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Cornish College of the Arts vs Northwest University

Cornish College of the Arts is a private college in Seattle, WA. Northwest University is a private university in Kirkland, WA. Cornish College of the Arts admits about 62% of applicants and Northwest University about 83%, making Cornish College of the Arts the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $22,288 a year at Northwest University after aid, and about $40,062 at Cornish College of the Arts. About 67% of students graduate at Northwest University, compared with 54% at Cornish College of the Arts. Ten years after enrolling, Northwest University alumni earn a median of about $54,914, against $33,696 for Cornish College of the Arts.

Cornish College of the Arts

Seattle, WA · Private

Northwest University

Kirkland, WA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Seattle, WA
Kirkland, WA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
488
645
Acceptance rate
62%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.59–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1040–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,062
$22,288
Full cost / yr
$60,273
$50,501
In-state tuition
$41,684
$36,035
Out-of-state tuition
$41,684
$36,035
Application fee
$60
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$31,806
$17,996
$30k - $48k
$32,992
$14,384
$48k - $75k
$34,781
$17,840
$75k - $110k
$42,906
$22,644
Over $110k
$47,206
$28,570
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
67%
Freshman retention
69%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$27,580
$50,495
Median earnings (10 yr)
$33,696
$54,914
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$20,891
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
25%
First-generation students
23%
36%
International students
2%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Cornish College of the Arts or Northwest University harder to get into?
Cornish College of the Arts is harder to get into. It admits about 62% of applicants, compared with 83% at Northwest University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Cornish College of the Arts or Northwest University?
Northwest University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,288 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $40,062 at Cornish College of the Arts. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Cornish College of the Arts and Northwest University?
Before aid, Northwest University costs about $50,501 a year and Cornish College of the Arts about $60,273. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Cornish College of the Arts or Northwest University?
Northwest University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,996 there, against about $31,806 at Cornish College of the Arts. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cornish College of the Arts or Northwest University?
Northwest University is the larger of the two, with about 645 undergraduates against 488 at Cornish College of the Arts.
Does Cornish College of the Arts or Northwest University have a better graduation rate?
Northwest University has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 54% at Cornish College of the Arts.
Do graduates of Cornish College of the Arts or Northwest University earn more?
Northwest University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,914 ten years after enrolling, against about $33,696 for Cornish College of the Arts. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cornish College of the Arts and Northwest University require SAT or ACT scores?
Cornish College of the Arts is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northwest University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

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