- At Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, we are makers, designers, creators and entrepreneurs. The simple idea, to "see differently", makes us distinct from one another yet unifies the diversity found in our students and teachers. Here you'll learn to make creativity your career. Located in the heart of Lancaster's thriving arts community, inspiration can be found around every corner. As a micro-college, it's the personal attention and guidance from our faculty of working artists, coupled with internships and hands-on experiences, that set us apart. Learn more about our academic programs and why you belong here.
School Highlights
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design serves 242 students (98% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 6:1 is lower than the state community college average of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 39%.
Quick Stats (2024)
- Enrollment: 242 students
- Private-state tuition: $26,750
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Student:teacher ratio: 6:1
- Minority enrollment: 22%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Selectivity
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 59 teachers has grown by 7% over five years.
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design
(PA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Schools of art, music, and design
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
4 or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private, non-profit
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
59 staff
58 staff
Number of Programs Offered
23
21
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Pennsylvania College of Art and Design has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 6:1 has increased from 4:1 over five years.
The Pennsylvania College of Art and Design diversity score of 0.37 is less than the state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has declined by 9% over five years.
Total Enrollment
242 students
448 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
11:1
# Full-Time Students
237 students
282 students
# Part-Time Students
5 students
166 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
235 students
312 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
237 students
297 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
18 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
243 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
21 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
330 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
n/a
% Asian
5%
4%
% Hispanic
5%
9%
% Black
5%
12%
% White
78%
61%
% Two or more races
2%
2%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
3%
11%
Diversity Score
0.37
0.59
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
59%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.33%
1.05%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,200
$34,900
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The private state tuition of $26,750 is more than the state average of $17,857. The private state tuition has grown by 7% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$26,750
$17,857
Tuition Notes
(Tuition cost for 12-18 credits a semester, 2 semesters)Pennsylvania College of Art & Design offers three and five-month payment plan options that can cover any semester balances remaining after deducting financial aid awards. This service is for full-time students to assist them and their families with educational expenses.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
100%
92%
Median Debt for Graduates
$27,000
$13,000
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,500
$6,111
Acceptance Rate
47%
85%
SAT Reading
n/a
450
SAT Math
n/a
465
SAT Writing
n/a
435
ACT Composite
n/a
20
ACT English
n/a
18
ACT Math
n/a
20
ACT Writing
n/a
7
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
24-Hour Comics Day, American Institute of Graphic Arts - AIGA (Student Chapter), Designathon, eSports, Lux (Student Photography Club), SIGGRAPH (Student Chapter - Graphic Arts), Society of Illustrators - SOI (Student Chapter), Society of Photographic Education - SPE (Student Chapter), Student Art Market, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
CORE Gallery
24-Hour Comics Day, American Institute of Graphic Arts - AIGA (Student Chapter), Designathon, eSports, Lux (Student Photography Club), SIGGRAPH (Student Chapter - Graphic Arts), Society of Illustrators - SOI (Student Chapter), Society of Photographic Education - SPE (Student Chapter), Student Art Market, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
CORE Gallery
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Pennsylvania College of Art & Design began as a dream of a handful of dedicated artists and their supporters in the spring of 1982: For those destined to live thecreative life, it's not a choice - it's in the fabric of who you are.
- BFA Majors: Animation & Game Art, Graphic Design, Fine Art, Illustration, Photography & Video, Live Entertainment & Experience Design (LiveX)
Profile last updated: 08/08/2023
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Pennsylvania College of Art and Design cost?
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design's private state tuition is approximately $26,750.
What is the acceptance rate of Pennsylvania College of Art and Design?
The acceptance rate of Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is 47%, which is lower than the state average of 85%. Pennsylvania College of Art and Design's acceptance rate is ranked among the top community colleges in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.
What is Pennsylvania College of Art and Design's ranking?
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design ranks among the top 20% of community college in Pennsylvania for: Lowest acceptance rates and Percent of students receiving financial aid.
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