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Willamette University

Reimagine Everything

Explore and experiment in the creative heart of Portland
Portland, OR
Exterior view of PNCA, situated in the Pearl District in Portland, OR
A student in a red shirt looking at the camera with their artwork behind them

PNCA Applications are Officially Open

You’ve made the work. Filled the sketchbooks. Lost track of time making something because you had to see where it went. Now take the next step and apply to PNCA.

We’re Ready for You

Start Your PNCA Application

Applying is pretty straightforward. Submit your application through PNCA or the Common App, then show us what you’ve been making and thinking about. Your work doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. (That’s kind of the point.)

Start Your Application
A PNCA student shows their work to people at campus
Closeup of a person illustrating artwork in a notebook
PNCA starts with the art you’re already making.

Attention Oregon Artists: Full Tuition Could Be Within Reach

If cost has made you question whether art school is possible, take another look at PNCA. Our new full-tuition scholarship can cover remaining tuition for eligible Oregon students, giving you more freedom to focus on what you’re here to do, like make, experiment, and build your future as an artist or designer.

New for Fall 2027

Oregon Arts Access Scholarship at PNCA

Eligible Oregon residents from families with an adjusted gross income of less than $80,000 annually may qualify for coverage of their remaining full-time tuition after eligible federal and state grants are applied. Apply to PNCA, submit your portfolio, and complete the FAFSA by the required deadlines.

Explore the Scholarship
An interior view of PNCA's main campus building.
People visit one of the art galleries at PNCA campus
Make your work. Find your people. Build your creative future in Portland.

Meet the Office of Career Design

At PNCA, career preparation is part of your education, and our Office of Career Design helps you build the skills, connections, and confidence to make a living doing what you love.

Your Career Won't Design Itself

Good Thing We Have an Office for That

The Office of Career Design connects PNCA students with working artists, industry leaders, and real opportunities. Think internships with creative companies, conversations with LAIKA recruiters and Netflix production designers, and workshops on everything from grant writing to contracts and taxes. And with our new four-year Applied Creative Practice curriculum, you'll learn to pitch projects, manage budgets, and build a professional portfolio before you graduate.

Meet the Team
See How We’re Reinventing Art School
A presentation by Nike on campus
A PNCA student works on an art project
LAIKA recruiters. Netflix production designers. Right here at PNCA.

Our programs

Explore PNCA

Discover how you can turn knowledge into action through our undergraduate and graduate programs, or take a closer look at what it’s like to live and learn in the Pacific Northwest.
Undergraduate Programs Graduate Programs Life at PNCA
People look at artwork at the PNCA First Thursday event.

Visit Our Campus

A visit is the best way to immerse yourself in our vibrant campus and city. Come by for a campus tour, and an admissions counselor will help review your portfolio ahead of your application.

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NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: The University admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the University. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.