Financial Aid available to you
Several types of financial aid are available to you to help to make a MIAD education – and the lifelong benefits it provides – accessible. Explore the information below to learn about different types of financial aid. Complete your FAFSA beginning October 1 to find out what aid you may be eligible to receive. Remember, we’re here to help!
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The 2025–2026 FAFSA is now open! Apply for aid using MIAD’s school code: 014203. If you encounter any challenges using the new FAFSA form, please contact MIAD’s Admissions or Financial Aid staff.
Scholarships
MIAD Scholarships for First-Time Students (First Year & Transfer Students)
MIAD recognizes the merit of artistic achievement, academic performance, and community and leadership involvement through a vibrant array of scholarships. All admitted MIAD students are automatically considered for merit scholarships on a rolling basis beginning December 1. Scholarships are renewable annually for a maximum of four years as long as you maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and continuous full-time enrollment. For more information, including important dates, complete a request for information form.
If you plan to enter MIAD in the fall semester, please apply for admission now and begin the FAFSA after October 1. The sooner we receive your application and FAFSA, the sooner we can consider you for a scholarship and help you understand the other types of financial aid for which you may qualify.
How do I apply for scholarships?
- After you are accepted to MIAD, you will be automatically considered for MIAD merit scholarships!
- Optional: Apply for outside scholarships available from local and national organizations.
- Inform the Financial Aid office of any additional scholarships you receive.
Grants
Like scholarships, grants do not have to be paid back. They are awarded to you based on financial need as determined by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. MIAD’s Federal school code is 014203.
Types of grants
You may qualify for some of the grants below.
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
- Wisconsin Minority Retention Grant
- Wisconsin Talent Incentive Program Grant
- Wisconsin Grant Program
- Wisconsin Veteran Student Assistance Grant
- MIAD Grants – Thanks to the college’s dedicated donors, who care deeply about helping MIAD students realize their personal and professional dreams, each year MIAD awards generous grants to students. These need-based grants are in addition to MIAD merit scholarships.
How do I apply for grants?
- Apply for admission to MIAD!
- Both you and a parent must apply for an FSA ID online at studentaid.gov to electronically sign the FAFSA application.
- File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov.
- Use MIAD’s FAFSA school code 014203 so that we receive the results and can process your financial aid award offer.
Loans
Using financial aid funds, including loans (money you borrow and pay back over time), to attend MIAD is an investment in your future professional success. The loans you may take out, whether federal or private, help provide access to an outstanding private education in a visual field. Please contact us with any questions!
Federal Direct Loan Program Types
The Federal Direct Loan Program is the main source of loans used by MIAD students.
- Dependent First-year students are eligible for up to $5,500 annually in Federal Student Loans
- Dependent Sophomores are eligible for up to $6,500 annually in Federal Student Loans
- Dependent Juniors and seniors are eligible for up to $7,500 annually in Federal Student Loans
- Independent students are eligible for $9,500 – $12,500 annually depending on year in school.
It consists of three types of loans:
- Federal Direct Subsidized Loan – you pay no interest while enrolled in classes, and eligibility is dependent on your FAFSA application.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan – interest accrues while you are enrolled
- The current interest rate (2022-23 award year) on the Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans is 4.99% and the current fees (thru 10/1/2023) of 1.057%
- Federal Direct Plus (Parent) Loan – A PARENT can apply to take out a PLUS Loan in their name to help cover part or all their student’s net costs of going to MIAD. The amount a parent can apply for each year is the cost of attending MIAD minus all other aid awarded.
- The current interest rate (2022-23 award year) on the PLUS loan is 7.54% and the current fees (thru 10/1/2023) of 4.228%
How do I apply for Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans?
- Apply for admission to MIAD!
- Both you and a parent must apply for an FSA ID online at studentaid.gov to electronically sign the FAFSA application.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov. Use MIAD’s FAFSA school code 014203 so that we receive the results and can process your financial aid award offer.
Private Alternative Loans
Private Alternative Loans
A student can apply for a private student loan with a creditworthy cosigner to cover part or all the net costs of going to MIAD. Private student loans are in the student’s name. Most private lenders have the option of a variable interest loan or a fixed interest loan. The variable or fixed interest rate is calculated based on the creditworthiness of your cosigner. You are free to choose any lender that processes private loans.
FASTChoice can help you choose a lender. The amount a student can apply for each year is the cost of attending MIAD minus all other aid awarded.
Loans
Please visit this page to view information about the different types of loans available to you. Please contact us with any questions!
Student Employment
On-campus jobs are available in several departments throughout the MIAD community. Campus jobs for MIAD’s on-campus employment program are posted through MIAD’s Career Services Office. In addition to on-campus jobs, Career Services posts many off-campus job and internship opportunities.
Some students may be eligible for the Federal Work Study (FWS) Program based on their FAFSA application. The FWS program is need-based financial aid that allows students to earn money by working part-time on MIAD’s campus. When a student is eligible for FWS, the chances of being hired on-campus may increase. Questions regarding FWS eligibility should be directed to the Financial Aid Office.
How do I find on-campus employment?
- Visit MIAD’s Career Services Office or contact the Career Services Staff!
- Apply to an on-campus job or visit CanvassCareers to browse open positions.