Pacific Northwest College of Art SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
PNCA’s 74.9% acceptance rate means admission is realistic for many students, so your strategy should be proving fit and academic consistency rather than chasing a single test score. With test-optional admissions and a 3.48 average GPA, submit scores only if they strengthen your profile, and pay close attention to cost and support given the 47% six-year graduation rate.
⬡ LangSmith9dd2489c-3231-4d34-89a1-fa290f9ff767Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Pacific Northwest College of Art facts and stats
Pacific Northwest College of Art is an urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 424 students. PNCA has a freshman retention rate of 70% and a 6-year graduation rate of 47%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.
⬡ LangSmith857f763e-7879-43f9-bfe8-8c0612901adePortland, OR
How does your GPA compare at PNCA?
Key Pacific Northwest College of Art application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
February 1
Financial Aid Priority
April 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional PNCA, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and reserve the summer before senior year and senior fall for retakes and potential superscore gains. To meet PNCA’s January 15 Regular Decision deadline, the December SAT or ACT is typically the last retake whose scores will arrive in time.
⬡ LangSmith25ef0462-4443-420d-a806-26de64a6fd4bWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Pacific Northwest College of Art?
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What you'll actually pay
PNCA is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $49,006, and 83% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $29,515. PNCA’s FAFSA priority deadline is April 15.
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PNCA’s estimated total cost of attendance is $68,766, including $49,006 in tuition and fees and $19,760 for room and board. Financial aid is common, with 83% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $45,644. Merit awards average $29,515, which can significantly reduce the billed cost for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $26,198.
⬡ LangSmithdec393c7-bfaa-43b3-a2ac-2b4e7e1ea53eStudent life at Pacific Northwest College of Art
25% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Willamette University
Salem, ORAcceptance rate: 77.1%
SAT: 1250–1390
ACT: 28–32
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, ORAcceptance rate: 78.5%
Warner Pacific University
Portland, ORAcceptance rate: 71.1%
New Hope Christian College
Eugene, ORAcceptance rate: 80%

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