Dance at Cornish College of the Arts

Cornish College of the Arts' Dance program charges premium private-school prices but delivers troubling long-term outcomes. While graduates earn $27,255 in their first year—outpacing 82% of dance programs nationally and sitting at Washington's state median—that initial success crumbles dramatically. By year four, median earnings drop to just $18,609, a 32% decline that suggests either career transitions away from dance or the harsh realities of Seattle's high cost of living catching up with performing artists.

The $27,000 debt load equals nearly a full year's starting salary, which is manageable compared to many arts programs. However, that calculation looks far less favorable against the fourth-year earnings figure. Among Washington's five dance programs, Cornish sits squarely in the middle—not distinguishing itself despite its specialized focus and private-school tuition. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonably reliable data, though individual outcomes in the arts naturally vary widely.

For families considering this investment: understand that you're paying for Seattle's dance scene access and Cornish's industry connections, not for earnings potential. If your child is committed to a professional dance career, this program provides a credible launchpad. But the financial fundamentals suggest most graduates will need family support, roommates, or supplemental income during their performing years. The steep earnings decline indicates this is a passion investment, not a financial one.