Organizer Information
The Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) is a private, nonprofit art and design college in Portland, Oregon, and part of Willamette University. Founded in 1909, PNCA offers undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs and graduate degrees through the Hallie Ford School of Graduate Studies. Its academic areas include studio art, photography, animation, graphic design, creative writing, printmaking, visual studies, and critical studies.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA), Willamette University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate and graduate
- Degrees Offered: BFA, MA, MFA, and combined MA/MFA
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Photography, Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration, Creative Writing, Printmaking, Sculpture, Visual Studies, Critical Studies, and Intermedia
- Relevant Programs: Animated Arts, Creative Writing, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interaction Design, Intermedia, Painting and Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Studio Arts, Critical Studies, Visual Studies, Low-Residency Creative Writing, Low-Residency Visual Studies, and the Dual MA/MFA
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Graduate applications for 2027 are open; undergraduate dates depend on the admissions cycle
- Application Deadline: Graduate priority deadline: 15 January 2027; other deadlines vary by program and applicant category
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027 for the main graduate admissions cycle
- Application Fee: $75
- Tuition: Undergraduate: $27,200 per semester for full-time study in 2026–27; graduate tuition varies by program
- Funding: Scholarships, grants, student loans, work-study, and graduate merit scholarships, subject to eligibility.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- PNCA provides studio-based and interdisciplinary education across fine arts, visual communication, design, photography, animation, writing, and critical studies. Undergraduate applicants can choose from its BFA majors, while graduate applicants can pursue advanced creative practice or critical and theoretical study.
- The relevance of an applicant’s previous discipline depends on the selected program. Applicants should review the individual program requirements before preparing their application, particularly where a portfolio, writing sample, or program-specific statement is requested.
General Eligibility
- PNCA accepts domestic and international applicants for its undergraduate and graduate programs. Undergraduate admission includes first-year and transfer pathways. Graduate eligibility and application materials depend on the chosen degree.
- International applicants must also satisfy applicable academic-documentation and immigration requirements. Admission to a particular program is subject to its own criteria.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate BFA programs: Applicants must provide official high school transcripts or equivalent academic records. Transfer applicants must submit relevant academic transcripts.
- Graduate programs: Applicants should consult the requirements for their selected MA, MFA, or dual-degree program. Academic qualifications and supporting materials are program-specific.
The official admissions pages should be consulted for any additional degree prerequisites or transfer-credit conditions.
Language Requirements
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an official exemption.
| Test | Undergraduate minimum | Graduate minimum |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 | 100 |
PNCA also lists accepted undergraduate alternatives, including the Duolingo English Test (100), PTE Academic (58), and iTEP (3.9). Exemptions include native English speakers and applicants educated in schools where English is the primary language of instruction, subject to the university’s conditions.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| General admission applications | Free, as stated on the institutional Cost & Aid overview |
| International graduate applicants | $75 |
The international admissions page explicitly states a $75 application fee for international graduate applicants. Applicants should follow the fee instructions for their specific application category.
Tuition
| Program or charge | 2026–27 cost | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate BFA, full-time | $27,200 | Per semester |
| Undergraduate student activity fee | $50 | Per semester |
| Undergraduate part-time tuition, fewer than 12 credits | $2,267 | Per credit hour |
| Undergraduate overload, above 18 credits | $1,511 | Per credit hour |
| Visual Studies MFA | $45,000 | Per year |
| Printmaking MFA | $45,000 | Per year |
| Critical Studies MA | $37,660 | Per year |
| Critical Studies MA + MFA | $41,380 | Per year |
| Low-Residency Visual Studies MFA | $38,240 | Per year |
| Low-Residency Creative Writing MFA | $21,420 | Per year |
| Graduate student activity fee | $100 | Per year |
Additional costs may include health insurance, housing, food, books, supplies, and personal expenses. Health insurance is billed to international students regardless of credit load; rates may differ for international students. Housing and other indirect expenses are separate from tuition.
Funding & Financial Support
- PNCA offers merit scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and student loans. Undergraduate international applicants are automatically awarded a financial aid package totaling $48,000, comprising a merit scholarship and an International Student Grant, according to the current international admissions information. Remaining educational and living expenses are the responsibility of the student and family.
- For graduate applicants, PNCA offers two merit-based full-tuition scholarships. Applicants must submit a completed 2027 graduate application by 15 January 2027 and be admitted to the incoming class. These scholarships cover annual tuition, not housing.
University Services & Academic Support
- PNCA provides academic advising, library access, studio and laboratory facilities, career-development support, and opportunities for exhibitions and professional engagement. Its BFA curriculum includes a senior thesis developed with faculty guidance. Graduate programs emphasize mentorship, with access to facilities and resources depending on program format.
Application Requirements
Undergraduate BFA applicants must submit:
- An application and official academic transcripts.
- A portfolio containing 10–15 images or files of recent work, including at least one observational drawing.
- An artist statement of 250–500 words.
- English proficiency documentation for international applicants, unless exempt.
Creative Writing BFA applicants must also submit writing samples, subject to the published format and length requirements. PNCA prohibits AI-generated images and artwork made with Canva in undergraduate portfolios.
Graduate applicants must submit program-specific materials. Visual Studies applicants generally submit a portfolio of 10–15 images. Low-Residency Visual Studies applicants must also provide a statement of purpose of 500–700 words. Low-Residency Creative Writing applicants must submit a statement of purpose and creative and critical writing samples. Applicants to the dual MA/MFA pathway must satisfy the requirements for both programs.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
Undergraduate
- Spring 2027 Early Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Fall 2027 Early Application Deadline: 15 November 2026
- Fall 2027 Priority Deadline: 1 February 2027
Graduate
- Application Opens: 1 September 2026
- Priority Deadline: 15 January 2027
- Deposit Deadline: 15 April 2027
- International and Low-Residency Application Close Date: 1 May 2027
- Application Closes: 2 August 2027
Low-Residency Creative Writing — Winter intake
- Priority Deadline: 15 October 2026
- Application Closes: 30 November 2026
Dates are based on PNCA’s published admissions pages. The winter Creative Writing deadlines are a separate application cycle.
Location
Pacific Northwest College of Art — Portland, Oregon, United States
Additional Details
- Undergraduate early applicants accepted for the relevant 2027 intake may qualify for a renewable $1,000 annual scholarship.
- Graduate applicants can generally apply to only one graduate program at a time, except for the dual MA/MFA option.
- International students must provide passport documentation and evidence of sufficient liquid funds to cover the first year of study.
- Low-residency programs have different study formats and application deadlines from the main campus-based graduate programs.