The Northwest College of Art & Design

Date: Oct 07 2010
Major: Art & Design Department (This Major's Salary over time)
There are many negative comments written about this school. My understanding of these people is they chose the wrong fit for themselves. Northwest College of Art is a VERY small university. If you are looking to attend a school where there are hundreds in your classes, go to a state university. If you are looking just to get by without trying, go to the Art Institute. If you are looking for anything but the majors NCA offers, simply find somewhere else. If you are looking for a place that is direct in their vision of a degree, go here. If you are looking to start and COMPLETE your degree in one place, go here. NCA is the perfect place for artists who care about art, and are passionate enough to stop at nothing to learn everything they can.

Do NOT attend NCA expecting to have a great time partying and show up high to class. This school is the perfect fit for some, so choose wisely. The class sizes are tiny and you get every ounce of teaching and attention that you want. The staff will learn your name, and even do you favors (like open the store at undesignated times just so you can get a bagel). The teachers are personal with you and regard you as individuals to be respected and heard. All of my concerns at this school have been heard, and met.

There are things that some may dislike about this school, but that is their own fault for ignoring the plain facts and choosing this school anyway. The general education courses need work, but the problem is that the people with the power over this (the students) are too lazy to speak up and ask for more challenges. This leaves those of us who want to learn at a loss. But this is not the fault of the faculty. SPEAK UP. Your voice will be heard if you are assertive and go looking for what you want out of your education.

Right across the water in Seattle you can pay tens of thousands more for the same degree, but not the same experience. One of my good friends left the Art Institute of Seattle to attend NCA. Not only is it cheaper, but the school is tailored to you and they are constantly updating the programs to better suit your needs as a student.
Choosing a college is a tough and very expensive choice. Northwest College of Art is not for the faint of heart. If you are assertive, ambitious, and determined you will do very well here.