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Pacific Northwest College of Art

Pacific Northwest College of Art

Founded in 1909, PNCA is a part of the Association of Independent Colleges in Art and Design and the only art and design school in Oregon. Located in Portland OR, we are a private, non profit, and regionally and nationally accredited. With 10 BFA majors and 10 minors, our curriculum is rooted in concept, research, and experimentation. We firmly believe that an interdisciplinary practice sets artists and designers up for a well-rounded art-making practice. Our merger with Willamette University provides students the opportunity to take select liberal arts courses and to connect with the community in Salem, OR.

Virtual Tour

Academic Programs

  • Animation
  • Art & Design
  • Creative Writing
  • Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Liberal Arts
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Studio Arts
  • Visual Arts

Student experience

  • Career Services
  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Counseling Services
  • Disability Services
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • Student Leadership
  • Study Abroad

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

First-year

Our application is free to apply. We require a portfolio for submission, and you will be emailed instructions following submission of your application. Your application must include the following:

  • Portfolio
  • Artist Statement
  • Official transcripts from all schools attended

school

Additional Information

All students applying to PNCA’s BFA program are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. These renewable scholarships start at $18,000 per year. We also offer the following scholarships:
 
Early Application: November 15th, 2023. Upon acceptance to PNCA, early applicants are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship, renewable for up to 4 years.
Priority: February 1st, 2024. For top juried scholarships and top merit-based scholarships.
BFA Equity Scholarship: January 31st, 2024
https://pnca.willamette.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid/equity-scholarship
Grant Assistance: Awarded on demonstrated financial need.

Visit us

Our historic building is located in the vibrant Pearl Arts district of Portland, OR. Our daily campus visit program offers prospective undergraduate students and families the chance to get to know Pacific Northwest College of Art through a campus tour, a tour of our Glass Building for students interested in the sculpture department, and an optional portfolio review with an admissions counselor!

We start with a deep respect for what each student brings into the program and their desire to make something of it. We meet each student at their level of experience and grow from there. We have world-class faculty who are experienced working with all skill levels, focused on the goal of refining and revealing each student's full potential.

Martin French, Department Head of Illustration, Illustration
School seal
Apply for first-year

Admissions office

Visit us

Address

511 NW Broadway
Portland, OR 97209, United States of America

Phone number

503-821-8972

For first-year students

Region

West

West