Student Financial ServicesGrants & Scholarships

Scholarships for MFA Students

Below is a list of all the Maine College of Art & Design scholarships offered to our Master of Fine Arts (MFA) applicants. Scholarships are determined and awarded following an offer of admission.

All scholarships listed are applicable to both domestic and international applicants.

For additional internal and external funding opportunities, please reach out to the Financial Aid office at finaid@meca.edu, or Graduate Admissions Coordinator Joel Tsui at joel.tsui-staff@meca.edu.

Note: Other than the applicants’ own scholarship or fellowship award, Maine College of Art & Design does not disclose funding metrics or other individuals’ scholarship amounts.

Merit Scholarship

Purpose

Merit-based scholarships are awarded to all admitted MFA students based on the overall quality of the application.

Amount

The scholarship amount ranges between 10–50% of annual tuition and is determined by the MFA Admissions Review Committee upon an offer of admission. The amount is renewable and applicable for both years, and requires no further action to receive or extend.

Since low residency and full residency students are considered under the same program, there are no differences in the award amount offered to admitted students expressing interest in either residency status.

Eligibility

The scholarship is awarded to all admitted MFA students, and no additional materials are required to be considered. The scholarship is renewable and applicable for both years, and requires no further action to receive or extend.

Criteria

While each applicant is different, we strive to engage in an equitable admission process that evaluates applicants using three main criteria:

  • Strength of Portfolio
  • Breadth and Depth of Personal Essay
  • Academic Achievement

Candidates with strong merit scholarship offers demonstrate preparedness for the rigors of our two-year graduate program, specifically in studio production, writing, and research. They are also able to showcase a clear understanding of how the College's MFA program aligns with their professional and developmental goals.

Note: Deferring students may retain this scholarship for up to one year.

Full Tuition Scholarship

Purpose

The Full Tuition Scholarship is awarded to one exemplary applicant whose art practice, academic achievements, and/or personal journey stand out among the applicant pool. The recipient is believed to be of importance to our Maine College of Art & Design community, and their application demonstrates dedication both in their practice and also to the College.

Amount

The scholarship covers 100% of annual tuition, and a recipient is determined by the MFA Admissions Review Committee shortly after an admissions decision is made.

Since low residency and full residency students are under the same program, eligible applicants expressing interest in either residency status are considered for the scholarship.

Eligibility

The scholarship is awarded to one admitted student whose application is completed on or before the Full Tuition Scholarship Deadline (see How to Apply for deadlines). The scholarship is renewable and applicable for both years and requires no further action to extend.

Although no additional materials are required to be considered, students being considered for the scholarship may be invited to have an individualized conversation with the Committee shortly after an admissions decision is made.

To receive this scholarship, the recipient must agree to enroll within 15 days of notice.

Criteria

In addition to the evaluation criteria listed in the Merit Scholarship, Full Tuition Scholarship recipients demonstrate potential to be well-rounded students and good stewards of the cohort.

Full Tuition Scholarship recipients show not only dedication in their studio practice, but also familiarity with our program structure and how they can benefit from the program. This is generally elucidated through the Personal Essay and well-directed Letters of Recommendation.

Admitted MFA students with a strong Merit Scholarship should anticipate being in consideration to be a Full Tuition Scholarship recipient.

Notes

The Full Tuition Scholarship is awarded independently from the Merit Scholarship, meaning an admitted student may be awarded the Scholarship after their initial offer of admission and Merit Scholarship award. Also, if a student chooses to enroll after their Full Tuition Scholarship decision due date, they will still retain their Merit Scholarship offer.

Due to the competitive nature of the scholarship, students accepting this scholarship cannot defer their enrollment.

Extended Reading

To learn more about our MFA program, visit Program Overview and learn How to Apply.

To learn more about the financial commitment and funding opportunities, visit Tuition and Fees​, and Financial Aid

If you are eligible for the US Federal Student Loan, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid​. Our School Code is 011673.

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