- 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 29% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 48%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 258 students
- Private-state tuition: $26,750
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- Student-teacher ratio: 4:1
- Minority enrollment: 29%
- 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 stayed relatively flat 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
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private not-for-profit
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 6% 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 0.47 is less than the state average of 0.68. The school's diversity has grown by 22% 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
28 students
151 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
12 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
330 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
6%
5%
% Hispanic
2%
11%
% Black
13%
15%
% White
71%
52%
% Hawaiian
n/a
3%
% Two or more races
3%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
4%
10%
Diversity Score
0.47
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)
0.6%
36%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,200
$34,300
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The private state tuition of $26,750 is more than the state average of $17,231. The private state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$26,750
$17,231
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
Source: 2024 (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 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.
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