Northwest College of Art & Design: 67.9% Acceptance Rate

67.9%Acceptance

$18,100Tuition

150Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$31,167Earnings

Private forprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About Northwest College of Art & Design

Northwest College of Art & Design attracts creative students seeking hands-on training in visual arts and design fields. The school enrolls just 150 students in midsize Tacoma, creating an intimate environment where artists can develop their craft. About 69% of students are women, reflecting the gender patterns common in art education. Founded in 1982, the college operates on a trimester system that allows for intensive project-based learning.

Students should expect significant financial commitment for modest earning potential. The average net price reaches $20,185 annually, while graduates earn a median of $31,167 ten years after graduation. Students typically leave with $30,750 in debt and monthly loan payments of $326. Only 37% successfully repay their loans, suggesting many graduates struggle financially. The relatively low earnings compared to debt burden makes this a challenging investment for most students.

The academic experience comes with notable limitations. With a 29:1 student-faculty ratio, personal attention may be scarce despite the small enrollment. Only 48% graduate within four years, and the six-year graduation rate drops to 36%. However, the school reports 100% employment for graduates, though the data doesn't specify whether jobs align with students' artistic training or career goals.

Academics & Faculty

Northwest College of Art & Design specializes in creative disciplines like graphic design, digital arts, and game design. The 29:1 student-faculty ratio means less individual attention than typical art schools, reflecting its for-profit model. Students work on portfolio development and industry-relevant projects throughout their programs. The 48.15% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to complete their creative work or transfer elsewhere. The school emphasizes hands-on learning with digital tools and software training. Programs focus on commercial applications rather than fine arts. The trimester system allows for intensive project-based courses. Nearly 92% of students come from Washington state, creating a local creative community.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29:1
Graduation Rate (4-year): 48.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.4%
Retention Rate: 78.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $31,167

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Design and Applied Arts.	Bachelor	$23,579

View all 1 programs →

Campus Life

This intimate art school draws 150 students to Tacoma's urban core, about 30 miles south of Seattle. With 69% women and strong regional loyalty at 92% in-state students, the campus cultivates a tight-knit creative community. Pacific Northwest weather means you'll need a rain jacket and layers more than heavy winter gear, with mild temperatures but frequent drizzle from October through May.

The 29:1 student-faculty ratio creates a studio-intensive environment where professors know every student by name. Most students commute from nearby apartments or family homes, giving the school a day-program feel rather than traditional campus life. Weekends often involve gallery hopping in Tacoma's growing arts district or quick trips to Seattle's museums and creative neighborhoods. The trimester calendar keeps projects moving fast, with critiques and portfolio reviews creating natural social gatherings. Students bond over late-night studio sessions and shared struggles of the creative process, though the 78% retention rate suggests some find the intensity challenging.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Trimester
Founded: 1982

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 37°–48°F
July Avg: 57°–76°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.8"
Annual Snowfall: 5.6"

Student Demographics

Northwest College of Art & Design draws primarily from Washington state, suggesting strong ties to the Pacific Northwest creative community. The student body is predominantly female, reflecting the school's focus on design fields where women have traditionally found more opportunities. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families pursuing creative careers. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic representation alongside white students. This small creative community of 150 students creates an intimate environment where aspiring artists and designers can build networks within Washington's growing design industry.

Men: 30.7%
Women: 69.3%
White: 56.0%
Black: 6.7%
Hispanic: 16.0%
Asian: 6.0%
In-State Students: 91.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 52.1%

Location

Northwest College of Art & Design sits in Tacoma, Washington, about 30 miles south of Seattle. The Pacific Northwest location puts students near both urban opportunities and natural beauty. Tacoma has transformed from an industrial city into a growing arts center with museums, galleries, and a revitalized downtown waterfront. The school draws 91.67% of its students from Washington state. Mount Rainier looms nearby while Puget Sound offers waterfront views. The trimester calendar system fits the region's year-round creative scene. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Northwest College of Art & Design with similar schools in the region.

Address: Tacoma, Washington 98402

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $31,167
Median Earnings (5 years): $38,059
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 37.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $326/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $30,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Northwest College of Art & Design?

Northwest College of Art & Design accepts 67.94% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a specialized art school. The college draws primarily local talent, with 91.67% of students coming from Washington state.

How much does Northwest College of Art & Design cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,185 annually, though costs vary by family income. Only 16.67% of students receive institutional grants, averaging $11,178 for those who qualify.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Northwest College of Art & Design?

The student-faculty ratio is 29:1, which is high for a small art college with just 150 students total. This reflects the school's for-profit model, which typically emphasizes efficiency over individualized attention.

Does Northwest College of Art & Design have good graduation rates?

Only 36.40% of students graduate within six years, and 48.15% finish in four years. These low completion rates are concerning, though the 78.26% first-year retention rate suggests students who stay engaged have better chances of success.

Where is Northwest College of Art & Design located?

The college sits in Tacoma, Washington, a mid-sized city known for its growing arts scene and proximity to Seattle. Tacoma offers affordable living compared to Seattle while providing access to museums, galleries, and creative communities.

How much do Northwest College of Art & Design graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $31,167 ten years after graduation, which is relatively low given the $30,750 median debt load. However, the school reports a 100% employment rate, suggesting graduates find work in creative fields even if starting salaries are modest.