- 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 228 students (93% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 4:1 is lower than the state community college average of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the state average of 92%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 228 students
- Private-state tuition: $26,750
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- Student:teacher ratio: 4:1
- Minority enrollment: 94%
- 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
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private not-for-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 declined by 6% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 4:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The Pennsylvania College of Art and Design diversity score of 0.51 is less than the state average of 0.68. The school's diversity has grown by 24% over five years.
Total Enrollment
228 students
344 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
11:1
# Full-Time Students
211 students
241 students
# Part-Time Students
17 students
103 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
235 students
312 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
211 students
241 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
5 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
17 students
103 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
19 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
330 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
3%
4%
% Asian
13%
14%
% Hispanic
1%
n/a
% Black
5%
10%
% White
6%
8%
% Hawaiian
68%
52%
% Two or more races
3%
5%
% Unknown races
1%
7%
Diversity Score
0.51
0.68
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
0.658%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
0.5775%
0.4973%
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 $17,079. The private state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$26,750
$17,079
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%
91%
Median Debt for Graduates
$27,000
$13,000
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,500
$6,111
Acceptance Rate
51%
78%
SAT Reading
n/a
460
SAT Math
n/a
470
SAT Writing
n/a
435
ACT Composite
n/a
20
ACT English
n/a
20
ACT Math
n/a
21
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: 2023 (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)
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 51%, which is lower than the state average of 78%. 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.
Recent Articles
What is a Community College?
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
Value of an Associates vs. Bachelors Degree
This comprehensive guide compares the value of associate's and bachelor's degrees, exploring factors such as program length, cost, earning potential, and career opportunities. It provides valuable insights for students deciding between these two educational paths, emphasizing the importance of aligning degree choice with personal and professional goals.
How to Earn Your GED and College Degree Simultaneously
This comprehensive guide explores how students can earn their GED and college degree simultaneously through community college programs. It discusses the economic benefits, admission requirements, and steps to enroll in such programs, providing valuable information for those seeking to advance their education and career prospects.
