Study at Cornish College of the Arts 2025

Cornish College of the Arts is a well-known private art school located in Seattle, Washington. It offers more than a dozen undergraduate programs in visual and performing arts, including Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Art, Dance, Design, Film, Theater, and a Bachelor of Music. Cornish has about 480 students. With a six-to-one student–teacher ratio, each student gets plenty of help. 

The campus sits in three Seattle spots: Capitol Hill, Denny Triangle and Seattle Center. It has performance halls, art studios and the historic Kerry Hall. Classes are hands-on and mix different art styles. This lets you try new ideas across subjects. The small size and city location give real-world practice and a tight community. It is a good place for students who want to grow as artists in a supportive setting.

Cornish College of the Arts: At a Glance

Founded in 1914 by music educator Nellie Cornish, Cornish College of the Arts is one of the best universities in Seattle. Originally established as the Cornish School of Music, the college has grown into a respected institution offering degrees in a wide range of visual and performing arts. It is a private, nonprofit college accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and authorized to grant degrees by the State of Washington.

Cornish offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in areas like art, design, dance, theater, and film, as well as a Bachelor of Music degree. The college also hosts public programs and extension courses throughout the year. Its curriculum is interdisciplinary and built to support both technical mastery and creative growth. The Cornish acceptance rate is 71%.

The campus is located in Seattle and includes a mix of historic and modern buildings. Students learn and perform in dedicated spaces like the landmark Kerry Hall, with access to top-tier facilities for music, design, theater, and the visual arts—all within one of the country’s most vibrant arts scenes. Each year, the Cornish Summer Dance Intensive attracts talented young dancers from across the country.

Niche Rankings:

• - #56 for Best Colleges for Music
• - #59 for Best Colleges for Design
• - #110 for Performing Arts
• - #122 for Film and Photography
• - #127 for Art

Cornish College of the Arts Courses 2025

Cornish College of the Arts focuses on undergraduate education and offers specialized degree programs in the visual and performing arts. Students can earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree, depending on their chosen field. The curriculum is built to help students grow as creative thinkers and professionals, blending strong technical training with artistic exploration and cross-disciplinary learning.

At Cornish, you can choose from the following departments and areas of study:

• Art
• Dance
• Design
• Film
• Foundations (a first-year program that builds core skills)
• Humanities and Sciences (general education with an arts focus)
• Interior Architecture
• Music
• Performance Production
• Theater

These programs are designed to develop your skills, encourage creativity, and prepare you for a career in the arts—whether you want to perform, design, direct, produce, or innovate in your field.

Cornish College of the Arts Admission Requirements

Here’s what you’ll need to complete your Cornish admissions application:

• Start Your Application: Apply through the Cornish application portal or the Common Application.
• Artist Statement (250–500 words): Introduce yourself and your creative work. Share your influences, process, and goals. You can also mention performances, exhibitions, community projects, or anything else that shaped your journey as an artist.
• Audition or Portfolio: Required for all applicants. You can upload this with your application or submit it later. Each program has its own guidelines.
• Application Fee: $60 (non-refundable).
• Official Transcripts: Ask your high school (or college) to send academic transcripts directly to Cornish.
• Letter of Recommendation (Optional): You can submit one from a teacher or mentor.
• SAT/ACT Scores (Optional): The SAT and ACT scores are not required, but you can include them if you’ve taken the tests.

Additional Requirements for International Students:

• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your current immigration paperwork (if already in the U.S.)
• Financial documents showing funds for your first year
• Proof of English language proficiency

Cornish College of the Arts Application Process

The admission process at Cornish is different from traditional colleges. It focuses not just on your grades but also on your talent, creativity, and passion. Whether you're applying to perform, design, or create, your portfolio or audition will play a big role. The steps for the application process is detailed below:

Step 1: Start your application through the Cornish Application Portal or the Common App.

Step 2: Submit your artist statement to introduce yourself and your creative work.

Step 3: Upload your audition or portfolio (required for all programs).

Step 4: Pay the $60 application fee.

Step 5: Request your official transcripts to be sent directly to Cornish.

Step 6: Send any optional materials, like a letter of recommendation or SAT/ACT scores.

Step 7: International students must also submit English test scores like DET, a passport copy, and proof of finances.

Step 8: Check your email and the applicant portal for updates or requests after submission.

Cornish College of the Arts Application Deadlines

Planning is key when applying to the Cornish College of the Arts. The college offers Early Action, a regular application deadline, and Rolling Admission, depending on when you’re ready to submit your materials. 

Before applying, it's a good idea to check the Cornish academic calendar for important term dates and the Cornish application deadline.

Cost of Studying at Cornish College of the Arts

Understanding the cost of living in Seattle is important when planning for your education. Below is the estimated Cornish tuition, housing, meals, fees, and basic personal expenses.

*Tuition Fees are subject to change- might vary each year/intake

Cornish College of the Arts Scholarships for International Students

Cornish College of the Arts offers a range of Cornish scholarships and Cornish financial aid options to help students manage the cost of their education. International students are fully eligible for most institutional scholarships. Each year, Cornish awards over $4 million in scholarships to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Scholarships are granted based on artistic talent and academic achievement.

Applicants are required to submit a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) that highlights their goals, personal values, and how receiving the scholarship will help them achieve their artistic aspirations.

Verified Student Housing Near Cornish College of the Arts

Cornish College of the Arts is located in Seattle’s vibrant South Lake Union neighborhood, where creativity, city life, and student culture all meet. Students living on campus can enjoy Cornish dorms at Cornish Commons—a 20-story, modern residence hall offering stunning city views and easy access to the Main Campus Center and classrooms. This space also serves as Cornish Commons intern housing during the summer, giving students year-round flexibility in their living arrangements.

For students seeking off-campus options, amber makes the housing search easier by connecting you with verified, student-friendly apartments close to Cornish and other major schools in Seattle. Whether you want a shared space, private studio, or something fully furnished, Amber helps you find the right fit.

Here are some top off-campus housing choices near Cornish:

• Twelve At U District, Seattle
• Vistana Apartments, Seattle
• Jupiter Apartments, Seattle
• Cedar Apartments, Seattle