2021 has passed; recipients will be notified by mid-March. The deadline for Spring 2022 is December 1, 2021.

Criteria for Consideration

• Alignment with MECA&D’s Diversity Statement and Compact
• Identification as a student of color
• Leadership and/or engagement in support of racial justice
• Concepts of racial justice demonstrated through the portfolio
• Diversity of background and lived experiences
• Demonstrated financial need

MECA&D’s Diversity Statement and Compact

To give further definition and distinction to Maine College of Art & Design’s institutional mission and to advance the goal of diversity in the strategic plan, the following set of principles were created to strengthen our learning community and cultivate an environment that prepares its students to thrive in a diverse and global world. Maine College of Art & Design recognizes that diversity is integral to the academic experience and strives to foster an inclusive culture defined by respect, equity and social responsibility. These principles serve as another catalyst for MECA&D students, faculty, staff and trustees to become the critically engaged citizens upon whom our world depends.

We understand the differences and diversity of our experiences include, but are not limited to, race, class, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, faith, religion, veteran status, mental, and physical ability.

I am responsible as a member of the MECA&D community:

1. For recognizing, validating and thinking critically about the diversity of experience within our community
2. To move beyond cultural stereotypes and assumptions in order to open up an authentic (and inclusive) culture of critique
3. To embrace the principles of a small caring community that supports the authentic expression of self and others
4. To see beyond assumptions in order to build authentic relationships across differences
5. To learn and be aware of how larger cultural inequalities and inequities influence our daily interactions
6. To participate with willingness and openness in opportunities which address current social events and to think critically about the impact on our college community and larger world
7. For respecting and supporting all members of our community
8. For engaging in action and dialogue when there is injustice driven by privilege and oppression.

The Financial Aid Office strongly suggests that students research and apply for any private funding sources for which they may be eligible. There are a number of organizations which will provide scholarship search services free or for a nominal fee. Check with your state department of education, your high school guidance office, or the public library in your area. You may also find scholarship information online, for example FinAid.org. We recommend using extreme caution when using search services that require a fee or when releasing personal information via the Internet.

MECA&D's annual Merit Exhibition & Scholarship Competition is held every Spring. The exhibition is open to current MECA&D students who are in their sophomore and junior years, and students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5. Scholarships awarded are applied to the following year, either the student's junior or senior year, respectively.

Students can win awards in the following categories: Best in Show; 2nd Place, 3rd Place, 4th Place, and Honorable Mentions; Outstanding 2D Work; Outstanding 3D Work; and Jury Select.

Information regarding the competition is mailed to all eligible students at the start of the Spring semester.

MECA&D's annual BFA Exhibition & Scholarship Competition is held every Fall. The exhibition is open to all current MECA&D students. Scholarships awarded are applied to the following semester.

Students can win awards in the following categories: Best in Show; 2nd Place Overall, 3rd Place Overall, and Honorable Mentions; Best Work by a Freshman, Best Work by a Sophomore, Best Work by a Junior, and Best Work by a Senior; and the MECA&D Award for work that is innovative and diverse.

Information regarding the competition is mailed to all eligible students at the start of the Fall semester.

Endowed and restricted scholarships are available to students returning to Maine College of Art & Design for their second, third, or fourth years. These are merit-based scholarships for students that are awarded through recommendations of faculty, and are available across disciplines and majors.

The Artists at Work Professional Development & Entrepreneurship Grant grant helps BFA, MFA, and MAT students advance their studio and professional skills by accessing opportunities and experiences beyond the MECA&D classroom. Potential uses include but are not limited to: conferences, travel, exhibition costs, professional association fees, self-promotion, technology, documentation, workshops and costs associated with entrepreneurial efforts. Funds cannot be used on equipment or for academic credit towards the completion of your undergraduate degree. Requests are capped at $500.

The Financial Aid Office strongly suggests that students research and apply for any private funding sources for which they may be eligible. There are a number of organizations which will provide scholarship search services free or for a nominal fee. Check with your state department of education, your high school guidance office, or the public library in your area. You may also find scholarship information online, for example FinAid.org. We recommend using extreme caution when using search services that require a fee or when releasing personal information via the Internet.

The Salt Fellowship
As part of Salt at MECA&D’s commitment to training the next generation of storytellers, we are pleased to offer the Salt Fellowship. The Fellowship will focus on supporting students from underrepresented communities who have been accepted into the fifteen-week Salt Graduate Certificate Program in Documentary Studies at MECA&D. Each term the Fellowship Committee will award one full-tuition scholarship or two partial scholarships; funds will be allocated at the discretion of the committee.

The deadline for Spring 2021 is November 6, 2020.

Interested applicants are required to complete both the standard Salt application and the Salt Fellowship application, which consists of a separate 500-word essay.

Please complete your Fellowship application after you have completed the standard application. Your Fellowship application cannot be reviewed until your Salt application has been processed.

Essay Prompt*
In 500 words or less, please describe your motivations for attending Salt and how your personal experiences make you a good candidate for the Salt Fellowship, which focuses on supporting students of underrepresented backgrounds.

*Please answer this question in this application form.

The Financial Aid Office strongly suggests that students research and apply for any private funding sources for which they may be eligible. There are a number of organizations which will provide scholarship search services free or for a nominal fee. Check with your state department of education, your high school guidance office, or the public library in your area. You may also find scholarship information using the Internet; such as FinAid.org. We recommend using extreme caution when using search services that require a fee or when releasing personal information via the Internet.

The Artists at Work Professional Development & Entrepreneurship Grant grant helps BFA, MFA, and MAT students advance their studio and professional skills by accessing opportunities and experiences beyond the MECA&D classroom. Potential uses include but are not limited to: conferences, travel, exhibition costs, professional association fees, self-promotion, technology, documentation, workshops and costs associated with entrepreneurial efforts. Funds cannot be used on equipment or for academic credit towards the completion of your undergraduate degree. Requests are capped at $500.

The Financial Aid Office strongly suggests that students research and apply for any private funding sources for which they may be eligible. There are a number of organizations which will provide scholarship search services free or for a nominal fee. Check with your state department of education, your high school guidance office, or the public library in your area. You may also find scholarship information using the Internet; such as FinAid.org. We recommend using extreme caution when using search services that require a fee or when releasing personal information via the Internet.

The Veterans Administration (VA), Reserves, and Armed Forces offer a variety of educational benefits primarily in grant form. Proper affiliation with the respective organization is required. Maine College of Art & Design is a participating institution for military personnel, veterans, and their eligible dependents.

To learn more about different programs for veteran education benefits please review the following resources:

• Post 9/11 GI Bill: Chapter 33
• Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty: Chapter 30 
• Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve: Chapter 1606 
• Reserve Educational Assistance (REAP): Chapter 1607
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Chapter 31
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP): Chapter 32
• Survivors and Dependents Assistance: Chapter 35

More information is available here.

The Financial Aid Office strongly suggests that students research and apply for any private funding sources for which they may be eligible. There are a number of organizations which will provide scholarship search services free or for a nominal fee. Check with your state department of education, your high school guidance office, or the public library in your area. You may also find scholarship information using the Internet; such as FinAid.org. We recommend using extreme caution when using search services that require a fee or when releasing personal information via the Internet.