About Pacific Northwest College of Art
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $40,846 after aid, while the sticker price reaches $67,396 including room and board. Graduates earn a median of $34,883 ten years after graduation, creating a challenging return on investment. About 53% of students take federal loans, graduating with a median debt of $25,000. Monthly loan payments average $265, which represents a significant portion of typical art career earnings.
The student body skews heavily female at 79%, reflecting broader trends in art education. Only 36% of students come from Oregon, drawing aspiring artists from across the country to Portland's well-known creative community. The 43% four-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to complete their degrees, common in intensive studio programs that emphasize hands-on learning over traditional coursework.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 18.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 43.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 45.7%
- Retention Rate
- 62.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,883
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $32,029 |
| Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis. | Master | $27,765 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $27,494 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $25,658 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $19,835 |
Campus Life
Only 130 students can live in campus housing, meaning most find apartments in nearby neighborhoods like the Alberta Arts District or Hawthorne. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an apprentice-like atmosphere where professors become mentors. Students spend weekends at First Thursday gallery walks, sketching at Powell's Books, or collaborating in 24-hour studio spaces. The 79% female student body creates a supportive community focused on breaking down barriers in the art world. Many students work part-time at local coffee shops or art supply stores to offset the $67,396 total cost of attendance while staying connected to Portland's thriving creative economy.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 130 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1909
Campus Safety (2023)
18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–46°F
- July Avg
- 57°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 20.6%
- Women
- 79.4%
- White
- 61.9%
- Black
- 4.6%
- Hispanic
- 11.7%
- Asian
- 3.4%
- In-State Students
- 36.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 44.2%
Location
- Address
- Portland, Oregon 97209-3404
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,883
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $33,646
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $23,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Pacific Northwest College of Art?
Pacific Northwest College of Art accepts 94.48% of applicants, making it highly accessible for aspiring artists. The school welcomes students across various skill levels who are passionate about pursuing studio arts and design disciplines.
How much does Pacific Northwest College of Art cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Pacific Northwest College of Art is $40,846 annually, down from a sticker price of $47,126. About 44% of students receive financial aid, though the total cost of attendance including room and board reaches $67,396.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Pacific Northwest College of Art?
Pacific Northwest College of Art maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with only 412 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for intensive mentorship and personalized instruction crucial for developing artistic skills.
What do graduates of Pacific Northwest College of Art typically earn?
Graduates earn a median of $34,883 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 86.6%. The school's focus on studio arts and creative disciplines often leads to careers where financial rewards may grow over time as artists establish their practices.
Where do students live at Pacific Northwest College of Art?
The school offers housing for 130 students in this large Portland setting, accommodating about one-third of the 412-person student body. Most students live off-campus in Portland's active arts districts that complement the college's creative atmosphere.
Is Pacific Northwest College of Art diverse in terms of gender?
Women make up 79.37% of students at Pacific Northwest College of Art, while men represent 20.63%. This gender distribution reflects broader trends in art and design education, where women have historically comprised the majority of students.
