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The New School

Accept Rate
62.52%
Grad Rate
70.2%
Enrollment
6,819
Tuition
$56,386
Median Salary
$52,901
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The New School feels like an incubator for creative rebellion, nestled right in the beating heart of Greenwich Village. Itโ€™s a place where the energy of New York City fuels the curriculum, and students are encouraged to challenge norms and blend disciplines rather than just follow a traditional path.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

62.52%
Moderately Selective

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

1. Lead with your unique voice and creative vision, as your portfolio and personal statement are weighted heavily over standardized test scores, which are optional. 2. Specifically highlight how you plan to engage with New York City as an extension of your classroom, as urban integration is core to the schoolโ€™s identity.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Academics at The New School are defined by interdisciplinary innovation and a strong focus on social justice, particularly in its renowned Parsons School of Design and dramatic arts programs. The curriculum prioritizes critical thinking and hands-on, project-based learning over traditional lectures, fostering a close-knit environment where students receive personalized mentorship from practicing artists and scholars.

Popular Majors

Visual & Performing Arts
63.6%
Computer Science
11.1%
Communications
5.5%
Psychology
3.5%
English & Literature
2.4%
Social Sciences
2.1%
Architecture
2.1%
Business & Marketing
1.9%
Multidisciplinary Studies
1.6%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

70.2%
Graduation Rate
80.7%
Retention Rate
6,819
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$56,386
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$55,359
After financial aid
Total Cost
$82,757
Cost of attendance/year
15.3%
Receive Pell Grants
25.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in New York

Student life is inseparable from the city itself, with the campus acting as a creative hub for exploring NYCโ€™s vast cultural landscape. Students frequent local jazz clubs, independent film screenings, art galleries, and the iconic Washington Square Park, using the city as both a playground and a source of inspiration.

Local Rent Check

$2,451 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in New York
Explore New York

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$225,544
$0Est. 4 Years: $225,544

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($52,901):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in Greenwich Village, a generally safe and vibrant neighborhood, but like any part of New York City, students must remain aware of their surroundings. The university provides 24/7 public safety services and a robust emergency alert system.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Unbeatable location in Greenwich Village for arts and culture
  • โœ“ Renowned faculty who are active professionals in their fields
  • โœ“ Strong focus on interdisciplinary and social justice-oriented studies
  • โœ“ Vibrant, creative, and politically active student body

Cons

  • โœ— High tuition cost with a relatively low median early-career salary
  • โœ— Limited traditional campus feel and student housing options
  • โœ— Resources may be heavily skewed toward arts and design programs

Notable Alumni

Alexander Wang
Award-winning fashion designer and former Creative Director for Balenciaga.
Joel Coen
Academy Award-winning filmmaker, part of the directing duo the Coen Brothers.
Donna Karan
Iconic American fashion designer and creator of the Donna Karan New York brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

The New School is globally recognized for its progressive approach to education, particularly in arts, design, and social sciences. It is home to the prestigious Parsons School of Design, a leading institution for fashion and architecture, and Eugene Lang College, known for its liberal arts and social justice focus.

With an acceptance rate of 62.52%, The New School is considered moderately selective. While more accessible than elite universities, the admissions process is competitive, especially for top programs like fashion design at Parsons, where a strong portfolio and demonstrated creativity are essential for acceptance.

Campus life is deeply integrated with the surrounding Greenwich Village neighborhood, lacking traditional campus boundaries. Students engage in a vibrant, arts-focused community with numerous galleries, performances, and activist events, while having access to the endless cultural and social opportunities of New York City.

The value of a New School degree is a trade-off between high cost and unique opportunity. While the average net price is steep, the investment can be worthwhile for students in creative fields who leverage the NYC location and Parsons network for unparalleled internships and career access.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

The New York Times Google Ralph Lauren MTV MoMA
Smart Start Score
62

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 8,348
  • In-State Tuition $56,386
  • Zip Code 10011

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 23% โ™€ 77%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $55,359 and tuition of $56,386, the degree is a significant financial investment that requires careful planning. While the 10-year median earnings of $52,901 are lower than the sticker price, the value lies in the unparalleled access to NYC's creative industries and the network that can launch a successful career.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Southern Methodist University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $56,386
Housing (12 mo) $29,412
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $92,998
With avg financial aid:
$55,359/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.