Cornish College of the Arts vs Whitman College
Whitman College is selective with a 50.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Cornish College of the Arts (70.5%). Graduates of Whitman College earn $33,893 more per year at the 10-year mark ($67,589 vs $33,696). For families earning $48k–$75k, Whitman College is more affordable at $28,426 net price vs $36,693. Students at Whitman College graduate with less debt ($18,437 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
Walla Walla, 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), Whitman College is more affordable at $19,307 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $44,405 vs $47,254.
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. Cornish College of the Arts enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (30%), 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
Whitman College
- 1 Economics$42,682
- 2 Sociology$33,993
- 3 Political Science and Government$33,993
- 4 Psychology, General$27,584
- 5 Visual and Performing Arts, General$26,353
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
Whitman College
- 1 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Economics
- 4 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 5 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
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
Whitman College
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$50,000
- Est. total cost/year$64,208
- 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 Whitman College?
Whitman College is more selective with a 50.0% acceptance rate, compared to 70.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Cornish College of the Arts or Whitman College?
Whitman College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $67,589 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 Whitman College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Whitman College has a lower net price at $28,426 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 Whitman College?
Whitman College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 81.0%, 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 Whitman College?
Whitman College has a larger international student population at 14% 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 Whitman College?
At Cornish College of the Arts, Design and Applied Arts graduates earn a median of $33,993 within two years. At Whitman College, the top-earning major is Economics at $42,682. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.