Begun in 1914, Cornish College of the Arts offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in the performing and visual arts and a Bachelor of Music degree, along with year-round public programs and extension courses. 

The College’s founder Nellie Cornish, and the many teaching artists who have followed her, believed in education through exposure to all of the arts. This approach continues to inform the College’s curricula and community involvement today. 

Our holistic approach to education promotes experimentation, discovery, and innovation, giving artists the creative intelligence they need to thrive in their disciplines and beyond. We have been inspiring artistic and academic excellence for more than 100 years. 

May, 2025 Asset Contribution Agreement: Cornish College of the Arts ceased to operate as a degree granting institution on June 2, 2025, and contributed its assets to Seattle University. Seattle University thereafter established Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University. Seattle University is the repository for all Cornish College of the Arts student records. 

Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (2025). Seattle University is licensed to confer degrees by the State of Washington.