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Tuition & Cost

Information on tuition, fees, estimated additional expenses, and payment plans for the 2023-24 academic year are outlined below. Pennsylvania College of Art & Design reserves the right to adjust these costs at the end of each academic year with two months’ notice to students.

Looking for a personalized estimate? Contact our Financial Aid Department (finaid@pcad.edu).

2023-24 tuition

$30,250 per year (12-18 credits a semester, 2 semesters)

Full-time students may take additional coursework through our continuing education program as part of their 18 credits per semester after consulting with the dean. Part-time students are billed at $1,219.00 per credit for the courses they plan to take. Courses and their credit hours are listed in the course description section of the catalog.

All BFA applicants are required to pay a $200 tuition deposit after being accepted to secure their spot at PCA&D. This deposit will be credited to the first semester’s tuition and is non-refundable after May 1st for students entering the fall semester. For more information, contact the admissions department.

For purposes of Veterans Education Benefits, full-time tuition averages $925 per credit for a degree consisting of 120 credits.

About our Financial Aid

Payment Plans

Pennsylvania College of Art & Design offers 3- and 5-month payment plan options that can cover any semester balances remaining after deducting financial aid awards. This service is for full-time students to assist them and their families with educational expenses. Payment plan information is included with regular tuition billing and is managed by the bursar.

Payment Plan (PDF)

 

Application fee

$0, submitting an application is free.

Comprehensive fee

Comprehensive fees provide for educational, cultural, and school-sponsored activities, as well as technology and lab costs.
Full-time students (12 or more credits): $1,900 per year
Part-time students (7 to 11 credits): $900 per semester
Part-time students (1 to 6 credits): $600 per semester
Part-time students (1 to 6 credits) also pay a $30 lab fee per semester per course for any class involving photography, electronic design, printmaking, three-dimensional design and/or live models.

Health & Wellness Fee

$160 per semester. Every PCA&D student will be enrolled in a healthcare program that enables them access to services including primary care, preventive care, specialist referrals, immunizations, medication support, and other necessary medical services.

PCA&D Student Housing Application Fee

$100, payable with application to live in one of PCA&D’s student housing options. This fee is non-refundable. 

Transcript Release fee (for enrolled students)

$5

Graduation fee

$250, payable in the spring of the senior year

Late payment fee

$45 penalty fee if payment of tuition and fees is made after the established due date

$20 penalty fee is assessed for any check returned by the bank for insufficient funds

Estimated Living Expenses

$7,600 – $11,200 per year (estimated)
This estimate is based on one year’s cost of living in a PCA&D-Sponsored Housing option (learn more here). Living expenses vary according to each student. Keep in mind the additional expenses of food, utilities, phone, and miscellaneous living costs.

Estimated Commuter expenses

$3,500 per year (estimated)
This estimate is based on a student traveling 25 miles a day, paying $255 per semester for parking, and miscellaneous expenses (groceries/food, gas, etc.). Costs vary depending on each student’s travel and parking needs. The College facilitates carpool lists to encourage commuting students to share transportation costs.

Art supplies and textbooks

$1,650 per year (estimated)
All supply/book costs are approximate and will be paid by students. PCA&D offers a discounted Foundation Supply Kit for incoming students that includes all necessary art supplies for their fall classes – 2021’s price: $310. Kits are provided by Curio. Gallery & Creative Supply. Student discounts are also available at local art suppliers with a current Pennsylvania College of Art & Design student ID card.

Laptop and Software (one-time purchase)

$2,600 (estimated)
All PCA&D students are required to purchase a laptop that meets our specifications in preparation for their first day of classes.

Digital Camera (optional one-time purchase)

$450 (estimated)
Incoming PCA&D students have the option of purchasing a Digital Camera, but all students are required to have access to one for their coursework. PCA&D has digital cameras available for check-out if you choose not to purchase your own.

Student parking plan

$510 per year (estimated)
Student parking is available at the Water Street Parking Garage. The college will bill for parking, along with tuition, for students who wish to participate in this program. The parking cost is $255 per semester. For more information on our student parking plans, contact our bursar’s office.

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