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Northwest College of Art & Design

Tacoma, WA·Private for-profit·150 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%; median debt is moderately high. 52% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

76%
Accept
150
Students
$20,185
Net Price
36%
Grad Rate
$32,200
Earnings
10 yr
$29,030
Debt

About This School

Northwest College of Art & Design is a private for-profit institution located in Tacoma, Washington with approximately 150 undergraduate students enrolled. Northwest College of Art & Design has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 76%. The average net price after financial aid is $20,185 per year. The graduation rate is 36%, and the typical graduate earns $32,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Northwest College of Art & Design (NCAD) is a private for-profit college in Tacoma, Washington that focuses on the visual arts. The college offer the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Student enrollment is usually "under 125" in a given academic year. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 36% graduation rate means most students who start don't finish, and those who do earn a median of $32,200 ten years out while carrying roughly $29,000 in debt — a tight margin. The small, focused environment (150 students) and reasonable net price of about $20,000 per year may appeal to serious art students who want close faculty attention in the Pacific Northwest. Worth considering only if you have a clear plan for completing the degree and a realistic picture of the income trajectory in your chosen art field.

Founded
1982
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts100%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$18,100
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,100
Avg Net Price
$20,185
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants52%
Median debt at graduation$29,030

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
36%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
78%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$32,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$29,030
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$29,030
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$32,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.1x

Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White56%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino16%
Asian6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (150 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Northwest College of Art & Design

1126 Pacific Avenue, Suite 101

Tacoma, WA 98402

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Washington

Browse all Washington schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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