Seattle, WA · Private University
Is Cornish College of the Arts Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$33,696
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$39,913
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,913
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$159,652
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
0.84x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Graduation Rate
52.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$39,060
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Cornish College of the Arts graduates earn $11,304 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Cornish College of the Arts ranked by graduate earnings
22 graduates
67 graduates
18 graduates
33 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Cornish College of the Arts
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Fine and Studio ArtsBest ROI | $26,730 | 0.7x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $22,333 | 0.6x |
| Music | $20,672 | 0.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Cornish College of the Arts carries higher costs relative to graduate earnings, warranting careful consideration. Graduates earn $33,696 10 years after starting, $11,304 below the national median of $45,000. In-state students pay $39,913/year, significantly less than the $39,913 out-of-state rate, which substantially improves the ROI picture for state residents.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.