Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.0%
- Retention Rate
- 68.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $33,696
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 6:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $24,679 | $27,000 |
| Dance. | Bachelor | $23,340 | $27,000 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $23,340 | $26,500 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $22,554 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Cornish graduates earn a median of $33,696 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 80% with typical debt of $27,000. Monthly loan payments of $286 consume about 10% of gross income, which is manageable but tight for creative professionals. The 94.1% employment rate reflects strong demand for skilled artists in Seattle's thriving creative economy. Many graduates work in film, television, gaming, and design studios throughout the Pacific Northwest. Notable alumni like Matt Groening and Kerry Washington demonstrate the school's creative pipeline success. However, the relatively low starting salaries typical in arts careers mean financial returns lag behind traditional four-year degrees. This represents an average return on investment for serious artists.