FindU
Find Your FitFor CollegesAboutBlog
Sign inGet Started
Home/Colleges/Washington/Cornish College of the Arts
Cornish College of the Arts campus photo 1
Cornish College of the Arts campus photo 2
Cornish College of the Arts campus photo 3
Cornish College of the Arts campus photo 4
Cornish College of the Arts campus photo 5
1 / 5
Cornish College of the Arts logo

Cornish College of the Arts

Seattle, Washington · Private (nonprofit)

Feb 15Application deadline

FindU Grade

C+Value
N/ACampus
A-Academics
CAdmissions
A-Student Life
BOverall

About

Cornish College of the Arts is located in Seattle, Washington. It is a private (nonprofit) institution. The university enrolls approximately 480 students.

cornish.edu

Cost and aid

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$39,913
Out-of-state tuition$39,913
Room & board$15,760
Avg aid package$13,485
Students receiving aid30%
Pell grant recipients30%

Cornish College of the Arts, now part of Seattle University, offers over $3.5 million in scholarships annually, with 98% of admitted students receiving aid. While tuition is around $57,825, institutional awards average $14,092, making education accessible. The college emphasizes the value of investing in a creative education for aspiring artists.

What would you actually pay?FindU estimates your real net price for Cornish College of the Arts from your family income.
Calculate my net priceFree · 2 min

Admissions

Application info

Acceptance rate70%
Average GPA3.30
Student–faculty ratio6:1
Test optionalYes
Common AppYes
Application fee$60

Application dates

Regular DecisionFeb 15

Cornish College of the Arts has an acceptance rate of 70% and seeks students with a strong artistic vision. Applicants are required to submit an online artist portfolio or audition, showcasing their talent and potential. The college supports all aspiring artists, regardless of background, and offers assistance in creating a portfolio or audition.

Will you get into Cornish College of the Arts?FindU calculates your real admission odds from your stats.
Show me my oddsFree · 2 min

Academics

Graduation rate52%
Retention rate69%
Student–faculty ratio6:1
Full-time faculty47%

Cornish College of the Arts provides a holistic approach to education, promoting experimentation, discovery, and innovation. The college's founder, Nellie Cornish, believed in education through exposure to all of the arts, a philosophy that continues to inform the curricula and community involvement today. With a low student-to-faculty ratio of 4.9 to 1, students receive individual attention and guidance from professional artists in their field.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$33,696
Earn more than HS grad45%
Economic mobility84%
Loan default (3 yr)1%
Loan repayment (3 yr)67%

Cornish College of the Arts prepares students for success in various artistic fields, with graduates becoming forces for change in the community. Alumni start bands, found dance companies, open galleries and design studios, and form performance collaborations that tour the world. The college's deep embedding in the Seattle community provides direct industry connections and real-world experiences.

Student life

Demographics

Small School
480Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio
Female 69%Male 31%
66% WhiteRacial diversity
White 66%Black 5%Asian 5%Hispanic 1%Other 24%
Campus housingYes

Cornish College of the Arts offers a vibrant student life centered around artistic expression and community engagement. Students live and create in a community with other artists, with Cornish Commons providing state-of-the-art facilities and spaces designed to inspire. The college fosters a tight-knit community through on-campus dining and various student life activities.

Student reviews

Professors

Current Student

My biggest tips would be to be passionate about what you do, really give it your all and work hard on your assignments, it honestly pays off. Don't be afraid to try new things, because I guarantee that you will be asked(made) to do something outside of your comfort zone at some point.

Current Student

Your portfolio is all that matters in getting in to this school. Focus focus focus on creating work that you're proud of and want to continue making while you're at school.

Current Student

Look at all the departments before deciding which one to apply to. I started in the performance production department but learned that the design department was a better fit for me.

Current Student

Make sure that you are able to get up early. The homework load sounds a lot worse than it actually is and if you really love your art, you will not have an issue doing some work toward it.

Current Student

If you really are interested, see if you can shadow a class. I have seen quite a few people do that this year.

Current Student

show up to class, i know it's redundant but it is so crucial, i'm in the design department and half of my grade is being in class. in class is where all the important things happen- critiques of your art work, one on one instruction with the professor, learning the material, and working on projects.

Campus and vibes

Current Student

Go up and visit the campus prior to your interview/audition date. That way, you can get a feel for the kind of environment Cornish is. Sure, Seattle is a big city, but it has a small-city feel; but don't take my word on it, go up and visit it. Even if you go for a few days before your date, just get out and go experience Seattle.

Current Student

Cornish is right in the heart of downtown Seattle, with lots of interesting things to do. There are also lots of opportunities for collaboration with students from other departments, such as dance, theater, and music.

Current Student

Come to the campus and check it out! The school has many shows and performances year round for prospective students to see. Come with an open mind and a thirst for your art that is greater than any fear of failing.

Cost and value

Student

I love my school but it is expensive. You have to work to get scholarships and grants to keep loans down but the financial aid department is very helpful.

About Cornish College of the Arts

Cornish College of the Arts prioritizes a safe and welcoming environment for its community. Located in an urban environment, the college provides 24/7 security services and encourages students to take reasonable precautions. The Office of Campus Safety & Security is committed to ensuring the well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Cornish College of the Arts does not have a traditional honors program, but it offers various opportunities for students to excel in their artistic pursuits. Students can participate in study abroad programs, extensive internships, and cooperative partnerships with organizations like the Pilchuck Glass School and The Film School in Seattle. The college also provides access to the AICAD Exchange Program.

Cornish College of the Arts welcomes international students and provides dedicated support services. The college offers housing assistance, visa support, and merit-based scholarships for international applicants. With an active international student community, Cornish fosters a supportive environment for students from around the world.

Endowment$11,137,341
Avg faculty salary$65,592

Cornish College of the Arts FAQ

See if Cornish College of the Arts is right for you

Answer a few quick questions and FindU shows your match score, your admission chances, and the scholarships you qualify for.

Show me my matchesFree · takes 2 minutes · no account needed to start
FindU Match
Free

Will you get into Cornish College of the Arts?

Cornish College of the Arts admits about 70% of applicants. But your real odds are personal. They depend on your grades, scores, and story. Answer a few quick questions and FindU calculates your match.

76%Your chances
Match
Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
See your real result
Show me my chancesFree · takes 2 minutes · no account needed to start

More colleges in Washington

Eastern Washington University

Cheney, Washington

B-Overall92% admit

Seattle Central College

Seattle, Washington

BOverall$6k/yr net

Walla Walla University

College Place, Washington

B+Overall

Seattle University

Seattle, Washington

B+Overall76% admit

Centralia College

Centralia, Washington

BOverall$8k/yr net

Pierce College District

Lakewood, Washington

BOverall$10k/yr net
All colleges in Washington
Is Cornish College of the Arts your match?Get my match
FindU

Find Your Fit

  • Take college quiz
  • Scholarship search
  • College Search
  • Browse all tools

Company

  • About
  • Blog
  • Careers

For Partners

  • For Colleges
  • For Counselors
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy
  • Terms

Join our newsletter