Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 43.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 45.7%
- Retention Rate
- 62.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $34,883
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $32,029 | $90,387 |
| Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis. | Master | $27,765 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $27,494 | $26,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $25,658 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $19,835 | $25,000 |
Outcomes Overview
PNCA graduates face challenging financial realities despite strong employment prospects. The $25,000 median debt burden equals 72% of the $34,883 median earnings after ten years. Monthly loan payments of $265 consume about 9% of typical graduate income. The college maintains an 86.6% employment rate, reflecting Portland's active creative economy where graduates often work in graphic design, illustration, and digital media. However, loan repayment struggles are evident with only 48% of borrowers successfully paying down their debt. Art school graduates typically start with lower salaries that grow slowly over time. Given the high costs and modest earning potential in creative fields, PNCA represents a weak return on investment for most students.