Summer Pre-College Program | Youth & Community Programs

Summer
Pre-College Program

MIAD’s Summer Pre-College is an intense, immersive, and exciting exploration of visual art and design for high school age students. Taught by MIAD faculty, this is an opportunity to create art all day, every day, and experience a college-level curriculum. It is also a chance to connect with other art students from across the country.

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Registration now open until May 1!

Core Studio Concepts
July 14 – July 25, 2025

Tuition (supplies included): $1,785
Optional Residence Hall (meal plan included): $975

Core - Important Dates

Apr. 1: MIAD Merit and DPI Scholarship Deadline
Mid-April: Scholarship Award Notification
May 1: Registration Deadline
May 1: Scholarship Acceptance Due
May 15: Final Payment Deadline (no refunds after May 15)
June 3: Virtual Orientation 6 p.m. CST
July 13: Summer Pre-College Orientation at MIAD for students and families 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
July 13: Residence Hall Move-In 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
July 14 – 25: Core Studio Concepts
July 26: Core Studio Concepts Final Exhibition 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
July 26: Core Student Res Hall Move-Out

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Advanced Studio Concepts
July 14 – August 1, 2025

Tuition (supplies included): $2,130
Optional Residence Hall (meal plan included): $1,490

Advanced - Important Dates

Apr. 1: MIAD Merit and DPI Scholarship Deadline
Mid-April: Scholarship Award Notification
May 1: Registration Deadline
May 1: Scholarship Acceptance Due
May 15: Final Payment Deadline (no refunds after May 15)
June 3: Virtual Orientation 6 p.m. CST
July 13: Summer Pre-College Orientation at MIAD for students and families 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
July 13: Residence Hall Move-In 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
July 14 – Aug. 1: Advanced Studio Concepts Program
Aug. 2: Advanced Studio Concepts Final Exhibition 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Aug. 2: Advanced Student Res Hall Move-Out

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Summer Pre-College Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which program is right for me?
Core Studio Concepts offers beginning or intermediate students two areas of art study to explore. There are no prerequisites to enroll.
Advanced Studio Concepts allows students to focus on one area of art study to earn 3 college credits. Advanced students must submit a portfolio of 10 images to be admitted into the program. Feel free to contact our office at ycp@miad.edu if you’re still unsure which program is the best fit for you.

Do I need to bring supplies?
The tuition cost includes supplies! You can feel free to bring additional supplies you are comfortable working with; however, course assignments may dictate the required materials for your projects. You may also bring a computer or tablet if you make artwork digitally, but computers are provided for all courses with a digital component.

Is financial aid available?
Partial MIAD Merit and Full Wisconsin DPI Scholarships are available. Click below to see the qualifications and application materials required.

When do I need to submit my portfolio?
Students registered for Advanced Studio Concepts or applying for a MIAD Merit Scholarship must submit their 10-image portfolio no later than April 1. Send your materials via our Pre-College Dropbox.

When are payments due and do I need to make a deposit?
We are not requiring deposit payments in 2025. Final payments are due by or before May 15. You may pay in installments online here.

Can I stay in the residence hall?
Students residing beyond a 45-minute commute are eligible to stay at MIAD’s Two50Two campus housing for an additional cost. This includes a full meal plan.

Are there vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free meals available?
Daily menus vary. While accommodations for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets are available, options may be limited.

Can I leave campus?
Res Hall students granted Off Campus Release by their parent or guardian may leave campus unchaperoned during designated times only – between afternoon check-in (approximately 5:00 p.m.) and the 7:00 p.m. Campus Curfew on weeknights, and 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekends. However, students must return to campus to attend all Res Hall check-ins, daily.