Massachusetts College of Art and Design — universally known as MassArt — is the only independent public art school in the United States. This singular status gives MassArt a distinctive combination of genuine art school quality, public university pricing, and Boston’s exceptional cultural resources. This complete MassArt guide covers everything prospective students need to know.
MassArt at a Glance
| Factor | Details |
| Full Name | Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) |
| Location | Longwood Medical and Academic Area, Boston, MA |
| Acceptance Rate | ~68% overall |
| In-State Tuition | ~$12,000/year (Massachusetts residents) |
| Out-of-State / International | ~$34,000/year |
| TOEFL Requirement | 79 iBT minimum |
| Unique Status | Only independent public art school in the US |
What Makes MassArt Unique
MassArt’s public institution status is its most distinctive feature — and the one that creates the most significant practical advantage for students. As a public art school, MassArt offers art education at public university tuition rates while maintaining the dedicated creative culture of an independent art school. No other institution in the United States offers this combination.
For international students, including Korean students, the out-of-state tuition rate of approximately $34,000 per year represents a significant saving compared to comparable private art schools. RISD costs approximately $60,000, Parsons $56,000, and SVA $46,000 — all significantly higher than MassArt’s international rate.
MassArt’s Boston Location
MassArt is located in Boston’s Longwood Medical and Academic Area — one of the highest concentrations of educational and medical institutions in the world. The campus neighbors the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, one of the world’s great art museums, which MassArt students have direct access to. The Boston art community — galleries, cultural institutions, and a large student population — provides active creative engagement throughout the city.
Boston’s proximity to Providence (one hour) and New York City (four hours) gives MassArt students meaningful access to those cities’ art worlds without the cost of living in them. The Boston area’s exceptional concentration of universities also creates an unusually rich intellectual environment for creative students.
MassArt’s Key Programs
Studio for Interrelated Media (SIM)
MassArt’s SIM program is the school’s most distinctive offering — an interdisciplinary studio program that encourages students to work across performance, installation, video, sound, and emerging media without fixed disciplinary constraints. SIM is one of the few programs of its kind at any art school nationally.
Industrial Design
MassArt’s Industrial Design program is consistently respected nationally and benefits from Boston’s strong technology and product design industry. Students develop both formal design skills and human-centered design thinking within a program that has strong industry connections.
Graphic Design
MassArt’s Graphic Design program is professionally oriented and Boston-connected. Students develop visual communication skills within a program that has strong connections to Boston’s advertising, publishing, and technology sectors.
Fashion Design
MassArt’s Fashion Design program approaches fashion as both creative practice and industry discipline. Boston’s growing fashion sector and the school’s industry connections provide career pathways for fashion graduates.
MassArt and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
MassArt’s physical adjacency to the MFA Boston is one of its most genuinely distinctive advantages. Students can visit the collection regularly as part of their creative education — using the museum’s holdings for research, inspiration, and formal study in ways that occasional museum visits cannot provide. For students interested in art history, curatorial practice, or research-based creative work, this adjacency is a genuine educational resource.
MassArt for International Students
International students pay MassArt’s out-of-state tuition rate, which is still significantly lower than comparable private art schools. MassArt has an established international student community and institutional support for international students’ needs. The Boston area’s large international student population — across Harvard, MIT, BU, and dozens of other institutions — creates a broadly international campus culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MassArt a good school despite being public?
MassArt’s quality is genuine and nationally recognized — its public status does not diminish its program quality. It is simply more affordable than comparable private schools. Korean families who equate cost with quality should research MassArt’s program rankings and alumni outcomes specifically.
Can international students get in-state tuition at MassArt?
No. International students pay out-of-state tuition rates. Massachusetts residents pay the significantly lower in-state rate. For international students, the out-of-state rate is still meaningfully lower than most comparable private art schools.
How does MassArt compare to RISD for fine arts?
RISD’s fine arts programs are more internationally recognized and the alumni network is stronger. MassArt’s programs are genuinely strong at a significantly lower cost. For students for whom cost is a meaningful factor, MassArt offers real quality at a fraction of RISD’s price.
Does MassArt offer merit scholarships for international students?
MassArt offers some merit scholarships for international students. Combined with its lower base tuition, the total funded cost is highly competitive. Students should research specific scholarship availability directly with MassArt’s financial aid office.
Is Boston a good city for art students?
Boston is an excellent city for art students — it has major museums, an active gallery scene, a massive student population, and genuine creative energy. The cost of living is high but lower than New York. The MassArt location adjacent to the MFA Boston is a specific and significant advantage.
Royal Blue Art & Design is a US art school admissions academy in Apgujeong, Seoul, with 19 years of experience helping Korean students gain acceptance to RISD, Parsons, CalArts, and other top programs. Contact us at royalblue-art.com or call 02-3446-5929.