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Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Pacific Northwest College of Art

Set in a historic building in Portland's arts district, Pacific Northwest College of Art is known for studio-based learning across fine art, design, and media. Light filled studios, galleries, fabrication and print shops, and digital labs support a generous yet demanding critique culture. Students find close guidance, plus advising, wellness resources, and a library built for makers. And the vibe is hands on, collaborative, and curious.

Life here spills beyond class with pop up shows, visiting artist talks, First Thursday walks, and film nights. Career prep is practical through portfolio reviews, professional practice, and internships across local studios and nonprofits, while the neighborhood plugs you into Portland's arts scene, with coffee, food carts, river paths, and a public thesis show that welcomes the community.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 511 NW Broadway, Portland, Oregon, 97209, USA
Phone: +1 (503) 226-4391
Website: willamette.edu
Unit ID: 209603

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: NWCCU
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Bachelor's, Master's
Carnegie Classification: Not available
Campus Setting: Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Tuition: In-state: $47,126 (Tuition $47,026 + Fee $100) · Out-of-state: $47,126 (Tuition $47,026 + Fee $100)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 524
Undergraduate: 412
Graduate/Other: 112
Male: 111 Female: 413
Applications:
Total Applicants: 658
Admitted: 451
Enrolled: 119
Acceptance: 68.5% Yield: 26.4%
Staff:
Total: 126 Full-time: 23 Part-time: 103

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Oregon. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Oregon vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (19)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0102 Digital Arts. (Cert2y+)
A general, undifferentiated program that focuses on the use of computerized digital images as the primary medium of expression in the visual and performing arts, and that may prepare individuals for a wide variety of careers using new media, including graphic design, digital animation, motion graphics, 3D visualization, game and interactive media design, music and sound design, video production, web design, photography, and other fields.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $61,540 -$40,700 (-39.8%)
27-1011 Art Directors $128,100 $155,450 +$27,350 (+21.4%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $112,420 +$2,310 (+2.1%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $77,150 -$2,340 (-2.9%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $53,150 -$15,460 (-22.5%)
27-4021 Photographers $55,650 $77,530 +$21,880 (+39.3%)
50.0201 Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the aesthetics, techniques, and creative processes for designing and fashioning objects in one or more of the handcraft or folk art traditions, and that prepares individuals to create in any of these media.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $61,540 -$40,700 (-39.8%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $46,380 +$1,040 (+2.3%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $77,150 -$2,340 (-2.9%)
50.0401 Design and Visual Communications, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program in the applied visual arts that focuses on the general principles and techniques for effectively communicating ideas and information, and packaging products, in digital and other formats to business and consumer audiences, and that may prepare individuals in any of the applied art media.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $127,160 +$15,710 (+14.1%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $61,540 -$40,700 (-39.8%)
27-1021 Commercial and Industrial Designers $88,000 $83,460 -$4,540 (-5.2%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $53,150 -$15,460 (-22.5%)
27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers $78,450 $72,310 -$6,140 (-7.8%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $81,140 +$3,140 (+4%)
50.0404 Industrial and Product Design. (PostBacCert)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences via the creation of effective forms, shapes, and packaging for manufactured products. Includes instruction in designing in a wide variety of plastic and digital media, prototype construction, design development and refinement, principles of cost saving, and product structure and performance criteria relevant to aesthetic design parameters.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $61,540 -$40,700 (-39.8%)
27-1021 Commercial and Industrial Designers $88,000 $83,460 -$4,540 (-5.2%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $53,150 -$15,460 (-22.5%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $81,140 +$3,140 (+4%)
50.0409 Graphic Design. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. Includes instruction in computer-assisted art and design, printmaking, concepts sketching, technical drawing, color theory, imaging, studio technique, still and life modeling, multimedia applications, communication skills and commercial art business operations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $127,160 +$15,710 (+14.1%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $61,540 -$40,700 (-39.8%)
27-1011 Art Directors $128,100 $155,450 +$27,350 (+21.4%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $112,420 +$2,310 (+2.1%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $77,150 -$2,340 (-2.9%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $53,150 -$15,460 (-22.5%)
50.0410 Illustration. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to develop and execute interpretations of the concepts of authors and designers to specifications. Includes instruction in book illustration, fashion illustration, map illustration, rendering, exhibit preparation, textual layout, cartooning, and the use of various artistic techniques as requested by clients.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $61,540 -$40,700 (-39.8%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $77,150 -$2,340 (-2.9%)
27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers $78,450 $72,310 -$6,140 (-7.8%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $81,140 +$3,140 (+4%)
50.0499 Design and Applied Arts, Other. (PostBacCert)
Any instructional program in design and applied arts not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
99-9999 NO MATCH N/A N/A N/A
50.0605 Photography. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the principles and techniques of communicating information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the creation of images on photographic film, plates, and digital images and that may prepare individuals to be professional photographic artists. Includes instruction in camera and equipment operation and maintenance, film and plate developing, light and composition, films and printing media, color and special effects, photographic art, photographic history, use of computer applications to record or enhance images and applications to the photography of various subjects.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $61,540 -$40,700 (-39.8%)
27-4021 Photographers $55,650 $77,530 +$21,880 (+39.3%)
50.0701 Art/Art Studies, General. (PostBacCert)
A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of the visual arts. Includes instruction in art, photography, and other visual communications media.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $61,540 -$40,700 (-39.8%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $69,900 -$3,800 (-5.2%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $46,380 +$1,040 (+2.3%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $69,480 -$6,970 (-9.1%)
27-4021 Photographers $55,650 $77,530 +$21,880 (+39.3%)
50.0702 Fine/Studio Arts, General. (Cert2y+, BSc)
A program that prepares individuals to generally function as creative artists in the visual and plastic media. Includes instruction in the traditional fine arts media (drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, CAD/CAM) and/or modern media (ceramics, textiles, intermedia, photography, digital images), theory of art, color theory, composition and perspective, anatomy, the techniques and procedures for maintaining equipment and managing a studio, and art portfolio marketing.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $61,540 -$40,700 (-39.8%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $69,480 -$6,970 (-9.1%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $77,150 -$2,340 (-2.9%)
50.0706 Intermedia/Multimedia. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions in either two or three dimensions, through simultaneous use of a variety of materials and media.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $61,540 -$40,700 (-39.8%)
27-1011 Art Directors $128,100 $155,450 +$27,350 (+21.4%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $69,480 -$6,970 (-9.1%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $112,420 +$2,310 (+2.1%)
50.0708 Painting. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by the application of paints and related chemical color substances to canvases or other materials. Includes instruction in color and color mixing, surface preparation, composition, oil and acrylic media, watercolor media, painting techniques, and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $61,540 -$40,700 (-39.8%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $46,380 +$1,040 (+2.3%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $69,480 -$6,970 (-9.1%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $112,420 +$2,310 (+2.1%)
50.0709 Sculpture. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by creating three-dimensional art works. Includes instruction in the analysis of form in space; round and relief concepts; sculptural composition; modern and experimental methods; different media such as clay, plaster, wood, stone, and metal; techniques such as carving, molding, welding, casting, and modeling; and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $61,540 -$40,700 (-39.8%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $46,380 +$1,040 (+2.3%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $69,480 -$6,970 (-9.1%)
50.0710 Printmaking. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals creatively and technically to express emotions, ideas, or inner visions by rendering art concepts onto surfaces and transferring images, via ink or dyes, onto paper or fabric. Includes instruction in monochrome and color printing; tonality; chemistry; equipment set-up and maintenance; techniques such as serigraphy, lithography, intaglio, woodcut, block, stencil, relief, etching, and composite; and personal style development.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $61,540 -$40,700 (-39.8%)
27-1012 Craft Artists $45,340 $46,380 +$1,040 (+2.3%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $69,480 -$6,970 (-9.1%)
50.0799 Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other. (PostBacCert)
Any instructional program in fine arts and art studies not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $61,540 -$40,700 (-39.8%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $69,480 -$6,970 (-9.1%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $77,150 -$2,340 (-2.9%)
Interdisciplinary (1)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.2601 Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis. (PostBacCert)
An interdisciplinary program that focuses on the analysis and critique of culture in its varied forms, including values, ideas, belief systems, and expressive acts, and the relationship between cultural forms, everyday life, and structures of power. Includes instruction in anthropology, communications, history, literary studies, philosophy, political economy, and sociology, as well as recent theories and methodologies such as semiotics, deconstruction, postcolonial studies, gender theory, and ethnography.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
19-3099 Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $106,440 $107,570 +$1,130 (+1.1%)
25-1062 Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $97,350 $81,330 -$16,020 (-16.5%)
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $60,640 -$33,830 (-35.8%)
English (2)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
23.1301 Writing, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on writing for applied and liberal arts purposes. Includes instruction in writing and document design in multiple genres, modes, and media; writing technologies; research, evaluation, and use of information; editing and publishing; theories and processes of composing; rhetorical theories, traditions, and analysis; communication across audiences, contexts, and cultures; and practical applications for professional, technical, organizational, academic, and public settings.

Graduate Career Earnings in Oregon

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Oregon Avg OR vs US
25-1123 English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $90,400 $91,880 +$1,480 (+1.6%)
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $60,640 -$33,830 (-35.8%)
27-3041 Editors $85,700 $86,350 +$650 (+0.8%)
27-3042 Technical Writers $92,330 $80,840 -$11,490 (-12.4%)
27-3043 Writers and Authors $85,780 $68,290 -$17,490 (-20.4%)
43-9081 Proofreaders and Copy Markers $52,730 $42,840 -$9,890 (-18.8%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$70,376
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$70,376
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$47,126
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$47,126
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$18,912
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,358
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$2,980
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$2,980
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$41,783
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$41,783
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

24%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$24,845
Avg. Loan
$6,473
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,048
Additional
Students with Any Grant
89
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
56
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
35
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$22,460
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

46%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
63%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$16,871 – $59,519
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$16,871 (25th %) $59,519 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $34,883
Median Salary After 6 Years
$24,101
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$34,883
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
48.0%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
54.2%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$25,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 39.5%
Middle 52.8%
High 60.3%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 53.0%
Independent 38.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA)

How much does it cost to attend Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA)?

The annual tuition at Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) is $47,126 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $70,376 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $18,912 and books and supplies $1,358.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Pacific Northwest College of Art offer?

Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) offers 25 academic programs across 3 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (19 programs)
  • English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis (2 programs)
  • Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Pacific Northwest College of Art?

Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) has an 68.5% acceptance rate and a 26.4% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 658
  • Students admitted: 451
  • Students enrolled: 119

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Pacific Northwest College of Art?

Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) provides financial aid to 24% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $24,845 and average loans of $6,473.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,053
  • State/Local grants: $4,049
  • Institutional grants: $22,460
  • Federal loans: $5,048

The university supports 89 students with grants and 56 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Pacific Northwest College of Art graduates?

Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) graduates earn a median salary of $24,101 after 6 years and $34,883 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $16,871 (25th percentile) to $59,519 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $60,700 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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