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Pacific Northwest College of Art SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A
ACT RangeN/A
Average GPA3.48
Acceptance Rate74.9%

PNCA’s 74.9% acceptance rate means admission is realistic for many students, so your strategy should be proving fit and academic consistency rather than chasing a single test score. With test-optional admissions and a 3.48 average GPA, submit scores only if they strengthen your profile, and pay close attention to cost and support given the 47% six-year graduation rate.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Pacific Northwest College of Art facts and stats

Quick Facts

Pacific Northwest College of Art is an urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 424 students. PNCA has a freshman retention rate of 70% and a 6-year graduation rate of 47%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.

Location

Portland, OR

Undergrad Enrollment424
Freshman Retention70%
SettingUrban
Student to Faculty Ratio10:1
Graduation Rate47%
Test PolicyTest-optional

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Key Pacific Northwest College of Art application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

February 1

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

April 15

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional PNCA, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and reserve the summer before senior year and senior fall for retakes and potential superscore gains. To meet PNCA’s January 15 Regular Decision deadline, the December SAT or ACT is typically the last retake whose scores will arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

PNCA is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $49,006, and 83% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $29,515. PNCA’s FAFSA priority deadline is April 15.

House illustration
Tuition and Fees$49,006
Room and Board$19,760
Average Merit Award$29,515
Application FeeN/A
Students on Aid83%
Average Aid Package$45,644
Average Debt at Grad$26,198

PNCA’s estimated total cost of attendance is $68,766, including $49,006 in tuition and fees and $19,760 for room and board. Financial aid is common, with 83% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $45,644. Merit awards average $29,515, which can significantly reduce the billed cost for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $26,198.

Student life at Pacific Northwest College of Art

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Choral groups
Housing

25% of undergrads live on campus

Freshman housing: Guaranteed

Coed
Greek life

Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.

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