Non-Profit Private
Accredited ·
Seattle, Washington
70.5% Acceptance Rate
Cornish College of the Arts — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
70.5%Acceptance Rate
$55,150Annual Cost
$33,696Grad Salary
30%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
70.5%
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Need-Based Aid
30% receive Pell
Cornish College of the Arts' campus spans Seattle's arts district, with the historic Kerry Hall (a former girls' school) housing dance programs and the new Raisbeck Aviation High School building hosting visual arts. The college's 'Arts in Community' program partners with 100+ local organizations.
Unique offerings include the 'Artist as Entrepreneur' series and the annual Cornish Art Walk showcasing student work. The college maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio in studio courses, ensuring intensive mentorship from working artists and performers.
Cornish College of the Arts Acceptance Rate
Cornish College of the Arts is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Cornish College of the Arts is 70.5%. This means that 71 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 70.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Cornish College of the Arts
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Cornish College of the Arts's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Cornish College of the Arts Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Cornish College of the Arts Without SAT or ACT?
Cornish College of the Arts does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Cornish College of the Arts
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Cornish College of the Arts is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Consistency over Perfection
Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.
Placement Validation
Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.
Practical Leadership
Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.
FAFSA & Deadlines
At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.
Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at Cornish College of the Arts to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.
Cornish College of the Arts Profile
Full Name
Cornish College of the Arts
City
Seattle
State
Washington
ZIP Code
98121
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Is a Cornish College of the Arts Degree Worth It?
Getting into Cornish College of the Arts can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Cornish College of the Arts offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Cornish College of the Arts is $69,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.43%.
How much does a degree from Cornish College of the Arts Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Cornish College of the Arts is $55,150. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Cornish College of the Arts is much less than this.
30% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 72.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Cornish College of the Arts and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Cornish College of the Arts, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Cornish College of the Arts as your choice in the form.
How much does a Cornish College of the Arts Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $33,696. An average Cornish College of the Arts graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at Cornish College of the Arts
Bachelor Degree Programs
Post-baccalaureate Certificate Programs
Professional Certificate Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Cornish College of the Arts →
Frequently Asked Questions About Cornish College of the Arts Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $33,696 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $55,150 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
30.0% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Cornish College of the Arts is 70.5% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.