Pennsylvania College of Art and Design
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603-0059
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Close-knit campus
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is a private urban institution in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A small campus of 312 undergraduates with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
64% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $33,301 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $29,266.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History PCA D traces its origins to the former York Academy of Arts, which closed in 1982.
- •In 1984, PSA was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
- •The school moved to Lancaster in 1987, adopting the name Pennsylvania School of Art Design (PSAD).
- •In 1999, the Pennsylvania Department of Education authorized the institution to grant degrees, and in 2001 PSAD secured its permanent campus at 204 North Prince Street, Lancaster.
- •In 2003, the school was granted final approval as a four-year college and renamed Pennsylvania College of Art Design.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
22.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$23,980
Programs (4)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
83%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
2
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from PA state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Lancaster
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Lancaster, from real bookable tour times.
- DeSales University · Kutztown University of PennsylvaniaPublic and private17 days
- Bryn Athyn College of the New Church · Cheyney University of PennsylvaniaVery small colleges13 days