Portland, OR · Private University
Is Pacific Northwest College of Art Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$34,883
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$47,126
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$47,126
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$188,504
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
0.74x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Graduation Rate
45.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$40,846
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Pacific Northwest College of Art graduates earn $10,117 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Pacific Northwest College of Art ranked by graduate earnings
40 graduates
23 graduates
16 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Pacific Northwest College of Art
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied ArtsBest ROI | $34,463 | 0.7x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $26,904 | 0.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Pacific Northwest College of Art carries higher costs relative to graduate earnings, warranting careful consideration. Graduates earn $34,883 10 years after starting, $10,117 below the national median of $45,000. In-state students pay $47,126/year, significantly less than the $47,126 out-of-state rate, which substantially improves the ROI picture for state residents.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.