Pennsylvania College of Art and Design
Lancaster, United States • Founded 1982
Overview
Established in 1982, the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is a non-profit private specialized higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Lancaster (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Pennsylvania.
Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCA&D) is a very small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCA&D) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation) and bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 42-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
PCA&D also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, financial aids and/or scholarships, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Pennsylvania College of Art and Design — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.
Academic Details
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.
Programs Offered
Below: Pennsylvania College of Art and Design's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.
Bachelor's Degree
3 programmes
These 3 programmes make up Pennsylvania College of Art and Design's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
1 programme
These 1 programme cover Pennsylvania College of Art and Design's associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation options — qualifications valued for fast, targeted, or pathway-oriented study.
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Pennsylvania College of Art and Design
Five steps that capture how most applications to Pennsylvania College of Art and Design flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design's catalogue includes 4 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Pennsylvania College of Art and Design's admissions process.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Submit your application
Submit your completed application through Pennsylvania College of Art and Design's official website at pcad.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (717) 396 7833. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pennsylvania College of Art and Design
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
When did Pennsylvania College of Art and Design open?
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design traces its founding to 1982 (approximately 44 years ago).
In which city is Pennsylvania College of Art and Design?
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is based in Lancaster, United States.
Is Pennsylvania College of Art and Design public or private?
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is a private institution.
How many students study at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design?
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design has approximately under-250 students.
Is Pennsylvania College of Art and Design officially recognised?
Yes, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is recognised by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
What is Pennsylvania College of Art and Design's official website?
You can find Pennsylvania College of Art and Design online at pcad.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Below: the United States's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for Pennsylvania College of Art and Design's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.
Members of Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD)
Tuition reciprocity exists in some Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) networks, where members charge in-network rates for student exchanges. Worth checking specific bilateral terms within the broader membership.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
If you're weighing Pennsylvania College of Art and Design against other institutions in the area, these neighbouring universities offer overlapping faculties and similar admissions cycles. They are useful for shortlisting based on travel distance or campus environment.
Where Else to Study Applied Design
Industry partnership exclusives on Applied Design programmes vary — some the United States institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.
Universities Often Compared with Pennsylvania College of Art and Design
When students choose Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.
