
1000 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98121, USA


Cornish College of the Arts holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation confirms that the institution meets specific standards of quality and educational effectiveness, which is critical for prospective students evaluating the legitimacy and academic rigor of the college. Additionally, certain programs within the college may have specialized accreditations or affiliations relevant to the arts disciplines, further validating the institution's commitment to maintaining professional standards in its curriculum. Accreditation ensures that credits earned are generally transferable and that students are eligible for federal financial aid, which underscores its importance for those considering enrollment.
Cornish College of the Arts requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or equivalent secondary education. Prospective students must submit their secondary school records and maintain a minimum grade point average, as these are mandatory components of the application. While a secondary school rank is not strictly required, it is recommended. Additionally, recommendations and demonstration of required competencies are essential for admission consideration.
Although standardized test scores are not strictly mandatory, submission of scores from admission tests is recommended to strengthen the application. The college mandates the submission of TOEFL scores for applicants whose first language is not English, ensuring adequate language proficiency.
Applicants with prior college experience are encouraged to apply, as the school supports transfer students and awards credit for previous academic work, including Advanced Placement (AP) credits. Dual credit programs, however, are not part of the admission process.
The admission process at Cornish College of the Arts is selective but relatively accessible, with an acceptance rate around 70%. The number of applicants and admissions indicates moderate competition, with approximately 1,097 applicants and 773 admissions in recent data. Enrollment figures remain modest, reflecting focused selection aligned with the institution's specialized arts education mission.
Cornish College of the Arts requires prospective students to pay a nonrefundable application fee when submitting their materials. This fee covers the processing of applications and helps support the administrative costs associated with admissions. The college recognizes that this expense can be a barrier for some applicants and therefore offers fee waivers under specific circumstances.
The fee waiver is available primarily for those who demonstrate financial need or face other hardships that make paying the application fee difficult. Applicants seeking a waiver must follow the designated process outlined by the college, which may include submitting relevant documentation or completing a waiver request form as part of the application. This provision ensures that qualified students are not deterred from applying due to economic reasons.
By providing these waivers, Cornish College of the Arts aims to maintain accessibility and encourage a diverse applicant pool without compromising the necessary administrative functions associated with admissions.
Cornish College of the Arts does not offer Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs on its campus. Prospective students interested in ROTC opportunities must explore options at nearby institutions that provide such programs, as Cornish focuses primarily on arts education without an integrated military training component.
Cornish College of the Arts allows transfer students to enroll for the fall and spring terms, offering flexibility for those planning their academic schedules. The institution evaluates transfer credit applications and accepts credits from previous coursework. Prospective transfer students who have completed College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject exams may have those credits recognized.
The admission process is considered moderately difficult, reflecting a selective but accessible standard for transfer applicants. This ensures that incoming students meet certain academic criteria while maintaining opportunities for a diverse range of candidates.
Cornish College of the Arts offers study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the artistic and cultural experiences of its students. These programs provide immersive environments where students can engage directly with global art scenes and diverse creative practices. Through study abroad, students have the chance to expand their perspectives, often participating in short-term workshops, semester exchanges, or collaborative projects with international art institutions.
Participation typically involves partnerships with select universities or art organizations abroad, allowing students to continue their coursework while gaining exposure to different artistic methodologies and cultural contexts. These experiences support both practical skill development and conceptual growth, encouraging students to incorporate new influences into their personal creative works.
Students interested in study abroad are encouraged to consult with the college's academic advisors to identify programs that align with their specific artistic fields and academic goals. The variety of available options ensures that students from disciplines such as visual arts, dance, theater, and music can find opportunities suited to their focus areas.
High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RecommendedRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RequiredAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
Data not availableStudy abroad
NoWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring