The Juilliard School
The Vibe Check
The Juilliard School feels like a high-pressure conservatory where artistic passion meets professional ambition. The atmosphere is intensely focused, with students dedicating themselves to mastery in their craft within a competitive yet collaborative environment. It's a world of relentless practice, performance, and a shared drive for excellence set against the backdrop of New York City.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Optional
This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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Academics & Majors
Juilliard's academic strength lies exclusively in the performing arts, offering unparalleled training in music, dance, and drama. The teaching quality is world-class, with faculty who are active industry professionals coaching students one-on-one. While research is not a primary focus, performance opportunities are the core of the curriculum, providing immense practical experience.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in New York
Student life at Juilliard is often consumed by practice and rehearsal, but New York City offers an unparalleled cultural playground. Students can explore world-class museums like the Met and MoMA, catch Broadway shows, and discover emerging artists in the East Village. For fun, they often take advantage of Central Park for relaxation, explore diverse neighborhoods, and find inspiration in the city's endless creative energy.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($37,827):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the campus is situated in a generally safe and well-patrolled neighborhood. Juilliard has its own campus security, but students must remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, as with any urban environment.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ World-renowned faculty and an unparalleled reputation in the performing arts.
- ✓ Unbeatable access to New York City's cultural and professional opportunities.
- ✓ Intensive, personalized training with a low student-to-faculty ratio.
- ✓ A powerful and influential alumni network across all performing arts industries.
Cons
- ✗ Extremely high tuition and cost of living in New York City.
- ✗ Narrow academic focus with no options outside of the performing arts.
- ✗ Highly competitive and high-pressure environment that can be stressful.
- ✗ Median post-graduation earnings are relatively low compared to the initial cost.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
The Juilliard School is globally recognized as one of the world's most prestigious institutions for training artists in music, dance, and drama. It is renowned for its rigorous curriculum, world-class faculty, and a conservatory-style approach that focuses on developing exceptional technical skill and artistic expression. Its alumni have achieved legendary status across all performing arts fields.
Yes, Juilliard is exceptionally difficult to gain admission to, with an acceptance rate of just 8.96%. Admission is based almost entirely on artistic merit, demonstrated through a highly competitive live audition or prescreening process. While academic records are reviewed, the performance audition is the single most critical component of the application.
Campus life at Juilliard is intensely focused and demanding, centered around practice, rehearsals, and classes. Given its small enrollment of 460 students, the community is close-knit but competitive. Students often spend long hours in studios and practice rooms, but they also take advantage of New York City for inspiration, socializing, and professional networking.
The value of a Juilliard degree is complex. While the 10-year median earnings are modest, the school provides an elite network, unparalleled training, and a prestigious credential that can open doors in highly competitive fields. For dedicated performers, the investment is often deemed worthwhile for the career launchpad and artistic development it provides.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 661
- In-State Tuition $56,550
- Zip Code 10023
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a high sticker price and a 10-year median earnings of $37,827, the financial return on investment is not immediately obvious for a Juilliard degree. However, the value lies in the unparalleled network, world-class training, and prestige that can launch a career in a highly competitive field. For students passionate about a performing arts career, the investment is often seen as essential for gaining a foothold in the industry.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.