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Cornish College of the Arts : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Cornish College of the Arts

Tucked into Seattle's creative core, Cornish College of the Arts feels like a working studio more than a quiet campus. It's known for hands-on learning across visual arts, design, music, theater, and dance. Students move between black box stages, recording studios, fabrication shops, digital labs, and bright workspaces. Support is practical and personal, with advising, counseling, career coaching, tech help, and accessible services.

Student life runs on collaboration, with pop-up galleries, student-produced shows, and critiques that sharpen the work. The culture prizes curiosity and showing up for each other. Career prep taps Seattle's arts and tech scenes via visiting artists, portfolio reviews, internships, and gigs. Step outside and the city becomes part of class: theaters, museums, indie venues, waterfront walks, coffee everywhere. And the end-of-term showcases are a rite of passage.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 1000 Lenora Street, Seattle, Washington, 98121, USA
Phone: +1 (206) 726-5016
Website: cornish.edu
Unit ID: 235024

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: NWCCU
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels: Bachelor's
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research 4-Year Focus - Law
Campus Setting: Located in a large city (population of 250,000 or more)
Tuition: In-state: $39,892 (Tuition $38,316 + Fee $1,576) · Out-of-state: $39,892 (Tuition $38,316 + Fee $1,576)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 502
Undergraduate: 480
Graduate/Other: 22
Male: 156 Female: 346
Applications:
Total Applicants: 1,097
Admitted: 773
Enrolled: 163
Acceptance: 70.5% Yield: 21.1%
Staff:
Total: 225 Full-time: 134 Part-time: 91

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at Cornish College of the Arts with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Washington. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Washington vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Arts (11)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
50.0301 Dance, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that prepares individuals to express ideas, feelings, and/or inner visions through the performance of one or more of the dance disciplines, including but not limited to ballet, modern, jazz, ethnic, and folk dance, and that focuses on the study and analysis of dance as a cultural phenomenon. Includes instruction in technique, choreography, Laban notation, dance history and criticism, and dance production.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $73,710 -$28,530 (-27.9%)
27-2031 Dancers N/A N/A N/A
27-2032 Choreographers $62,020 N/A N/A
50.0401 Design and Visual Communications, General. (Cert2y+)
A program in the applied visual arts that focuses on the general principles and techniques for effectively communicating ideas and information, and packaging products, in digital and other formats to business and consumer audiences, and that may prepare individuals in any of the applied art media.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $105,080 -$6,370 (-5.7%)
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $73,710 -$28,530 (-27.9%)
27-1021 Commercial and Industrial Designers $88,000 $109,800 +$21,800 (+24.8%)
27-1024 Graphic Designers $68,610 $63,710 -$4,900 (-7.1%)
27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers $78,450 $96,480 +$18,030 (+23%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $62,040 -$15,960 (-20.5%)
50.0408 Interior Design. (Cert2y+)
A program in the applied visual arts that prepares individuals to apply artistic principles and techniques to the professional planning, designing, equipping, and furnishing of residential and commercial interior spaces. Includes instruction in computer applications, drafting, and graphic techniques; principles of interior lighting, acoustics, systems integration, and color coordination; furniture and furnishings; textiles and their finishing; the history of interior design and period styles; basic structural design; building codes and inspection regulations; and applications to office, hotel, factory, restaurant and housing design.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
25-1031 Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $110,360 $65,310 -$45,050 (-40.8%)
27-1025 Interior Designers $71,430 $60,360 -$11,070 (-15.5%)
50.0410 Illustration. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to develop and execute interpretations of the concepts of authors and designers to specifications. Includes instruction in book illustration, fashion illustration, map illustration, rendering, exhibit preparation, textual layout, cartooning, and the use of various artistic techniques as requested by clients.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $73,710 -$28,530 (-27.9%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $88,780 +$9,290 (+11.7%)
27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers $78,450 $96,480 +$18,030 (+23%)
27-1029 Designers, All Other $78,000 $62,040 -$15,960 (-20.5%)
50.0411 Game and Interactive Media Design. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the design, development, and programming of interactive media entertainment, including computer and video games, virtual environments, Internet applications, and other interactive media. Includes instruction in theory of games, turn-based games, real-time games, visual and interactive design, story development, animation, simulation, and programming.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
25-1199 Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $94,470 $90,960 -$3,510 (-3.7%)
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $146,600 +$36,490 (+33.1%)
50.0501 Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the general study of dramatic works and their performance. Includes instruction in major works of dramatic literature, dramatic styles and types, and the principles of organizing and producing full live or filmed productions.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $73,710 -$28,530 (-27.9%)
27-2011 Actors N/A N/A N/A
27-2012 Producers and Directors $114,280 $70,670 -$43,610 (-38.2%)
27-2099 Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other N/A N/A N/A
50.0502 Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic, technical and dramatic principles and techniques to the communication of dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through technical theatre methods. Includes instruction in set design, lighting design, sound effects, theatre acoustics, scene painting, property management, costume design, and technical direction and production and use of computer applications to support these functions.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $73,710 -$28,530 (-27.9%)
27-1027 Set and Exhibit Designers $78,450 $96,480 +$18,030 (+23%)
50.0509 Musical Theatre. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the principles and techniques for integrating theatre, music, and dance into a unified production. Includes instruction in acting, dance, voice, technical theater, musical genres, piano, and history of musical theater.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $73,710 -$28,530 (-27.9%)
27-2011 Actors N/A N/A N/A
27-2012 Producers and Directors $114,280 $70,670 -$43,610 (-38.2%)
27-2031 Dancers N/A N/A N/A
27-2032 Choreographers $62,020 N/A N/A
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $84,660 +$430 (+0.5%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
50.0602 Cinematography and Film/Video Production. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the making and producing of films and videos. Includes instruction in theory of film, film technology and equipment operation, film production, film directing, film editing, cinematographic art, film audio, techniques for making specific types of films and/or videos, media technologies, computer image making, multi-media production, and the planning and management of film/video operations.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $73,710 -$28,530 (-27.9%)
27-2012 Producers and Directors $114,280 $70,670 -$43,610 (-38.2%)
27-4031 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $79,870 $49,450 -$30,420 (-38.1%)
27-4032 Film and Video Editors $83,530 $56,720 -$26,810 (-32.1%)
50.0702 Fine/Studio Arts, General. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to generally function as creative artists in the visual and plastic media. Includes instruction in the traditional fine arts media (drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, CAD/CAM) and/or modern media (ceramics, textiles, intermedia, photography, digital images), theory of art, color theory, composition and perspective, anatomy, the techniques and procedures for maintaining equipment and managing a studio, and art portfolio marketing.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $73,710 -$28,530 (-27.9%)
27-1013 Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $76,450 $87,770 +$11,320 (+14.8%)
27-1019 Artists and Related Workers, All Other $79,490 $88,780 +$9,290 (+11.7%)
50.0903 Music Performance, General. (Cert2y+)
A program that generally prepares individuals to master musical instruments and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers. Includes instruction on one or more specific instruments from various instrumental groupings.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
25-1121 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $102,240 $73,710 -$28,530 (-27.9%)
27-2041 Music Directors and Composers $84,230 $84,660 +$430 (+0.5%)
27-2042 Musicians and Singers N/A N/A N/A
Media Tech (1)
Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems
10.0304 Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to use computer applications and related visual and sound imaging techniques to manipulate images and information originating as film, video, still photographs, digital copy, soundtracks, and physical objects in order to communicate messages simulating real-world content. Includes instruction in specialized camerawork and equipment operation and maintenance, image capture, computer programming, dubbing, CAD applications, and applications to specific commercial, industrial, and entertainment needs.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
27-1014 Special Effects Artists and Animators $110,110 $146,600 +$36,490 (+33.1%)
Architecture (2)
Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services
04.0401 Environmental Design/Architecture. (Cert2y+)
A program that prepares individuals to design public and private spaces, indoor and outdoor, for leisure, recreational, commercial, and living purposes, and for professional practice as environmental designers and architects. Includes instruction in the design and planning of public and private open spaces and their relationship to buildings and other aspects of the built environment; facilities management; related aspects of interior design and architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning; and professional responsibilities and standards.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $169,730 -$5,980 (-3.4%)
17-1011 Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $103,390 $79,320 -$24,070 (-23.3%)
17-1012 Landscape Architects $88,000 N/A N/A
25-1031 Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $110,360 $65,310 -$45,050 (-40.8%)
04.0803 Architectural Studies. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the study of architecture, cities, landscapes, designed objects, ornament, architectural photography, and material culture in diverse places and time periods, and the social and aesthetic dimensions of contemporary architecture, landscapes, and cities, emphasizing issues of sustainable environments, new forms of urbanism, and the use of digital media for visualization and analysis. Includes instruction in the fundamentals of architecture, design, environmental and sustainability studies, historic preservation, landscape architecture, studio art, and urban affairs and planning.

Graduate Career Earnings in Washington

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National Washington Avg WA vs US
25-1031 Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $110,360 $65,310 -$45,050 (-40.8%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$60,252
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$60,252
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$39,892
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$39,892
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$15,760
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,800
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$2,800
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$2,800
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
N/A
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

28%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$15,023
Avg. Loan
$9,121
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,677
Additional
Students with Any Grant
124
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
107
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
38
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$10,935
Average amount of institutional grant awarded
Show more financial aid data

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

52%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
69%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$17,015 – $57,635
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$17,015 (25th %) $57,635 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $33,696
Median Salary After 6 Years
$27,580
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$33,696
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
67.3%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
70.7%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$27,000
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 57.0%
Middle 70.3%
High 73.7%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 67.9%
Independent 64.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Cornish College of the Arts

How much does it cost to attend Cornish College of the Arts?

The annual tuition at Cornish College of the Arts is $39,892 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $60,252 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $15,760 and books and supplies $1,800.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Cornish College of the Arts offer?

Cornish College of the Arts offers 15 academic programs across 3 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (11 programs)
  • Architectural Design and Construction Planning Services (2 programs)
  • Digital Media Technologies and Broadcasting Systems (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Cornish College of the Arts?

Cornish College of the Arts has an 70.5% acceptance rate and a 21.1% yield rate, making it selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 1,097
  • Students admitted: 773
  • Students enrolled: 163

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Cornish College of the Arts?

Cornish College of the Arts provides financial aid to 28% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $15,023 and average loans of $9,121.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,137
  • State/Local grants: $8,969
  • Institutional grants: $10,935
  • Federal loans: $5,677

The university supports 124 students with grants and 107 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Cornish College of the Arts graduates?

Cornish College of the Arts graduates earn a median salary of $27,580 after 6 years and $33,696 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $17,015 (25th percentile) to $57,635 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $62,400 (90th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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