Cornish College of the Arts
Seattle, United States
Cornish College of the Arts
Seattle, United States
Founded
1914
Institution Type
Private
Total Students
~500
Acceptance Rate
70.5%
Discover Cornish College of the Arts
Discover Cornish College of the Arts
Cornish College of the Arts is a private institution in Seattle, Washington, dedicated exclusively to visual and performing arts education. Founded in 1914 by music teacher Nellie Cornish, it is one of only three fully accredited private colleges in the United States committed to educating both performing and visual artists. Now part of Seattle University following a 2025 merger, Cornish continues its century-long tradition of interdisciplinary arts training.
The college offers Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees across departments including Art, Dance, Design, Film, Music, Theater, and Performance Production. With a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 7 to 1, Cornish provides an intimate learning environment where faculty members are practicing professional artists. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Cornish operates a multi-campus model in Seattle's South Lake Union, Seattle Center, and First Hill neighborhoods. The campus is surrounded by theaters, museums, galleries, and major creative industries, giving students direct access to one of the most vibrant arts communities on the West Coast. As part of Seattle University, Cornish students also have access to additional academic resources and facilities.
Key Milestones
- 1914: Nellie Cornish founded the Cornish School of Music in a rented studio on Capitol Hill in Seattle.
- 1921: A purpose-built campus (now Kerry Hall) opened on Capitol Hill, designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style.
- 1977: The institution achieved full accreditation as a four-year college from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
- 2025: Cornish merged with Seattle University, becoming the university's flagship arts college while retaining its name and identity.
Academic Departments and Programs
Academic Departments and Programs
Cornish College of the Arts offers specialized undergraduate programs leading to Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Music (BM) degrees. The curriculum blends rigorous technical training with liberal arts coursework, requiring students to complete general education credits alongside their major studies. All programs emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and professional preparation.
Department of Art
The Art Department trains students in a range of studio practices including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and new media, preparing graduates for careers as fine artists, curators, and arts administrators.
- BFA in Art
- Drawing and Painting
- Photography and New Media
Department of Design
The Design Department offers multiple BFA tracks covering visual communication, digital design, game development, and illustration, equipping students with skills for careers in creative industries.
- BFA in Design
- BFA in Game Art
- BFA in Illustration
Department of Music
The Music Department offers a Bachelor of Music degree with concentrations in instrumental performance, vocal performance, and composition, taught by a faculty of active professional musicians.
- BM in Instrumental Music
- BM in Vocal Music
- BM in Composition
Department of Theater
The Theater Department provides comprehensive training in acting, directing, playwriting, and musical theater, with extensive performance opportunities on main stages and in student-produced works.
- BFA in Acting/Original Works
- BFA in Musical Theater
- Professional Practices in Audition and Career Management
Department of Dance
The Dance Department provides rigorous training in contemporary and classical dance techniques, choreography, and performance, preparing students for professional careers in dance companies and related fields.
- BFA in Dance
- Choreography and Performance
- Dance Technique and Movement Studies
Department of Film and Performance Production
These programs train students in filmmaking, stage management, scenic design, lighting, sound, and costume design, providing hands-on production experience across theater, dance, and music events.
- BFA in Film
- BFA in Performance Production
- BFA in Animation
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- High School DiplomaRequired; GED or equivalency accepted
- Portfolio or AuditionRequired for all programs (varies by department)
- SAT/ACT ScoresNeither required nor recommended (test-optional)
- ApplicationCornish application portal or Common Application
- English ProficiencyTOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson scores required for non-native speakers
Graduate Admission
- Programs OfferedContact the university for current graduate offerings through Seattle University
- Bachelor's DegreeRequired from an accredited institution
- Portfolio/AuditionMay be required depending on program
- Letters of RecommendationContact the university for specific requirements
- English ProficiencyRequired for international applicants
Priority deadline for fall admission and maximum scholarship consideration.
Standard deadline for fall semester applications with full financial aid review.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis after the regular deadline, subject to space availability.
Audition and portfolio review dates vary by department. Check the Cornish website for specific scheduling.
Tuition and Scholarships
Tuition and Scholarships
As a private institution, Cornish College of the Arts charges the same tuition rate for all students regardless of state residency. The figures below reflect the 2024-2025 academic year. Cornish awards over USD 4 million in scholarships annually to help offset costs.
| Cost Category | Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | USD 41,684 | USD 41,684 |
| Room and Board | USD 12,010 | USD 12,010 |
| Books and Supplies | USD 1,800 | USD 1,800 |
| Other Living Expenses | USD 7,320 | USD 7,320 |
| Total | USD 62,814 | USD 62,814 |
Cornish Merit Scholarship
Awarded to admitted students based on their application, audition, or portfolio review. No separate scholarship application is required. Automatically renewable for up to four years for full-time students meeting satisfactory academic progress.
- Amount: Varies; average aid of approximately USD 14,625
- Eligibility: All admitted students are automatically considered
- Renewable: Yes, up to 4 years with full-time enrollment
Donor-Funded Scholarships
Made possible through the generosity of donors, these awards support new and continuing students in a variety of artistic pathways. Outside scholarships do not reduce Cornish merit scholarship amounts.
- Total Annual Awards: Over USD 4 million distributed each year
- Eligibility: Varies by individual scholarship criteria
- Application: Some require separate applications; check with Financial Aid office
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Cornish College of the Arts operates across multiple locations in Seattle, offering purpose-built studios, performance venues, and exhibition spaces. The main campus in the Denny Triangle neighborhood features an Art Deco-style building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Students also benefit from access to Seattle University's First Hill campus following the 2025 merger.
The 1928 Art Deco Lenora Square Building houses classrooms, studios, and administrative offices in the heart of Seattle's Denny Triangle.
A Seattle City Landmark originally built in 1915, this venue hosts music recitals, theater performances, and dance showcases throughout the year.
Built for the 1962 World's Fair, this 440-seat theater serves as Cornish's premier performance venue, complemented by the Alhadeff Studio Theater.
Housing and Campus Life
Student Housing
Cornish Commons is a 20-story LEED Gold-certified residence hall opened in 2015, located across from the Main Campus Center. It provides modern living spaces with studios and meeting rooms.
- LEED Gold-certified residence hall
- On-site studios and meeting rooms
- Walking distance to all campus facilities
Studios and Resources
Cornish provides specialized facilities for every discipline, including rehearsal studios, scene shops, digital labs, recording studios, and gallery exhibition spaces throughout its campus locations.
- Behnke Family Gallery for exhibitions
- Specialized art and design studios
- Library with 40,000+ books and media collections
Student Life at Cornish
Student Life at Cornish
Student life at Cornish is deeply integrated with the creative process. With approximately 500 students, the college fosters a tight-knit, collaborative community where artists across disciplines regularly work together on performances, exhibitions, and productions. Seattle's vibrant cultural scene provides an extended campus for creative exploration.
Seattle: A City Built for Artists
Seattle: A City Built for Artists
Life in Seattle
Seattle is a thriving cultural hub known for its music scene, visual arts community, technology industry, and stunning natural surroundings. Cornish's urban campus locations place students within walking distance of theaters, museums, galleries, and major creative employers, making the city itself an extension of the classroom.
Arts and Culture
Home to the Seattle Art Museum, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Symphony, and hundreds of galleries and independent theaters, Seattle offers endless cultural engagement.
Music Heritage
Seattle's legendary music scene spans genres from grunge to jazz, with iconic venues and a thriving community of working musicians and producers.
Technology and Innovation
As headquarters for Amazon, Microsoft, and numerous tech companies, Seattle offers unique opportunities at the intersection of art, design, and technology.
Natural Beauty
Surrounded by mountains, forests, and the Puget Sound, Seattle provides inspiring landscapes and outdoor recreation just minutes from campus.
Career Outcomes and Alumni
Career Outcomes and Alumni
Where Cornish Alumni Work
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson test scores. Alternatively, students may complete the Prep Pathway at Seattle Central College to satisfy the English proficiency requirement.
As part of Seattle University, international students receive support with F-1 visa processes, I-20 documentation, and ongoing immigration advising through the university's International Student Center.
Cornish Commons offers on-campus housing for students. The admissions and student services teams can help international students navigate housing options and settle into life in Seattle.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Rankings and Recognition
Rankings and Recognition
As a specialized arts college, Cornish College of the Arts is not typically ranked in traditional university rankings systems that focus on research universities. However, it is nationally recognized as one of only three fully accredited private colleges in the United States dedicated to educating both performing and visual artists, and it holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| NASAD Accreditation | National Association of Schools of Art and Design | Nationally Accredited (since 1992) |
| NWCCU Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities | Fully Accredited (since 1977) |
| AICAD Membership | Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design | Member Institution |
| National Recognition | Performing and Visual Arts | One of three accredited dual-focus private arts colleges in the U.S. |
Features
Cornish College of the Arts is a private, four-year specialized institution in Seattle, Washington, focused on fine and performing arts. Founded in 1914, it maintains small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios to ensure personalized attention and artistic development.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
August - February
Location
1000 Lenora St, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
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