About Cornish College of the Arts
Cornish College of the Arts trains creators through intensive, hands-on programs in visual arts, theater, dance, music, and design. The small conservatory enrolls just 480 students in Seattle's urban arts scene. Notable graduates include actor Brendan Fraser, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening, and actress Kerry Washington. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll work closely with practicing artists who know the industry.
The financial reality requires careful consideration. Students typically pay around $39,060 after aid, though lower-income families see net prices drop to $28,155. Recent graduates earn a median of $21,107 in their first year, climbing to $33,696 after ten years. With median debt of $27,000 and monthly loan payments of $286, the economics work better for those with family support or clear career paths in creative fields.
The student body is 68.75% women and predominantly white at 66.25%. Only 30% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students come from middle to upper-income families. The 52% graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of creative careers and the school's demanding programs. Seattle's active arts community provides internships and networking opportunities that can make the difference in launching a creative career.
The financial reality requires careful consideration. Students typically pay around $39,060 after aid, though lower-income families see net prices drop to $28,155. Recent graduates earn a median of $21,107 in their first year, climbing to $33,696 after ten years. With median debt of $27,000 and monthly loan payments of $286, the economics work better for those with family support or clear career paths in creative fields.
The student body is 68.75% women and predominantly white at 66.25%. Only 30% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students come from middle to upper-income families. The 52% graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of creative careers and the school's demanding programs. Seattle's active arts community provides internships and networking opportunities that can make the difference in launching a creative career.
Academics & Faculty
Cornish College of the Arts operates as a specialized conservatory where students dive deep into visual arts, theater, dance, music, and design through intensive hands-on training. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors work closely with each of the 480 students, providing personalized mentorship that's essential for developing artistic skills. The college's 52% graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of professional arts training, where some students leave to pursue immediate career opportunities in their fields. Cornish has built a strong reputation for producing working artists, with notable alumni including Matt Groening, who created The Simpsons, and actors Brendan Fraser and Kerry Washington. The conservatory model emphasizes practical experience over traditional academic coursework.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 6:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 46.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.0%
- Retention Rate
- 68.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $33,696
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $24,679 |
| Dance. | Bachelor | $23,340 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $23,340 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $22,554 |
Campus Life
Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood pulses with coffee shops, vintage stores, and music venues just steps from Cornish's urban campus. With only 378 housing spots for 480 students, about 79% can live on campus in converted apartment buildings that blend into the artsy neighborhood. Seattle's drizzly winters require a good rain jacket, while summers stay pleasantly mild.
The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student's artistic voice and career goals. Studio spaces stay open late as students perfect their craft, whether rehearsing original theater pieces or finishing multimedia installations. Weekend social life revolves around student showcases, gallery openings, and exploring Seattle's well-known arts scene. Many students perform or exhibit at local venues, building professional networks early. The small size creates an intimate community where dancers collaborate with musicians and visual artists work alongside theater majors. With 68.75% women and a strong LGBTQ+ presence, the campus embraces diverse creative expression. Students often grab coffee at nearby Victrola or catch indie films at the Egyptian Theatre between classes.
The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student's artistic voice and career goals. Studio spaces stay open late as students perfect their craft, whether rehearsing original theater pieces or finishing multimedia installations. Weekend social life revolves around student showcases, gallery openings, and exploring Seattle's well-known arts scene. Many students perform or exhibit at local venues, building professional networks early. The small size creates an intimate community where dancers collaborate with musicians and visual artists work alongside theater majors. With 68.75% women and a strong LGBTQ+ presence, the campus embraces diverse creative expression. Students often grab coffee at nearby Victrola or catch indie films at the Egyptian Theatre between classes.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 378 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1914
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–48°F
- July Avg
- 57°–77°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.8"
Student Demographics
Cornish draws creative students who want intensive, hands-on arts training in Seattle's active cultural scene. About 54% come from Washington state, reflecting the school's strong local reputation among Pacific Northwest artists. Women make up nearly 70% of the student body, typical for arts programs that attract many theater, dance, and design majors. With 30% of students receiving Pell Grants, Cornish serves a mix of economic backgrounds united by artistic ambition. The small size of 480 students creates a tight-knit community where aspiring artists collaborate across disciplines.
- Men
- 31.3%
- Women
- 68.8%
- White
- 66.3%
- Black
- 4.8%
- Hispanic
- 0.6%
- Asian
- 4.8%
- In-State Students
- 54.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.0%
Location
Cornish College sits in Seattle, Washington's Capitol Hill neighborhood, placing students directly in one of the city's most active arts districts. The campus occupies multiple buildings throughout this creative center, known for its galleries, theaters, and music venues. Seattle's proximity to both mountains and water creates a distinctive Pacific Northwest atmosphere that has long attracted artists and creative professionals. The city's tech boom has transformed the cultural landscape while maintaining its reputation as an indie music and arts center. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Cornish College of the Arts with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Seattle, Washington 98121
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $33,696
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $30,024
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Cornish College of the Arts?
Cornish accepts 71% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a specialized arts conservatory. The school looks for creative talent and artistic potential rather than just academic metrics.
How much does Cornish College of the Arts cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $39,060 annually, though only 30% of students receive federal Pell Grants indicating limited need-based aid. Students graduate with a median debt of $27,000 and monthly loan payments of $286.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Cornish College of the Arts?
With 480 students and a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, classes are intimate and studio-focused. The small size allows for intensive mentorship in visual arts, theater, dance, music, and design programs.
How much do Cornish College of the Arts graduates earn?
Alumni earn a median of $33,696 ten years after graduation, reflecting the reality of creative careers. Notable graduates include actor Brendan Fraser, Simpsons creator Matt Groening, and actress Kerry Washington, showing the school's industry connections.
Does Cornish College of the Arts have on-campus housing?
The college houses 378 students on campus with room and board costing $15,760 annually. Located in Seattle's Capitol Hill arts district, students have access to galleries, theaters, and music venues throughout the city.
What is the graduation rate at Cornish College of the Arts?
Only 52% of students graduate within six years, which is typical for arts schools where students often leave to pursue professional opportunities. The retention rate of 69% suggests some students transfer or take breaks to work in their creative fields.
