
204 N. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603, USA


Pennsylvania College of Art and Design does not have varsity athletic teams or formal intercollegiate sports programs. The institution primarily focuses on art and design education rather than competitive athletics. However, students interested in physical activity and recreation often find opportunities through local community facilities and informal student-led activities. Prospective students who prioritize participation in organized collegiate sports may need to consider other institutions with dedicated athletic departments.
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse interests and creative pursuits. Among these groups are AIGA, a national association for design professionals; SIGGRAPH, focused on computer graphics and interactive techniques; BLAC, which supports Black student artists; Mi Gente, serving the Latinx community; and an Esports and Gaming club that brings together students with a passion for competitive gaming and digital entertainment.
At Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, the student body features a mix of in-state and out-of-state learners, with approximately 71% coming from within Pennsylvania, placing the institution in the top 45% for in-state student representation. Out-of-state students account for about 29%, ranking the college around the median level nationally in this regard. International students are comparatively rare, with minimal foreign enrollment.
The college maintains a modest overall enrollment, with a total of 131 students, including 95 freshmen and 36 transfer students. This enrollment size is considered low relative to other institutions, positioning Pennsylvania College of Art and Design in the bottom 30% for total student population.
The age distribution among undergraduates reveals a predominance of traditional college-age students: the majority are between 18 and 21 years old, with 122 students aged 18-19 and 110 students aged 20-21. Smaller numbers of students fall into older age brackets, including modest representation among those aged 22-24 and minor percentages in older adult ranges. There are no graduate students reported in the data.
Demographically, the college reflects a largely homogeneous student population. White students form the largest group at approximately 247 individuals, while African American students represent the next significant demographic at 59. Hispanic students number 12, and smaller groups include Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, and students identifying with two or more races. The college's diversity levels register as average, with most demographic groups falling in the lower percentiles nationally, indicating less diversity relative to many other institutions.
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design offers a small and intimate campus environment, reflected in its total enrollment of just 414 students, a figure that places it in the lower 30% of institutions by size. This smaller student body allows for a favorable student-faculty ratio of 9: 1, providing students with more personalized attention and support from faculty members.
Students interested in the arts will find opportunities to engage in campus drama productions, as the college supports theatrical activities. However, extracurricular activities such as campus newspapers, radio stations, band, chorus, or television are not present, indicating a more focused environment primarily centered around visual and performing arts rather than broader campus media or music groups.
Support services for students include access to a health clinic and psychological counseling, which can aid in maintaining both physical and mental well-being during their studies. Some specialized support offices, such as veterans affairs or women's centers, are not available on campus.
The college employs a modest staff size with 19 full-time and 58 part-time personnel, suggesting a lean operational team that reflects its small enrollment and specialized focus. Overall, the student life at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is characterized by a close-knit community with particular strengths in the arts and accessible student support services.
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design offers students access to two libraries, with the primary facility named the Learning Commons. The number of libraries is considered average and ranks in the top half of similar institutions.
The college provides approximately 12,000 physical books, a collection size that falls within the lower 40th percentile compared to other schools. Subscriptions stand at around 120, positioning the college below the median benchmark for such resources. Additionally, the availability of eBooks is relatively limited, with about 15,500 titles, placing the institution in the bottom 20% for digital book collections.
Students benefit from access to 13 databases, an average number that is somewhat below many peer institutions. Weekly service hours total 65, indicating a reliable window during which library staff are available and facilities can be utilized. Although the college does not offer study rooms or all-day access, it maintains physical and digital library resources with staff trained to assist users. Access to shared collections with other libraries further supplements the available materials.
Total enrollment
414Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
126Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
19 full time, 58 part timeVeterans affair office
NoMain library name
Learning CommonsNumber of libraries on campus
2Reservable study rooms in library
No24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes