Northwest College of Art & Design
The Vibe Check
Northwest College of Art & Design feels like a tight-knit creative studio where every student knows each other by name. The urban campus in Tacoma buzzes with an independent, gritty artistic energy, fostering a close community of makers rather than a typical university experience. It's an intimate, hands-on environment where your individual artistic voice is the top priority.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Optional
This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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Academics & Majors
NCAD is singularly focused on Visual & Performing Arts, offering concentrated programs in fields like Animation, Game Art, and Illustration. The academic approach is intensely hands-on, with industry-experienced instructors providing personalized mentorship rather than large lecture-style teaching. Due to its small size and specialized nature, research opportunities are typically project-based and integrated directly into the curriculum.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Tacoma
Tacoma offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, with students frequenting the Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and the historic Theatre District. The city's diverse neighborhoods provide indie coffee shops, live music venues, and a growing food scene, while the nearby waterfront and parks offer a natural escape. Outdoor activities like hiking in the surrounding natural areas are also popular.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($31,167):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in an urban setting in Tacoma, so students should practice standard city awareness, especially at night. While the college itself is a secure environment, surrounding neighborhoods require the usual precautions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Specialized, focused education entirely dedicated to the arts.
- ✓ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from instructors.
- ✓ Located in Tacoma, providing access to a rich arts and culture scene.
- ✓ High acceptance rate makes it accessible for dedicated art students.
Cons
- ✗ Low graduation rate (48.1%) may indicate challenges with student retention or program completion.
- ✗ Median graduate earnings are relatively low, which could impact long-term financial return.
- ✗ Very small enrollment limits the breadth of social networks and campus diversity.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Northwest College of Art & Design is known for its specialized, career-focused programs in Visual & Performing Arts, including Animation, Game Art, and Illustration. It emphasizes a hands-on, mentorship-driven educational model in a small, intimate studio environment.
No, it is not highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 76.47%, admissions are accessible for students who demonstrate artistic talent and a clear passion for their chosen field, with the portfolio being the most important application component.
Campus life is intimate and deeply integrated with the creative process, fostering a close-knit community of artists. Located in Tacoma, students engage with the city's vibrant arts scene while collaborating closely with peers and instructors in a studio-focused environment.
This depends on career goals. While the net price is moderate for a private art school, the 10-year median earnings of $31,167 are below average. The value is in the specialized training, but students should carefully consider their potential career path and financing to ensure a positive return on investment.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 141
- In-State Tuition $18,100
- Zip Code 98402
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $20,185 and tuition at $18,100 for all students, the cost is relatively contained for a private art college. However, the 10-year median earnings of $31,167 are below the national average, indicating that graduates may face a challenging return on investment in the early career stages. The high proportion of Pell Grant recipients (52.1%) suggests the college serves a population with significant financial need, and prospective students should maximize scholarships and grants.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.