Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCAD) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Pennsylvania College of Art and Design
In the heart of Lancaster's arts district, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is known for studio intensity and a critique culture that shapes ideas into real work. Faculty are working creatives; studies span fine arts, design, and digital media. Light-filled studios, maker and photo areas, digital labs, galleries, and a focused library support the making. Advising, counseling, tutoring, and career services are easy to reach.
Student life leans hands on, with clubs, pop up shows, visiting artists, and campus exhibitions that open to the community, especially on monthly arts nights. The vibe is collaborative, practical, a little scrappy in the best way. Career prep runs through portfolio reviews, internships with local studios and nonprofits, and connections across the regional creative scene. Lancaster adds walkable galleries, markets, murals, parks, and coffee fueled study spots.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCAD) offers 8 degree programs across 1 major academic fields, graduating approximately 82 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Arts (8 programs, 82 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Arts (8 programs, 82 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illustration | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0410 |
| Applied Arts and Design | 18 |
|
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
50.0499 |
| Graphic Design | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0409 |
| Game and Interactive Media Design | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0411 |
| Studio Arts, General | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Photography | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0605 |
| Design and Visual Communications | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
50.0401 |
| Arts and Media Management | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
50.1001 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCAD).
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 Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCAD)
How much does it cost to attend Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCAD)?
The annual tuition at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCAD) is $31,370 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $46,755 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $12,535 and books and supplies $1,650.
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 Pennsylvania College of Art and Design offer?
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCAD) offers 8 academic programs across 1 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (8 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 Pennsylvania College of Art and Design?
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCAD) has an 45.9% acceptance rate and a 30.5% yield rate, making it highly selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 677
- Students admitted: 311
- Students enrolled: 95
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 Pennsylvania College of Art and Design?
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCAD) provides financial aid to 26% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $11,333 and average loans of $9,872.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,884
- State/Local grants: $5,852
- Institutional grants: $6,771
- Federal loans: $5,536
The university supports 64 students with grants and 49 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 Pennsylvania College of Art and Design graduates?
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCAD) graduates earn a median salary of $23,638 after 6 years and $33,301 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $15,518 (25th percentile) to $49,235 (75th 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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