Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) empowers artists and designers to reimagine what art and design can do in the world. Founded in 1909, PNCA is an accredited, independent visual arts and design college offering 10 undergraduate and six graduate degree programs centered on the core values of professional practice, integrated knowledge, critical thinking, effective communication, and social responsibility.
Located in an historic building in the heart of Portland, Oregon's downtown Pearl District, PNCA is actively involved in Portland's cultural life with exhibitions at its Center for Contemporary Art & Culture and a vibrant public program of lectures, symposia, workshops, with internationally recognized visiting artists from around the world. Broadly and densely networked, PNCA fosters collaborative relationships between students, international artists, and the region's art, design, and business communities, as an extension of the institution's intellectual program.
Hover over dots to see degrees offered and online availability.
MAJORS OFFERED:Animated ArtsBachelors Degree
Applied Craft and DesignMasters Degree
Collaborative DesignMasters Degree
Communication DesignBachelors Degree
Creative WritingBachelors Degree
Critical StudiesMasters Degree
IllustrationBachelors Degree
IntermediaBachelors Degree
MA in Design SystemsMasters Degree
PaintingBachelors Degree
PhotographyBachelors Degree
Print MediaMasters Degree
PrintmakingBachelors Degree
SculptureBachelors Degree
Video + SoundBachelors Degree
Visual StudiesMasters (low-residency)
Masters Degree
Art and EcologyBachelors degree
This program is Residential.
| FULL-TIME | |
| TUITION | $ 48,906 |
| MANDATORY FEES | 100 |
| BOOKS & SUPPLIES | 1,480 |
| ON-CAMPUS ROOM & BOARD | 19,760 |
| OFF-CAMPUS ROOM & BOARD | 19,760 |
| OTHER | 1,762 |
| AID CATEGORY | AVG PER RECIPIENT | 1st YR RECIPIENTS |
| INSTITUTIONAL AWARDS3 | $22,460 | 99% |
| FEDERAL/NATIONAL GRANTS | 5,782 | 39% |
| STATE & LOCAL GRANTS | 4,049 | 9% |
| FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS | 5,048 | 63% |
AVERAGE AMOUNT RECEIVED PER RECIPIENT: $28,918
100% OF FULL-TIME FRESHMEN RECEIVED AID
* Most recent financial aid data available
Acceptance Rate = The percentage of students admitted out of applications received in a given year.
UNDERGRADUATE FTE1 = 402
UNDERGRADUATE
| FULL-TIME | 396 |
| PART-TIME | 16 |
NOTE 1: "Full-Time Equivalent" is the common way to measure the relative size of colleges. This adjusts for differences in the percentage of part-time students (or faculty). For example: one full-time student = 1 FTE; three half-time students = 1.5 FTE, etc.
| APPLICATION: | Required |
| ONLINE APPLICATION: | Required |
| APPLICATION FEES: | None |
| HOME EXAM: | Not Required |
| INTERVIEW: | Not Required |
| ESSAY: | Required |
| SAT / ACT: | Not Required |
| PORTFOLIO: | Required |
| LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: | N/A |
| IELTS: | N/A |
| TOEFL: | N/A |
TRANSCRIPTS
| HIGH SCHOOL: | Required |
| COLLEGE: | Required, if transferring |
FACULTY FTE1 = 66
| FULL-TIME | 23 |
| PART-TIME | 130 |
STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO: FALL 2023
7.7 TO 1
FTE STUDENTS PER FTE FACULTY1
FRESHMAN RETENTION
| FALL 2021 FRESHMEN RETURNING IN FALL 2022 |
69% |
| FALL 2022 FRESHMEN RETURNING IN FALL 2023 |
64% |
SIX-YEAR GRADUATION RATE
| FALL 2016 FRESHMEN GRADUATING WITHIN SIX YEARS |
43% |
| FALL 2017 FRESHMEN GRADUATING WITHIN SIX YEARS |
46% |
UNDERGRADUATE ETHNICITY
FALL 2023UNDERGRADUATE GENDER DISTRIBUTION
FALL 2023NEW STUDENT GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION2
FALL 2023Continuing Education
Pre-College Studios
Summer Institutes/Intensives
Post-Baccalaureate Residency
Pensole Design Intensive
Community Education programs for learners of all ages
Joint MFA Degree in Applied Craft & Design with Oregon College of Art and Craft
Study Abroad
Internships
Career Service Office
Joint BFA Degree with Reed College
Art and Science Initiative partners with NOAA and OMSI for student residencies and art and pedagogical projects
Global Studios offers international study experiences
Make + Think + Code is a center for art and emerging technologies
NOTE 1: "Full-Time Equivalent" is the common way to measure the relative size of colleges. This adjusts for differences in the percentage of part-time students (or faculty). For example: one full-time student = 1 FTE; three half-time students = 1.5 FTE, etc. NOTE 2: Geographic distribution is reported for first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates. NOTE 3: Includes all institutional scholarships and grants, but does not include College Work Study or third party awards.