Pacific Northwest College of Art
Bottom line: A D+ overall grade — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges. 8.3× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $8.3 over 20 years.
Every $1 spent returns $8.3 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,047,548.
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What The Data Says
A D+ overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.
Graduation of 36% — 38% below the national average.
Every $1 invested returns $8.3 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
About Pacific Northwest College of Art
Pacific Northwest College of Art is profiled below with full outcomes data from federal sources.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Private University
- Enrollment
- 420
- Setting
- Urban
- Primary Strengths
- Visual & Performing Arts
Why students choose Pacific Northwest College of Art
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Competitive — admits about 75% of applicants. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $35,785 a year after grants and scholarships — 109% above the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $34,883 ten years after enrolling — 14% below the typical college, against $25,000 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Mobility and social-capital data are limited for this school — see what's reported below.
See mobility →Overview
With an enrollment of 420 students and a 75% acceptance rate, Pacific Northwest College of Art is a good fit for those passionate about the creative fields, especially in Visual and Performing Arts. This is a place where artistic expression is at the forefront, making it an appealing choice for students who want to immerse themselves in a vibrant community dedicated to the arts. The intimate setting allows for close connections with faculty and peers, fostering a collaborative environment that can enhance the learning experience.
After graduation, students can expect to earn around $34,883 within the first ten years. While the graduation rate sits at 36%, it’s important to consider the supportive community here, which can help students find their footing in the creative industry. The cost of attendance is relatively high, but for those who receive Pell Grants, which account for 41% of students, financial support can make a significant difference in managing expenses.
The net price after aid is approximately $35,785, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. This financial landscape suggests that students who thrive here are often those who are truly committed to their craft and willing to navigate the challenges of a creative career. The emphasis on the arts attracts individuals who are passionate and driven, ready to make their mark in a competitive field.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective Pacific Northwest College of Art is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Pacific Northwest College of Art? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Portland, Oregon, Pacific Northwest College of Art keeps admissions accessible, extending offers to roughly 75% of those who apply. The school reports a graduation rate of roughly 36%.
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Pacific Northwest College of Art? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
When weighing the true cost of attending Pacific Northwest College of Art, prospective students should look past the published sticker price of $49,006 in tuition. The figure that matters more is the average net price — the actual out-of-pocket cost after federal grants, institutional scholarships, and student loans — which works out to about $35,785 for families who qualify for aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $28,219 after need-based grants. Graduates leave with a median federal student-loan debt of about $25,000.
What Families Actually Pay
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Pacific Northwest College of Art Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Pacific Northwest College of Art report median earnings of $34,883; prospective students should weigh that figure against the program's cost when calculating return on investment.
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
How Pacific Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
College ROI Calculator
Is Pacific Northwest College of Art Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Pacific Northwest College of Art delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $35,785/year ($143,140 total). Graduates earn $34,883 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,190,688 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,047,548 (8.3× your investment). The median debt is $25,000, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 36% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Top Programs
The fields Pacific Northwest College of Art awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Each links to its degree guide — with salary, growth, and the schools with the strongest outcomes.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Pacific Northwest College of Art's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Pacific Northwest College of Art? Acceptance Rate & Requirements +
Based in Portland, Oregon, Pacific Northwest College of Art keeps admissions accessible, extending offers to roughly 75% of those who apply. The school reports a graduation rate of roughly 36%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Pacific Northwest College of Art? Tuition, Net Price & Aid +
When weighing the true cost of attending Pacific Northwest College of Art, prospective students should look past the published sticker price of $49,006 in tuition. The figure that matters more is the average net price — the actual out-of-pocket cost after federal grants, institutional scholarships, and student loans — which works out to about $35,785 for families who qualify for aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $28,219 after need-based grants. Graduates leave with a median federal student-loan debt of about $25,000.
Is Pacific Northwest College of Art Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI +
Ten years out, alumni of Pacific Northwest College of Art report median earnings of $34,883; prospective students should weigh that figure against the program's cost when calculating return on investment.
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