Cornish College of the Arts
Cornish College of the Arts is a prestigious private arts institution located in Seattle. Founded in 1914 by Nellie Cornish, the college has built a strong reputation for excellence in visual arts, performing arts, film, design, music, theater, dance, and creative writing. In 2025, the institution officially became part of Seattle University, strengthening its academic resources and expanding opportunities for students in the arts.
The college is known for its industry-focused curriculum, small class sizes, and hands-on artistic training. Its campus is situated in Seattle’s vibrant creative environment, surrounded by theaters, museums, galleries, music venues, and technology companies, giving students valuable networking and internship opportunities.
Rankings
Although Cornish is a specialized arts college rather than a large research university, it receives recognition in arts education rankings and regional academic listings.
- Ranked #29 among universities in Washington State by EduRank.
- Ranked #7 among institutions in Seattle by EduRank.
- Ranked within the top private arts-focused colleges in the Far West region by College Raptor.
- Maintains a strong student-faculty ratio of approximately 6:1, allowing personalized mentorship and studio-based learning.
