Pacific Northwest College of Art
About
Located in the heart of Portland’s vibrant Pearl District, the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) at Willamette University is a premier hub for creative inquiry, best known for its rigorous, interdisciplinary approach to the visual arts. Undergraduates thrive in highly regarded, hands-on programs like Illustration, Graphic Design, and Animated Arts, which emphasize both technical mastery and critical thinking. The campus culture is deeply collaborative, socially conscious, and intimately connected to Portland's local art galleries and creative agencies. What truly sets PNCA apart is its home in the historic, light-filled Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Center for Art and Design, coupled with the unique advantage of accessing a broad liberal arts education and university resources through its merger with Willamette University.
Wikipedia:The Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) is an art school of Willamette University and is located in Portland, Oregon. Established in 1909, the art school grants Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees and graduate degrees including the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Master of Arts (MA) degrees. It has an enrollment of about 500 students. The college merged with Willamette University in 2021.
Location
Cost
Admissions
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Essay Requirements
Pacific Northwest College of Art accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.
See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.
Outcomes
Student Body
Programs & Earnings
Institutional
Wondering if Pacific Northwest College of Art is the right fit for you?
Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.