Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D) is a private, nonprofit art and design college located in the heart of Lancaster, Pennsylvania's vibrant arts district. Founded in 1982, PCA&D has grown into a nationally recognized institution dedicated to preparing students for creative careers through rigorous studio education, professional mentorship, and real-world experience.
As a micro-college, PCA&D offers an intimate learning environment where students work closely with faculty who are active practitioners in their fields. With an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, individualized instruction and hands-on learning are central to the experience. Students pursue Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in Animation & Game Art, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Live Experience Design, and Photography & Video, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Design Thinking and associate degrees in select disciplines. All students begin with a Foundation Year in drawing, design, and liberal arts before declaring a major.
Ranked among the top 20 colleges for design in the nation by Niche.com and in the top 5% of colleges for art, PCA&D is accredited by both the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD). Its 2-acre campus at 204 North Prince Street places students at the center of Lancaster's thriving cultural community, surrounded by galleries, theaters, and creative organizations that extend the classroom into the city itself.