QUICK ANSWER
Pacific Northwest College of Art, now part of Willamette University, publishes unusually detailed portfolio rules. It asks for 10–15 works made in the last two years, including one observational drawing in a traditional medium, and it lists what it will not accept: AI-generated images, Canva work, fan art, master copies, celebrity portraits and group work.
Timing matters for money. Students admitted from the November 15 early round are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship renewable each year, and applying by February 1 makes a student eligible for PNCA’s top juried and merit scholarships. Tuition for 2026–27 is $27,200 a semester.
PORTLAND · 1
The Portfolio, Point by Point
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Count | 10–15 images or files, made within the last two years |
| Required piece | One observational drawing in a traditional medium: figure, portrait, landscape or still life |
| Everything else | Any medium, including video, sound, animation, photography, digital work and installation |
| Not accepted | AI-generated images, Canva or Adobe Spark work, fan art, master copies, celebrity portraits, group work, multi-image PDFs |
| Labelling | Title, medium and dimensions (or length) for each piece |
| File limits | Images 5MB, video 60MB, audio 30MB, PDF 10MB |
| Statement | 250–500 words, written by the applicant; AI tools allowed only as writing aids |
From PNCA’s undergraduate application page, checked October 2026.
PORTLAND · 2
Deadlines and Cost
| Item | 2026–27 |
|---|---|
| Spring 2027 early deadline | November 1 |
| Fall 2027 early deadline | November 15 (admitted students eligible for $1,000 a year, renewable) |
| Priority deadline | February 1 (eligibility for top juried and merit scholarships) |
| Tuition | $27,200 a semester |
| Annual direct cost with shared housing | $68,140 (health insurance $4,818 a year extra) |
From PNCA application and tuition pages, checked October 2026.
PNCA sits inside Willamette University, which in July 2026 agreed to merge with Pacific University; ask PNCA how the merger affects the art college before you commit.
FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
PNCA’s banned list is a useful checklist for any school: remove fan art, master copies and celebrity portraits before you apply anywhere. Compare with Otis and KCAI, and see our guide to fan art in portfolios (Korean).
PORTLAND · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pieces does PNCA want?
10–15 works made within the last two years, including one observational drawing in a traditional medium.
Can I include AI or fan art?
No. PNCA does not accept AI-generated images, fan art, master copies, celebrity portraits or Canva work.
How much is PNCA tuition?
$27,200 a semester for 2026–27; annual direct cost with shared housing is $68,140.
Is there an early scholarship?
Students admitted in the early round are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship each year, renewable.
What is the priority deadline?
February 1, which makes applicants eligible for PNCA’s top juried and merit scholarships.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students at 95 schools. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From PNCA at Willamette University’s undergraduate application and tuition pages and Willamette news (July 14, 2026). Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Otis Guide · KCAI Guide · Fan Art in Portfolios (Korean) · Portfolio Specifications · Royal Blue Results