Fine Arts at Cornish College of the Arts

Seattle, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
16
Optimistic
16
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,621/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #383 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs

Program Analysis

A degree in Fine and Studio Arts from a specialized institution like Cornish, nestled in a vibrant but competitive city like Seattle, sets you on a distinct path. Unlike fields with direct corporate pipelines, fine arts careers often demand an entrepreneurial spirit, requiring you to build a personal brand, seek commissions, or teach. While the city boasts a rich arts scene and some larger creative roles, many graduates will forge their own opportunities, often blending artistic pursuits with other income streams in a high-cost-of-living environment. Your early career might involve significant hustle, networking within the local gallery scene, or leveraging your skills for design or media projects. Understanding that artistic success isn't always linear or immediately lucrative is key. Focus on developing a strong portfolio and business acumen alongside your creative talent.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Fine Arts graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $390K $399K $384K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.5x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 16 14

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$159,652
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$156,240
2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
19.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$22,650
36% growth from Year 1

About Cornish College of the Arts

With 70% of applicants admitted, Cornish College of the Arts prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 480 students in Seattle, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornish College of the Arts →

Top Career Paths

Art directors $111,040/yr
Special effects artists and animators $99,800/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Fine Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Cornish College of the Arts

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 16/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine Arts at Cornish College of the Arts?
At 16/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Fine Arts degree from Cornish College of the Arts?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 19 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Cornish College of the Arts a good choice for Fine Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Cornish College of the Arts's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →