Cornish College of the Arts vs Pacific Lutheran University
Cornish College of the Arts is a private college in Seattle, WA, and Pacific Lutheran University is a private university in Tacoma, WA. Cornish College of the Arts is the more selective of the two, admitting about 62% of applicants against 78% at Pacific Lutheran University. Pacific Lutheran University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,589 a year against $40,062 at Cornish College of the Arts. About 70% of students graduate at Pacific Lutheran University, compared with 54% at Cornish College of the Arts. Ten years after enrolling, Pacific Lutheran University alumni earn a median of about $66,990, against $33,696 for Cornish College of the Arts.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Seattle, WA
Tacoma, WA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
488
2,401
Acceptance rate
62%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.59–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1040–1260
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
22–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$40,062
$19,589
Full cost / yr
$60,273
$62,459
In-state tuition
$41,684
$52,254
Out-of-state tuition
$41,684
$52,254
Application fee
$60
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$31,806
$13,609
$30k - $48k
$32,992
$12,948
$48k - $75k
$34,781
$15,756
$75k - $110k
$42,906
$22,535
Over $110k
$47,206
$26,915
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
70%
Freshman retention
69%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$27,580
$52,212
Median earnings (10 yr)
$33,696
$66,990
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$22,578
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
35%
First-generation students
23%
30%
International students
2%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
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.
- Is Cornish College of the Arts or Pacific Lutheran University harder to get into?
- Cornish College of the Arts is harder to get into. It admits about 62% of applicants, compared with 78% at Pacific Lutheran 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 Pacific Lutheran University?
- Pacific Lutheran University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,589 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 Pacific Lutheran University?
- Before aid, Cornish College of the Arts costs about $60,273 a year and Pacific Lutheran University about $62,459. 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 Pacific Lutheran University?
- Pacific Lutheran University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,609 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 Pacific Lutheran University?
- Pacific Lutheran University is the larger of the two, with about 2,401 undergraduates against 488 at Cornish College of the Arts.
- Does Cornish College of the Arts or Pacific Lutheran University have a better graduation rate?
- Pacific Lutheran University has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 54% at Cornish College of the Arts.
- Do graduates of Cornish College of the Arts or Pacific Lutheran University earn more?
- Pacific Lutheran University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $66,990 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 Pacific Lutheran 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. Pacific Lutheran University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
Related comparisons
Cornish College of the Arts vs Whitworth University-Adult Degree ProgramsCornish College of the Arts vs DigiPen Institute of TechnologyCornish College of the Arts vs Northwest College of Art & DesignPacific Lutheran University vs Whitman CollegePacific Lutheran University vs Walla Walla UniversityPacific Lutheran University vs University of Puget Sound
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school