A for-profit art college in downtown Tacoma focused on visual arts and design with small classes and industry-ready curriculum.
NCAD offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree programs with a focus on visual arts and design. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on studio time, traditional artistic skills, and digital innovation. Faculty are active professionals in their fields, and the college integrates business, marketing, and finance courses to prepare graduates for creative industry careers. The institution uses a Program Advisory Committee to identify emerging industry trends and maintains cutting-edge curriculum aligned with professional standards.
NCAD's downtown Tacoma campus features dedicated studio spaces on multiple floors, computer labs equipped with industry-standard technology, student lounges, and lecture rooms. The college maintains a small student body (typically under 125) to enable individual guidance and personalized instruction. Student work is regularly showcased through a student gallery, and the institution fosters a creative community culture for students, faculty, and staff.
Applicants must complete an application, participate in an informal interview (in-person, Zoom, or phone), submit official high school and college transcripts, write essays addressing program-specific questions, and submit a minimum of 10 digital artwork samples. High school graduates, accredited homeschool graduates, or GED holders are eligible. International students must provide translated certified transcripts and a TOEFL score (minimum 500 paper or 61 internet) and face no application fee. Transfer credit applications have an August 15th deadline.
NCAD was founded on the principle that art is a business, with employability and graduate success as driving forces. The institution prioritizes student-focused support, creative excellence, and professional growth. Key priorities include providing a creative educational setting, maintaining student support services, utilizing industry-standard equipment and technology, and assisting graduates in cultivating career success through externship and job placement assistance.