At $39,060/yr net price, Cornish College of the Arts graduates earn $33,696/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $39,060 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $156,240 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,696/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-304/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,155/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $30,948/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $36,693/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $40,853/yr |
| $110,001+ | $44,405/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
52.0% of students at Cornish College of the Arts graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Cornish College of the Arts delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median graduates earning just $33,696 ten years after graduation against a net price of $39,060 annually. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment difficult for many alumni.
Design and Applied Arts offers the strongest earning potential at nearly $34,000, making it the only program that approaches reasonable financial viability. The other majors show concerning outcomes, with Fine Arts graduates earning under $25,000 and Dance, Music, and Theatre majors all starting around $23,000 annually. These low salaries make the standard $27,000 debt burden particularly problematic.
Seattle's creative economy provides more opportunities than many cities, but even in this favorable market, Cornish graduates struggle financially. The 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without completing their degree, creating the worst possible financial outcome.
This school works financially only for students with significant family support who can avoid borrowing, or those pursuing Design and Applied Arts who can secure higher-paying commercial work. If you need to borrow substantial amounts for any other program, you face serious financial hardship after graduation.
Only 30% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for reducing costs. Merit scholarships appear scarce given the low aid percentage. Your best cost strategy involves minimizing borrowing through family contributions, outside scholarships, or part-time attendance while working.
Skip Cornish if you cannot afford to attend without significant debt, especially for programs outside design. The combination of low graduation rates, poor earnings outcomes, and high costs creates financial risks that outweigh the artistic training benefits for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cornish College of the Arts worth the cost?
With a net price of $39,060 per year and median earnings of $33,696 ten years after graduation, Cornish graduates typically earn less than what they pay annually for school. The 52% graduation rate and $27,000 median debt add to concerns about return on investment.
Which programs at Cornish College of the Arts have the best job prospects?
Design and Applied Arts graduates earn the most at $33,993 annually, while other programs like Drama/Theatre Arts, Music, and Dance all show median earnings around $22,000-24,000. Even the highest-earning program barely covers the annual cost of attendance.
How much debt do Cornish College of the Arts students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Cornish graduates is $27,000, which is manageable compared to many private arts schools. However, with low starting salaries across most programs, even this moderate debt level can be challenging to repay.
What are the graduation rates at Cornish College of the Arts?
Cornish has a 52% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students who enroll don't complete their degree. This significantly impacts the school's value proposition, as students may accumulate debt without earning credentials.