Northwest College of Art & Design, founded in 1982 in Poulsbo, Washington, is a private institution specializing in creative education with programs in graphic design, illustration, and interactive design. The college's intimate campus in the scenic Puget Sound region features professional-grade studios, digital labs, and gallery spaces. NCAD's project-based curriculum emphasizes portfolio development, with students working on real-world client projects beginning in their first year. The college maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized mentorship from working professionals in the creative industries.
NCAD's location in the Pacific Northwest provides access to Seattle's vibrant arts scene and tech industry, with internship opportunities at companies like Microsoft and Amazon. The college's Professional Practices program prepares students for creative careers through business skills training and networking events. NCAD graduates have gone on to work at major studios including Disney Animation and Nintendo of America. The campus environment fosters collaboration across disciplines, with regular visiting artist lectures and portfolio review sessions with industry leaders.
Northwest College of Art & Design Acceptance Rate
Northwest College of Art & Design (NCAD) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 76.47%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Northwest College of Art & Design Admission Requirements
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Northwest College of Art & Design (NCAD) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
NCAD Profile
Name: Northwest College of Art & Design (NCAD)
City: Tacoma
URL: https://ncad.edu/
State: Washington
Type: Private for Profit
Zip: 98402
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
Can I Get Into NCAD Without SAT Or ACT?: Northwest College of Art & Design does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Does a degree from NCAD Worth It?
Getting into NCAD can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. NCAD offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at NCAD is USD: 71291.8 and unemployment rate is 3.77%.
How much does a degree from NCAD Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Northwest College of Art & Design is USD: 30217. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Northwest College of Art & Design is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
52.1% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 52.1 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to NCAD and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Northwest College of Art & Design, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist NCAD as your choice in the form.
How much a NCAD Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 31167. An average NCAD graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Northwest College of Art & Design Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $31167 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $30217 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Northwest College of Art & Design is 76.47 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Northwest College of Art & Design.
Last Updated: Saturday February 07, 2026
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in November 2025, US Department of Education's latest statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.