Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
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
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) offers 14 degree programs across 3 major academic fields, graduating approximately 117 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Arts (12 programs, 104 graduates), Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 8 graduates) and English (1 programs, 5 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Arts (12 programs, 104 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illustration | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0410 |
| Digital Arts | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0102 |
| Fine Arts and Art Studies | 18 |
|
Master's
|
50.0799 |
| Applied Arts and Design | 8 |
|
Master's
|
50.0499 |
| Studio Arts, General | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Printmaking | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
50.0710 |
| Graphic Design | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0409 |
| Photography | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0605 |
| Painting | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0708 |
| Design and Visual Communications | 3 |
|
Master's
|
50.0401 |
| Intermedia and Multimedia | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0706 |
| Sculpture | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0709 |
Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 8 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural Studies and Critical Theory | 8 |
|
Master's
|
30.2601 |
English (1 programs, 5 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Writing | 5 |
|
Master's
|
23.1301 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
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 14 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 (12 programs)
- Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (1 programs)
- English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 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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