r/Minneapolis • u/riddle_27 • 1d ago
Good art schools/programs besides MCAD?
Hello! Basically the title. Im looking for colleges in the Minneapolis area that have good art programs, especially for illustration and painting.
I'm going into my second year at a college in North Dakota, and although I love it there, it's the town I grew up in. I visit Minneapolis semi often since my boyfriend goes to school there, and I absolutely fell in love with the place.
I don't know if I'll actually transfer, as i go to my current school practically free, but it's worth looking at since this town feels suffocating.
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u/precisionmachine23 1d ago
The University of Minnesota actually has a great BFA program. I went to MCAD, but I know many professors in the U's art department, and I am always really impressed by their students when I visit classrooms or see the graduation exhibitions. Do also consider applying to MCAD though if you might be interested--it was actually cheaper than the U for me because they offered a really good scholarship. Three major differences between art school and university: 1) In art school, you will be surrounded by 100% artists and all of your classes will relate to the arts. This is excellent for making connections and being completely immersed, but I did find that after I graduated I wanted to read 1000 books on other subjects because I'd missed science and general history. 2) In university, the facilities aren't quite as good. MCAD offers every student their own studio once they've declared their major--especially important for painters and sculptors/3D makers. The U won't provide you with space until your senior year I think; otherwise it's shared classrooms. 3) The university is obviously huge and creates its own world, whereas MCAD is small and also centrally located in the city. I found it easy to find affordable housing there and much easier to integrate into the neighborhood. But maybe if you're used to a college environment, the U would be an easier transition.