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Pacific Northwest College of Art

Apply for first-year
Pacific Northwest College of Art campus
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.
Accepts first-year applicationsWestPrivateUrbanSmall (2,000 and under)Co-Ed
Virtual Tour

Academic programs

  • Design
  • Liberal Arts
  • Art & Design
  • Visual Arts

Student experience

  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Disability Services
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • Study Abroad

Application information

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

Image gallery

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Additional information

All students applying to PNCA’s BFA program are automatically considered for generous renewable merit-based scholarships. 

We also offer the following scholarships:
 
Early Application: November 15th. Upon acceptance to PNCA, early applicants are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship, renewable.

Priority Deadline: If you miss the November 15th deadline, not to worry. You can still apply by February 1st to qualify for a $500 Priority Deadline Scholarship if admitted. Apply by this date for top juried scholarships and top merit-based scholarships.

BFA Equity Scholarship: January 31st, 2025
https://pnca.willamette.edu/cost-aid/financial-aid/undergraduate/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!

Please schedule a campus visit here: https://apply.willamette.edu/portal/pnca_visit

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.