Admissions FAQ
Q. How do I apply?
A. You’ll need to submit an application, work samples, a copy of your diploma, and a $100 application fee. Then call for a personal interview with one of our admissions representatives.
Q. What are the deadlines?
A. Around the 10th of the month in February (for Spring Quarter); May (for Summer Quarter); August (for Fall Quarter); and November (for Winter Quarter.) Check our calendar for the specific dates.
Q. How much is tuition?
A. $4,350 per quarter. School supplies and living expenses are additional.
Q. Is Financial Aid available?
A. Yes. From grants, loans and scholarships.
Q. What kind of scholarships?
A. From Portfolio Center itself and numerous generous outside agencies and organizations. Scholarships are performance- and need-based.
Q. Does Portfolio Center accept international admissions?
A. Happily. We currently have students from Thailand, Nigeria, Brazil, Greece, and Germany.
Q. Is there on-campus housing?
A. Not exactly. But there’s plenty of housing available within walking distance, and we will help you find a home, including connecting students looking for roommates.
Q. I don’t have a car. Is that a problem?
A. We’re located on the MARTA bus line, and there are grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, pubs, coffee houses, and bookstores a stone’s throw away. Even if you throw like a girl.
Q. Is there a better quarter to start in than another?
A. You can start changing your life sooner, or you can do it later. The best quarter to start is Next.
Q. What if I’m interested in Graphic design or Art direction, but don’t have an undergraduate background in those areas? Have I wasted my time in undergraduate school?
A. A strong liberal arts or studio art background is incredibly valuable. So is your life experience.
Q. What kind of degree do you offer?
A. We are a graduate-level program and offer a certificate of completion as an accredited institution. One look at our placement lists should tell you our reputation is firmly established among the finest firms and agencies throughout the country.
Q. Why do I need to go to Portfolio Center?
A. According to the professionals who do the hiring, time spent studying at Portfolio Center is equivalent to 5-7 years of working in the industry. Here you’ll team with art directors, writers, designers, photographers, and illustrators from the get-go. In short, you’ll have that collaborative industry-like experience before stepping foot outside the door. We won’t waste your time with fluff classes, either. We’ll start teaching you brand communications before you put your backpack down, because that’s what it’s all about.
Q. What is the average age of your student? Can I be too old for your program?
A. For the record, our students’ average age is 25, so you won’t be “the old guy” or overly qualified if you have been out of school for a couple of years. We do prefer that our students hold an undergraduate degree, or have at least two years of school combined with practical experience. That’s just our preference, though; you could be the exception.
Q. I work full time. Can I attend your school part time?
A. Nope. Ours is a full-time, two-year program. We do have classes in the evening and weekend, but they are part of our full-time curriculum.
Q. Can I transfer credits?
A. We can review your request to see if you might be able to exempt some classes, should you already be on a graduate track.
Q. If I’ve been working in the industry, why should I have to take the entire program?
A. Many of our students have similar backgrounds. And, lest you forget, we’re a graduate-level school. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t be flexible in the classes we assign you.
Please feel free to contact the admissions office if we can be of further assistance at 1.800.255.3169.
