- 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 414 students (93% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 50%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 414 students
- Private-state tuition: $26,750
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
- Minority enrollment: 35%
- 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
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 39 teachers has declined by 29% over five years.
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design
(PA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-High Traditional
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
39 staff
28 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Pennsylvania College of Art and Design has grown by 71% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 has increased from 4:1 over five years.
The Pennsylvania College of Art and Design diversity score of 0.55 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 49% over five years.
Total Enrollment
414 students
350 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
22:1
# Full-Time Students
383 students
292 students
# Part-Time Students
31 students
88 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
414 students
366 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
383 students
290 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
31 students
88 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
6%
4%
% Hispanic
1%
12%
% Black
13%
15%
% White
65%
50%
% Hawaiian
1%
n/a
% Two or more races
6%
4%
% Unknown races
8%
14%
Diversity Score
0.55
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
60%
38%
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 $17,224. The private state tuition has declined by 5% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$26,750
$17,224
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%
89%
Median Debt for Graduates
$27,000
$13,310
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,500
$6,297
Acceptance Rate
99%
81%
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
24-Hour Comics DayAmerican Institute of Graphic Arts - AIGA (Student Chapter)
DesignathoneSports
Lux (Student Photography Club)SIGGRAPH (Student Chapter - Graphic Arts)
Society of Illustrators - SOI (Student Chapter)Society of Photographic Education - SPE (Student Chapter)
Student Art MarketStudent Council
Arts and Music Programs:
CORE Gallery
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- School Mascot: Peacocks
- 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 99%, which is higher than the state average of 81%.
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: Percent of students receiving financial aid.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is Saint Joseph's University -Lancaster (0.4 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Saint Joseph's University -Lancaster
Private not-for-profit
850 Greenfield Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
(800) 622-5443
Lancaster, PA 17601
(800) 622-5443
0.4 miles
Enrollment: 1,439 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Acceptance rate: 41% Private-state tuition: $23,045 Minority enrollment: 39%
750 E King St
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 299-7731
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 299-7731
1.1 miles
Enrollment: 1,470 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Acceptance rate: 89% In-state tuition: $9,000 Minority enrollment: 35%
1641 Old Philadelphia Pike
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 293-5000
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 293-5000
2.1 miles
Enrollment: 4,952 students
1730 Hans Herr Drive
Willow Street, PA 17584
(717) 464-7050
Willow Street, PA 17584
(717) 464-7050
4.5 miles
Enrollment: 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
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
Enrollment: 642 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
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