Pacific Northwest College of Art
Pacific Northwest College of Art is a private nonprofit university in Portland, OR ranked #1856 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C-, enrolling about 412 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 68.5%. Students most often pursue Design and Applied Arts and Fine and Studio Arts.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 62.9% first-year retention, and 45.7% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $40,846, about $23,848 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -85.2%, roughly 170.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $24,101. That's about $19,587 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Pacific Northwest College of Art Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Pacific Northwest College of Art graduates 45.7% of students within six years and keeps 62.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Pacific Northwest College of Art's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $47,126 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,358 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,912 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,980 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $67,040 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 44.1% of Pacific Northwest College of Art students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $35,104 to $45,596 depending on family income. Use Pacific Northwest College of Art's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $45,643/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $45,596/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $24,101
- 10-Year Median Earnings $24,101
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $10,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 48.0%
- Employment Rate 79.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Pacific Northwest College of Art graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Pacific Northwest College of Art vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Pacific Northwest College of Art's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Pacific Northwest College of Art's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Pacific Northwest College of Art graduates earn $24,101 median, the -85.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 412
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 62.9%
- Graduation Rate 45.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Pacific Northwest College of Art
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Pacific Northwest College of Art requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 68.5%, Pacific Northwest College of Art is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 68.5% acceptance rate, Pacific Northwest College of Art is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Pacific Northwest College of Art undergraduates. Fine and Studio Arts, Design and Applied Arts, and Visual and Performing Arts, General draw the most students.
- Fine and Studio Arts 46.2%
- Design and Applied Arts 29.7%
- Visual and Performing Arts, General 16.5%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 5.5%
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies 1.1%
- Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry 1.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Design and Applied Arts $36,201
- 2. Fine and Studio Arts $30,577
- 3. Visual and Performing Arts, General $13,895
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degree) $43,887
- 2. Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degree) $42,856
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Design and Applied Arts grads earn $36,201—161% more than Visual and Performing Arts, General ($13,895). Graduate: Design and Applied Arts programs lead with $43,887 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Pacific Northwest College of Art. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 42 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 27 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degree, 26 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degree, 16 graduates)
- Visual and Performing Arts, General (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (6 programs)▼
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
Online Master's Degrees (5 programs)▼
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
- Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 412
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 20.6%
- Female Students 79.4%
- Caucasian 61.9%
- Asian 3.4%
- Hispanic 11.7%
- Black 4.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 44.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Pacific Northwest College of Art's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Pacific Northwest College of Art's undergraduate population. Women make up 79.4% of the student body, while men represent 20.6%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pacific Northwest College of Art support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Pacific Northwest College of Art, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 79.4% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pacific Northwest College of Art support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Pacific Northwest College of Art, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Pacific Northwest College of Art offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -85.2% ROI. Ranked #1856 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $40,846 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $24,101 median earnings. With 45.7% graduating within six years and 62.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Pacific Northwest College of Art's Positioning
With a C- grade and #1856 ranking, Pacific Northwest College of Art competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $40,846 annually, Pacific Northwest College of Art charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 62.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $28,592 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -85.2% ROI and $24,101 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $30,846+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Pacific Northwest College of Art ranks #1856 of 6272 institutions, with 1715 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 45.7% six-year graduation rate sits 16.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 62.9% first-year retention is 13.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -85.2% return on investment is 170.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $24,101 run about 45% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $40,846 is roughly $23,728 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 62.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 79.0% employment rate within three years sits 10.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $40,846 is about $23,728 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Portland, OR, Pacific Northwest College of Art operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a C- from EDsmart. It stands at #1856 among 6272 schools Grades by category break down as Completion C+, Support B, Career Outcomes C, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 62.9% of first-year students return, and roughly 45.7% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -85.2% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $40,846 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $67,040.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $26,194 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $10,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 44.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $24,101 at the median. That sits about 45% below the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 79.0% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -85.2%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
68.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Pacific Northwest College of Art admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Portland, OR 97209-3404
- Website willamette.edu/pnca/index.html
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$61.3M