Pennsylvania College of Art and Design ★ Hidden gem
Lancaster, Pennsylvania · Private, nonprofit · 400 undergraduates
All 1 programs with reported earnings leave graduates out-earning a typical Pennsylvania high-school graduate (about $36,498/yr). Another 3 programs did not have enough data to judge.
What families actually pay
| Family income | Net price per year |
|---|---|
| Under $30k | $24,547 |
| $30k to $48k | $24,115 |
| $48k to $75k | $26,576 |
| $75k to $110k | $30,876 |
| $110k and up | $37,851 |
| All families (average) | $30,083 |
Net price is the yearly cost after grants and scholarships, by family income (College Scorecard). Credit: TuitionTracker.
Program earnings vs a high-school graduate
| Program | Credential | Median earnings | vs HS grad | Verdict | Median debt | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts | Bachelor's Degree | $38,275 | +$1,777 | clears the bar | $27,000 | 15.2 yrs |
Access and outcomes: 47% of students receive Pell grants · 68% complete their program.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 2026-06-10). Earnings are median earnings of graduates measured up to four years after completing, compared to the state high-school-graduate earnings threshold. Figures describe past graduates and are never a promise. Method: methodology. Something look wrong? Report it.