Private for-profit

Small

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

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate66%

The bigger question at NCAD may be how well the school fits your goals, since admission is attainable for many applicants but the 58% six-year graduation rate makes fit and support worth checking closely. Because NCAD is test-optional, submit SAT or ACT scores only if they clearly strengthen your academic profile.

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

Northwest College of Art & Design facts and stats

Quick Facts

Northwest College of Art & Design is a small urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 139. NCAD’s freshman retention rate is 77%, above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 58%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 34:1.

Location

Tacoma, WA

Undergrad Enrollment139

Freshman Retention77%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio34:1

Graduation Rate58%

Test PolicyTest-optional

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Key Northwest College of Art & Design application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

July 15

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Coming soon

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 plan to submit scores to test-optional NCAD, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year so you can use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for superscore-friendly retakes. With NCAD’s Regular Decision deadline on July 15, a December retake should still leave plenty of time for scores to arrive.

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What you'll actually pay

NCAD’s tuition and fees are $18,100. Use this section to compare direct costs with available aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans.

Tuition and Fees$18,100

Room and Board$15,387

Average Merit AwardN/A

Application FeeN/A

Students on AidN/A

Average Aid PackageN/A

Average Debt at GradN/A

Northwest College of Art & Design’s estimated cost of attendance is $33,487, combining $18,100 in tuition and fees with $15,387 for room and board. Actual out-of-pocket costs can vary based on housing choices, program expenses, and financial need. Students should compare the listed price with any grants, scholarships, or loans in their aid offer.