Pennsylvania College of Art & Design SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
PCA&D’s 99.2% acceptance rate means admission is likely within reach for prepared applicants, so your main strategy should be choosing whether a test score adds useful evidence to a creative application. Because the school is test-optional, submit SAT or ACT results only if they are a clear strength, and pay close attention to cost, fit, and support once you are admitted.
⬡ LangSmitha7275dc2-39cb-4089-a66f-5ec9744f448eData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Pennsylvania College of Art & Design facts and stats
Pennsylvania College of Art & Design is a small urban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 414 students. PCA&D has an 85% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 69%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.
⬡ LangSmith7af5943b-78e3-488e-a0fb-219487ca8e09Lancaster, PA
Key Pennsylvania College of Art & Design application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
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Early Action
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Early Decision
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Priority Deadline
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Coming soon
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 PCA&D, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for superscore-focused retakes. Confirm PCA&D’s application deadline, and make your last fall retake the one whose scores will arrive before that date.
⬡ LangSmith3ff85a62-1c6e-40ec-8d9f-1181ca12194fWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design?
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What you'll actually pay
PCA&D is a private not-for-profit, so the same $32,150 tuition and fees rate applies to all students. With 90% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $3,267, financial aid can help offset the listed cost.
⬡ LangSmith2c2c9333-6d99-4e2f-a75e-0362a1a055eb
At Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, tuition and fees plus room and board total about $47,304 per year. Aid is common, with 90% of students receiving assistance and an average aid package of $15,765. The average merit award is $3,267. Graduates leave with an average debt of $44,911.
⬡ LangSmithca8d5fdf-4b30-4ad6-bd25-1d516b30c5a6Student life at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Moore College of Art and Design
Philadelphia, PAAcceptance rate: 56.5%
SAT: 1130–1270
ACT: 26–32
Acceptance rate: 20.7%
SAT: 1440–1520
ACT: 33–35
Maine College of Art & Design
Portland, MEAcceptance rate: 76.1%
Montserrat College of Art
Beverly, MA
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