The ability to finance your education is a critical element of the college decision making process. Unfortunately, many people assume they cannot afford a MIAD education and never pursue the available financial opportunities. It is our goal that all interested, qualified students have the opportunity to attend and finance a visual arts education at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design.

We know that the longer you have to wait for financing information, the harder it is to plan and to make one of the most important decisions of your life. In order to help students fulfill their dream of becoming visual artists and designers, MIAD has developed an admissions and financial aid process to maximize funds for qualified students. Our process streamlines scholarship and financial aid information into students’ hands as early as December 1, 2011 for those planning to enter the college in the Fall semester of 2012. MIAD makes this commitment to you: upon your acceptance and our receipt of your financial aid paperwork, you will have a scholarship and financial aid decision within two weeks.

It’s important to remember that most students are eligible for financial aid. Financial aid eligibility is determined by a variety of criteria, and the vast majority of students (over 95%) are eligible for financial assistance. Most students receive a financial aid package that is made up of various kinds of assistance from many sources. These sources may include grants, loans and employment opportunities, and can come from the Federal Government, the State of Wisconsin for Wisconsin residents, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design itself, as well as other private sources (such as outside scholarships). The financial aid process can be started as early as January 1, 2012 for students planning to enter MIAD in Fall 2012.

Our Financial Aid Office is a resource for the information and assistance you may need. Staff members work closely with each student in developing a successful financial plan that will allow access to a MIAD education.

The primary responsibility to pay college expenses rests with the student and the student's family to the extent they are determined able to do so through the analysis of their family's financial strength. This process, called "need analysis", includes consideration of family income and assets, number of children in college, and if appropriate, special circumstances. MIAD financial aid works to fill in the difference between your educational costs and what the need analysis determines you and your family can pay towards those costs. Financial aid is meant to supplement a family's own resources; it is not intended to fund the entire cost of education.

We encourage you to apply for admission and financial aid to MIAD. Please contact our offices with any questions you and your family may have. The Office of Financial Aid is happy to assist you in your college search, and working with you to achieve your educational goals.

• MIAD's FAFSA code: 014203 Apply online at fafsa.ed.gov

Download the Fall 2011 Financial Aid & Scholarship Brochure