Founded in 1873, Massachusetts College of Art and Design is a non-profit public state specialized higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Boston (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Massachusetts. Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MCAD) is a small coeducational US higher education institution. Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MCAD) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees in several areas of study. This 148 years old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 60-70% making this US higher education organization a somewhat selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. MCAD also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.