Cornish at Seattle University

In fall 2024, leaders of the two storied Seattle institutions – whose mission and values are well aligned – began discussing how the institutions might enhance arts education and provide a sustainable path forward for Cornish College of the Arts. Following a thorough review of options, the boards of the two institutions approved an agreement known as an asset contribution. The presidents signed the agreement on March 14, 2025.  

The transaction is anticipated to close on May 31, 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other conditions. Upon closing of the transaction, Cornish will contribute substantially all its assets to Seattle University and eventually dissolve and cease to exist as a nonprofit and separate degree-granting institution. Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University will launch and operate at the South Lake Union campus. 

Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University will operate at the South Lake Union campus. 

Following regulatory approval and closing of the transaction, students enrolled at Cornish College of the Arts may elect to continue their program at Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University. Our admissions teams are working together to make this transition process as smooth as possible.

Not much is expected to change in terms of the classroom or academic experience if you are a current or incoming Cornish student transitioning to Seattle University. Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University will be on a semester schedule. Additionally, you will have access to the support services and wide array of student life activities and programming available to all Seattle University students. This will include services and activities on the South Lake Union campus in addition to those offered at the university’s main campus in First Hill. 

Under the Teach-Out Agreement the parties have agreed upon, students who participate in the teach-out arrangement at SU will receive an amount of financial aid such that they will not be financially responsible for more out-of-pocket tuition costs than they would have been at Cornish for academic year 2025-2026.  In subsequent academic years, such amount will increase by the same percentage as any increase in tuition for other SU undergraduate students. 

Students graduating from the Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University will receive their degree from Seattle University. This would include the Class of 2026. 

For current and incoming Cornish students transitioning to Seattle University, you will be able to complete your degree program as planned, with an academic experience that remains true to your expectations. Additionally, you will have access to the support, services and wide array of student life activities and programming available to all Seattle University students. 

Yes. In connection with the asset contribution agreement, the institutions have executed Teach-Out Agreements. If the transaction closes as expected, all current and incoming Cornish students will have the opportunity to complete their Cornish degree programs through Seattle University. If the transaction does not close, current and incoming Cornish students in all programs except Interior Architecture, Dance, and Game Art, will have the opportunity to transfer into similar SU programs in order to complete their degrees through Seattle University. Students who participate in the teach-out arrangements at SU will have access to the support, services, and wide array of student life activities and programming available to all Seattle University students. 

Teach-outs are written plans and agreements approved by accrediting agencies that allow students to finish a program of study even if their institution closes or the program of study is closed to new students.  

Cornish students can use the Cornish Transition Team contact form to contact us with any questions you may have. Also, please continue to check this page as we will update it as needed and when additional information becomes available.