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Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

Milwaukee, WI·Private nonprofit·883 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

63%
Accept
883
Students
$27,514
Net Price
63%
Grad Rate
$37,500
Earnings
10 yr
$15,750
Debt

About This School

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is a private nonprofit institution located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with approximately 883 undergraduate students enrolled. Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 63%. The average net price after financial aid is $27,514 per year. The graduation rate is 63%, and the typical graduate earns $37,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) is a private art school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1974, MIAD is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. The Jane Bradley Pettit Building is the college's main academic building, located on the Milwaukee River in the Historic Third Ward.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the 84% freshman retention rate suggests students are generally happy once enrolled, but a 63% graduation rate means more than a third don't finish — worth asking the school directly about why. Median earnings of $37,500 a decade out are modest for the debt load, though $15,750 in median graduation debt is actually lower than many art schools, which helps. This is a worth considering if you're committed to a studio arts career in a creative, tight-knit urban program, but have a clear plan for how your specific degree translates to income.

Founded
1974
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts93%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1155
Reading 75th %ile620
Math 75th %ile520

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$42,268
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,268
Avg Net Price
$27,514
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants36%
Median debt at graduation$15,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
63%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
84%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$28,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.4x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White65%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino17%
Asian4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (883 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

273 E Erie St

Milwaukee, WI 53202-6003

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Wisconsin

Browse all Wisconsin schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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