- 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 258 students (89% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 4:1 is lower than the state community college average of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 258 students
- In-state tuition: $26,750
- Out-state tuition: $26,750
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- Student:teacher ratio: 4:1
- Minority enrollment: 30%
- 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
Special Focus Four-Year: Arts, Music & Design Schools
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
59 staff
59 staff
Number of Programs Offered
23
29
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Pennsylvania College of Art and Design has grown by 5% 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 0.49 is less than the state average of 0.68. The school's diversity has grown by 19% over five years.
Total Enrollment
258 students
461 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
15:1
# Full-Time Students
230 students
325 students
# Part-Time Students
28 students
136 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
258 students
298 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
230 students
326 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
151 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
12 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
330 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
6%
5%
% Hispanic
2%
11%
% Black
13%
15%
% White
70%
52%
% Hawaiian
n/a
3%
% Two or more races
3%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
4%
10%
Diversity Score
0.49
0.68
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
60%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
60%
36%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,200
$34,900
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $26,750 is more than the state average of $11,723. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $26,750 is more than the state average of $15,818. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$26,750
$11,723
Out-State Tuition Fees
$26,750
$15,818
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%
88%
Median Debt for Graduates
$27,000
$13,000
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,500
$6,260
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:
Arts and Music Programs:
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: 2024 (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 tuition is approximately $26,750 for In-State students and $26,750 for Out-State students.
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.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences (0.4 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
Private not-for-profit
850 Greenfield Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
(800) 622-5443
Lancaster, PA 17601
(800) 622-5443
0.4 miles
| 2,178 students
750 E King St
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 299-7731
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 299-7731
1.1 miles
| 1,470 students
1641 Old Philadelphia Pike
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 293-5000
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 293-5000
2.1 miles
| 4,952 students
1730 Hans Herr Dr
Willow Street, PA 17584
(717) 464-7050
Willow Street, PA 17584
(717) 464-7050
4.5 miles
| 353 students
YTI Career Institute-York
Private for-profit
1405 Williams Road
York, PA 17402
(717) 757-1100
York, PA 17402
(717) 757-1100
18.9 miles
| 947 students
Recent Articles
Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs
Discover the diverse range of ground jobs at mid-size U.S. airports, their educational requirements, and how community colleges can prepare you for these exciting careers.
The Real Dollar Value of an Associate Degree
How much is an associate's degree really worth? We calculate and research the ROI of an associate degree specifically, and the results are interesting.
Hands Across California: Community College Students Band Together to Save the System
Facing a monumental budget crisis, California's community college students took matters into their own hands, holding rallies and conferences for Hands Across California.
