Pennsylvania College of Art & Design
With an 8:1 student ratio, PCA&D provides unparalleled mentorship opportunities at extreme value as one of the fairest-priced colleges in the United States. In our studios, your path will be shaped by our creative community of working faculty, engaged alumni, and supportive staff. Find yourself among your peers and learn in a space where your voice will be heard.
Combine your studies and your passions in one of 6 dynamic departments that are always adapting: Animation & Game Art, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Live Experience Design, Photography & Video. With a growing list of minors and certificates designed to foster inspiration, imagination, and innovation – you can craft a personalized learning experience to expand and realize your dreams.
By graduation, you’ll feel ready to forge ahead as a new professional in lucrative creative industries with a support network cheering you on at every step. In a survey of 2022 graduates, 100% said they had a “next steps” plan in place and / or activated.
Combine your studies and your passions in one of 6 dynamic departments that are always adapting: Animation & Game Art, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Live Experience Design, Photography & Video. With a growing list of minors and certificates designed to foster inspiration, imagination, and innovation – you can craft a personalized learning experience to expand and realize your dreams.
By graduation, you’ll feel ready to forge ahead as a new professional in lucrative creative industries with a support network cheering you on at every step. In a survey of 2022 graduates, 100% said they had a “next steps” plan in place and / or activated.
Accepts first-year applicationsMid-AtlanticPrivateUrbanSmall (2,000 and under)Co-Ed
Academic programs
- Design
- Liberal Arts
- Art & Design
- Performing Arts
- Visual Arts
Student experience
- Co-op/Internship Opportunities
- Disability Services
- LGBTQIA Services
- On-Campus Housing
- Distance/online learning
Application information
First-year
We review applications by looking at each student as a whole person based on the materials they submit - academic, creative works, personal history. Required application materials include:
- Completed Common Application
- Official Transcript(s) - High School + All Colleges Attended
- Submitted Portfolio of 8-10 Artworks
Applicants who complete their applications by May 1st for the Fall semester and November 1st for the Spring semester will receive priority consideration for admission and financial aid. Click to learn more »
- Completed Common Application
- Official Transcript(s) - High School + All Colleges Attended
- Submitted Portfolio of 8-10 Artworks
Applicants who complete their applications by May 1st for the Fall semester and November 1st for the Spring semester will receive priority consideration for admission and financial aid. Click to learn more »
Transfer
Ready to make a change? It's simple!
We welcome applicants who have previously attended college or completed college-level work. Each student's path to transfer is unique, which is why we look at each student as a whole person based on the materials they submit - transcripts, creative work, personal history. Preliminary transfer credit evaluations can be requested by submitting unofficial transcripts.
Required application materials include:
- Completed PCA&D Application
- Official Transcripts
- Portfolio of 8-10 artworks
- Personal Statement
Click to make your move »
We welcome applicants who have previously attended college or completed college-level work. Each student's path to transfer is unique, which is why we look at each student as a whole person based on the materials they submit - transcripts, creative work, personal history. Preliminary transfer credit evaluations can be requested by submitting unofficial transcripts.
Required application materials include:
- Completed PCA&D Application
- Official Transcripts
- Portfolio of 8-10 artworks
- Personal Statement
Click to make your move »
Image gallery
Additional information
100% of our BFA students receive some form of financial assistance from PCA&D through scholarships and / or grants. Use our net price calculator to get your own PCA&D estimate today »
If you intend to receive federal financial aid, or an institutional grant, you should submit a completed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible – PCA&D's code is 016021. Each year the FAFSA becomes available on October 1st for the upcoming academic year (ex: Oct 1, 2024 for 2025-2026).
Questions? Contact finaid@pcad.edu or call 800.639.7833, ext. 1013.
If you intend to receive federal financial aid, or an institutional grant, you should submit a completed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible – PCA&D's code is 016021. Each year the FAFSA becomes available on October 1st for the upcoming academic year (ex: Oct 1, 2024 for 2025-2026).
Questions? Contact finaid@pcad.edu or call 800.639.7833, ext. 1013.
Visit us
Find PCA&D in Lancaster City – an intellectual and creative incubator close to major metropolitan hubs and home to many colleges. It’s a walkable city humming with energy, imagination, and a hip vibe. Did we mention it has an incredible food scene?
Explore it yourself at one of our upcoming events, a campus tour, portfolio review, or check out one of our many virtual offerings.
Click to register today »
Contact admissions@pcad.edu or call 800.639.7833, ext. 1001 with questions
Explore it yourself at one of our upcoming events, a campus tour, portfolio review, or check out one of our many virtual offerings.
Click to register today »
Contact admissions@pcad.edu or call 800.639.7833, ext. 1001 with questions
My time at PCA&D has given me the opportunity to grow, not only as an artist, but as a person. The welcoming environment gave me the motivation to explore new techniques and concepts in my art, as well as expand into an ever-growing and learning individual. I really feel like I learned artistic skills that will last me a lifetime and gained a community that will as well.