Cornish College of the Arts vs Saint Martin's University
Cornish College of the Arts is moderately selective with a 70.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Saint Martin's University (75.9%). Graduates of Saint Martin's University earn $28,396 more per year at the 10-year mark ($62,092 vs $33,696). For families earning $48k–$75k, Saint Martin's University is more affordable at $19,090 net price vs $36,693. Students at Saint Martin's University graduate with less debt ($22,500 vs $27,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Cornish College of the Arts has a higher yield rate (21.1%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Seattle, WA
Lacey, WA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Saint Martin's University is more affordable at $15,233 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $44,405 vs $29,720.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Saint Martin's University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (40%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Cornish College of the Arts
- 1 Design and Applied Arts$33,993
- 2 Fine and Studio Arts$24,679
- 3 Music$23,340
- 4 Dance$23,340
- 5 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft$22,554
Saint Martin's University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$66,045
- 2 Civil Engineering$60,623
- 3 Mechanical Engineering$57,995
- 4 Accounting and Related Services$47,118
- 5 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$44,077
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Cornish College of the Arts
- 1 Fine and Studio Arts
- 2 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- 3 Music
- 4 Dance
- 5 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Saint Martin's University
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 5 Biology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Cornish College of the Arts
- International students2%
- Tuition (international)$32,964
- Est. total cost/year$47,236
- School typePublic
Saint Martin's University
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$39,500
- Est. total cost/year$52,350
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Cornish College of the Arts or Saint Martin's University?
Cornish College of the Arts is more selective with a 70.5% acceptance rate, compared to 75.9%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Cornish College of the Arts or Saint Martin's University?
Saint Martin's University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $62,092 compared to $33,696. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Cornish College of the Arts or Saint Martin's University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Saint Martin's University has a lower net price at $19,090 per year vs $36,693. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Cornish College of the Arts vs Saint Martin's University?
Saint Martin's University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 57.1%, compared to 52.0%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Cornish College of the Arts or Saint Martin's University?
Saint Martin's University has a larger international student population at 4% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Cornish College of the Arts and Saint Martin's University?
At Cornish College of the Arts, Design and Applied Arts graduates earn a median of $33,993 within two years. At Saint Martin's University, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $66,045. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.