The Juilliard School
Acceptance rate
9.2%
2025
Peer median 61.3%
Tuition per year
$57,950
$80,360 with room and board
Peer median $40,478
Undergraduates
642
Student-faculty ratio 4:1
Peer median 9 : 1
Graduation rate
81.1%
4-year; 6-year rate 89.2%
Peer median 52.9%
“Peers” are all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The Juilliard School, located in the heart of New York City, is one of the most prestigious performing arts institutions in the world. Founded in 1905, it specializes in dance, drama, and music, providing an exceptional education that has produced countless distinguished artists. The school’s mission statement emphasizes a commitment to excellence in the performing arts, and its motto, “In the service of the arts,” reflects its dedication to nurturing creativity and talent. With a rigorous curriculum designed to challenge students, Juilliard also boasts a faculty comprised of accomplished professionals, including renowned performers, directors, and choreographers, who guide students through their artistic development.
The campus culture at Juilliard is vibrant and dynamic, fostering a sense of community among its students. With a diverse student body, the school encourages collaboration and innovation, allowing students to engage in a wide range of artistic activities beyond their major fields. Facilities such as the Peter Jay Sharp Theater and the Juilliard School's extensive libraries provide students with resources to hone their craft and prepare for their future careers. Additionally, Juilliard's location in New York City offers unparalleled access to a wealth of performance opportunities and cultural experiences, enhancing the educational experience through exposure to the broader artistic landscape. This combination of high-caliber training, a supportive environment, and a rich cultural context makes The Juilliard School a beacon for aspiring artists worldwide.
Analysis of Key Metrics at The Juilliard School
The Juilliard School, a prestigious institution renowned for its commitment to the performing arts, has shown notable trends in its tuition fees, graduation rates, and student retention over recent years.
Firstly, the tuition fees have experienced a steady increase from $36,720 in 2014 to $56,550 in 2024. This represents a remarkable rise of approximately 54%, illustrating the growing financial commitment required from students. Such increases in tuition are not uncommon across many private institutions in the U.S., driven by rising operational costs and the demand for enhanced facilities and programs. This trend could impact accessibility for prospective students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
Secondly, graduation rates reflect the institution's academic rigor and student support systems. The on-time graduation rate was 82.8% in 2013, peaking at 94.1% in 2020, before declining slightly to 84.4% in 2023. This fluctuation suggests that while the school has made significant strides in supporting student success, external factors, perhaps including the pandemic's disruptive effects, may have influenced recent outcomes.
Moreover, the retention rate has remained impressively high, hovering around 96% in 2022 and 2023. Such figures indicate that students are satisfied with their educational experience at Juilliard, which is essential for maintaining a vibrant academic community and fostering a strong alumni network.
Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has shown a slight decline, from 5:1 to 4:1 in recent years, indicating a more personalized educational environment. This ratio is crucial in performing arts education, where individualized instruction can significantly impact student development.
Overall, while the rising tuition poses challenges for prospective students, the school’s strong graduation rates and high retention indicate a robust educational framework that supports student success.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- New York, about 8 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), about 10 mi
- Also known as
- Juilliard
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Damian Woetzel (President)
- Phone
- 2127995000
- Address
- 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-6588
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 61.3% · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 9.4%, women 5.1%.
Data insights
Insights on Juilliard's Admission Trends
The admissions data from The Juilliard School over the years reveals compelling trends in selectivity and enrollment. The overall admission rates for males and females, while fluctuating, indicate a highly competitive environment. For instance, in 2023, the male admission rate surged to approximately 13.63%, while the female rate was around 8.56%. This suggests an increased difficulty in gaining acceptance, particularly for female applicants, who consistently faced lower admission rates compared to their male counterparts.
The number of students enrolled has also shown variability, with a peak enrollment of 131 students in 2011 and dropping to 107 in 2023. This decline in enrollments may reflect external factors such as the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on performing arts education, which has prompted many institutions to reevaluate their admission strategies and operational logistics.
Additionally, the number of students denied admission has generally increased over the years, reaching a notable high of 2,590 denials in 2018. This aligns with the growing number of applicants seeking admission to prestigious arts programs, emphasizing the need for prospective students to enhance their applications through exceptional talent and experience.
Overall, the data underscores Juilliard's standing as a premier institution for the performing arts, characterized by its rigorous admission process and fluctuating enrollment figures, which reflect broader trends in higher education and the arts sector.
Test Scores
SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.
Data insights
Analysis of Admissions Data at The Juilliard School
The admissions data for The Juilliard School reveals a consistent trend over the years from 2007 to 2023, marked by the absence of reported SAT and ACT scores. This lack of data may reflect a broader shift in college admissions practices, where many institutions are moving towards test-optional policies. The trend can be interpreted as an effort to diversify applicant pools and reduce the pressure placed on students to achieve high standardized test scores.
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on holistic admissions processes, which consider a student's artistic talent, academic achievements, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. This approach aims to foster a more inclusive environment, recognizing that standardized tests may not fully capture a student's potential or capabilities, particularly in the arts.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend of test-optional policies as many students faced disruptions in their education, making it challenging to prepare for standardized testing. As a prestigious institution for performing arts, Juilliard's potential shift away from standardized testing could signal to other schools the importance of prioritizing creativity and individual expression over numerical scores.
Ultimately, as the landscape of college admissions continues to evolve, the absence of standardized test data at Juilliard may serve as a reflection of a larger movement towards valuing diverse experiences and talents in the pursuit of artistic excellence. This could encourage prospective students to focus on developing their unique artistic voices rather than solely concentrating on test preparation.
How Hard Is It to Get In
1 in 11
2,065 applicants in 2025, 9.2% admitted
189 admitted 1,876 not admitted Yield 63.5%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Stringed Instruments · Master's54 (50% international)
- Keyboard Instruments · Master's22 (86% international)
- Jazz/Jazz Studies · Master's12 (17% international)
- Acting · Master's10 (30% international)
- Music, Other · Master's9 (56% international)
- Woodwind Instruments · Master's7 (29% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from The Juilliard School
The graduation data from The Juilliard School in 2023 reveals significant trends in various performing arts disciplines. Notably, the Dance program stands out with 21 bachelor graduates, including 3 international students. This highlights the program's popularity and its ability to attract a diverse group of students, reflecting a growing global interest in dance as a serious academic and professional pursuit.
On the other hand, the Jazz Studies program shows a stark contrast, with no graduates at the bachelor's level, which could indicate challenges in student enrollment or program appeal. This situation may warrant further investigation into the curriculum or recruitment strategies to enhance its visibility and attractiveness to prospective students.
The master's level data reveals a stronger performance in jazz, with 14 graduates, including 3 international students, and 9 master's graduates in Acting, with 1 international student. This could suggest that while undergraduate interest in these programs may be low, advanced studies are more appealing, possibly due to the professional opportunities that higher education can provide in these fields.
Interestingly, there are no graduates reported in several instrumental and vocal programs at both bachelor and master's levels, which raises questions about the current market demand for these specializations. It is crucial for institutions like Juilliard to adapt to the evolving landscape of the performing arts education, ensuring that their offerings align with student interests and industry needs.
Overall, these statistics not only shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of different programs but also reflect broader trends in the performing arts education landscape, necessitating continuous evaluation and adaptation from educational institutions.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dance, General. | $33,914 | |||
| Acting. | - | |||
| Music Theory and Composition. | $32,251 | |||
| Conducting. | $32,251 | |||
| Keyboard Instruments. | $32,251 | |||
| Voice and Opera. | $32,251 | |||
| Jazz/Jazz Studies. | $32,251 | |||
| Stringed Instruments. | $32,251 | |||
| Brass Instruments. | $32,251 | |||
| Woodwind Instruments. | $32,251 | |||
| Percussion Instruments. | $32,251 | |||
| Music, Other. | $32,251 |
Students
1,073 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 54:46 · Freshman retention 97.9%
- Continuing undergraduates 332
- First-year undergraduates 120
- Graduate students 431
- Transfers and others 190
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (642)
Data insights
Demographic Insights of Juilliard School in 2023
The student demographics at The Juilliard School for the year 2023 reveal interesting insights into the composition of its undergraduate and graduate programs. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 107, with a gender distribution showing that 47.7% are male and 52.3% are female. This slight female majority aligns with trends seen in many music and arts schools, where female representation has been increasing over recent years.
In contrast, the undergraduate upperclassmen cohort is significantly larger, with 363 students. Here, the male percentage rises to 53.7%, indicating a shift in gender dynamics as students progress in their studies. This may reflect both the competitive nature of the field and possibly the varying interests as students specialize within their disciplines. Interestingly, the transfer students, although only numbering six, show a predominance of females at 66.7%, which could suggest a welcoming environment for those seeking to switch programs or institutions.
Graduate students, totaling 400, present a more balanced gender ratio with males at 51.5% and females at 48.5%. This parity in graduate programs is encouraging, as it reflects a growing acknowledgment of diversity in advanced stages of education.
Overall, the demographic data not only highlights Juilliard's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment but also resonates with broader societal trends in arts education, where gender dynamics continue to evolve. The representation of different racial and ethnic groups among these students, although not fully detailed in the provided data, is also a crucial aspect of Juilliard's community that warrants further exploration, especially as institutions strive for greater inclusivity in the performing arts.
Analysis of Age Distribution at The Juilliard School in 2023
The age composition of students at The Juilliard School in 2023 reveals several interesting trends that reflect both the institution's appeal and the characteristics of its student body. Notably, the majority of students fall within the 18-24 age range, accounting for a significant portion of the overall population. Specifically, students aged 18-19 represent 41.6% of male undergraduates and 39.4% of female undergraduates, while those aged 20-21 make up 19.3% of male undergraduates and 13.7% of female undergraduates. This trend indicates that Juilliard attracts a young demographic, likely due to its rigorous admission process and the nature of performing arts education, which usually draws younger talents.
Interestingly, the data also shows a noticeable drop-off in student numbers as age increases, particularly in the 25-29 age group and beyond, where participation decreases significantly. For example, only 9 males and 8 females fall into the 25-29 category, suggesting that many students either graduate or transition to professional careers before reaching their thirties.
Moreover, the data indicates that among graduate students, the 22-24 age group has the highest representation, highlighting that many continue their education immediately after completing their undergraduate studies. It is also noteworthy that there are no male graduate students under 18, which aligns with the expected academic progression timeline.
Overall, the age distribution at The Juilliard School reflects a vibrant young community dedicated to the arts, while also indicating that many students may pursue their careers early, leading to a decline in older age groups. This pattern is consistent with trends observed in arts education institutions across the globe, where early specialization is common.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
179 in 2025 · 25.7% in 2016
175 in 2025 · 31.3% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Trends at The Juilliard School
The data from The Juilliard School over the years reveals notable trends in the enrollment of international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Starting from 2004, the percentage of international students in the undergraduate program has shown a general upward trajectory, peaking at 26.32% in 2021. This indicates a growing appeal of the institution to students from abroad, likely due to its prestigious reputation in the performing arts.
In contrast, the percentage of international students in graduate programs has experienced fluctuations. While it reached a high of 36.50% in 2023, the overall trend suggests a more stable yet competitive environment for graduate admissions. The figures reflect the school's commitment to fostering a diverse learning environment, which is crucial in the arts, where exposure to different cultures and perspectives enhances creativity and collaboration.
The increase in international enrollment can also be attributed to broader trends in higher education, where institutions are actively seeking to diversify their student bodies. This is particularly pertinent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted many schools to adapt their recruitment strategies and increase outreach to global talent. The data suggests that Juilliard has successfully navigated these challenges, maintaining a robust international presence.
Overall, The Juilliard School's commitment to international students is evident, and as global mobility resumes, it is likely that these numbers will continue to evolve, shaping the future of its academic community.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$80,360
- Undergraduate tuition
- $57,950
- Room and board
- $22,410
- Graduate tuition
- $57,950
Peer median tuition + room and board $58,844 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Tuition rose 46% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 52%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$260M
Expenses$157M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York · 2.6 mi
U.S. News #12
-
Barnard CollegeNew York · 2.7 mi
Liberal Arts #19
-
Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken · 3.0 mi
U.S. News #59
-
New York UniversityNew York · 3.1 mi
U.S. News #31
-
Rutgers University-NewarkNewark · 10.4 mi
U.S. News #73
-
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick · 30.8 mi
U.S. News #44
-
The United States Military Academy at West PointWest Point · 42.5 mi
Liberal Arts #9
-
Princeton UniversityPrinceton · 46.1 mi
U.S. News #2
-
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook · 46.1 mi
U.S. News #59
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding The Juilliard School:
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Columbia University in the City of New York - Ranked 12th in the 2024 US News rankings, Columbia is an Ivy League research university located in New York City. It is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty.
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Barnard College - With a ranking of 11, Barnard is a prestigious women's liberal arts college affiliated with Columbia University. It offers a strong liberal arts education with access to the resources of Columbia.
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New York University - NYU holds the 35th position in the rankings and is known for its diverse programs, vibrant student life, and global campus presence.
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Fordham University - Ranked 89th, Fordham is a private research university that combines the liberal arts with professional education, fostering a strong sense of community.
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Rutgers University-New Brunswick - This university is ranked 40th and is known for its strong research programs and vibrant campus life as part of New Jersey's state university system.
These institutions offer a range of educational opportunities and contribute to the rich academic environment surrounding The Juilliard School.
Peer median 1.3 · all 51 private art, music and design schools in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Crime Trends at The Juilliard School: A Reflection
The crime statistics at The Juilliard School from 2013 to 2023 reveal notable fluctuations in the average crime rate per 1,000 students. The highest crime rate was recorded in 2017 at approximately 15.97 incidents per 1,000 students, indicating a concerning spike in criminal activities during that year. This peak might reflect underlying issues such as mental health challenges or social pressures faced by students, particularly in a high-stress environment like Juilliard.
Interestingly, the years that followed show a decrease in crime rates, with 2020 experiencing the lowest at 3.54 incidents per 1,000 students. This drop could be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to significant changes in student life, including remote learning and reduced campus activity. The pandemic may have inadvertently created a safer environment by limiting interactions and activities that could lead to crime.
However, the data also suggests a resurgence in crime rates in 2021 and 2022, where rates climbed back to around 7.35 incidents per 1,000 students. This rise warrants further investigation into the factors contributing to this increase. It is essential for the administration to address these concerns proactively, ensuring students have access to adequate support systems.
Overall, while Juilliard maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to many urban institutions, the variations highlight the importance of ongoing efforts to foster a safe and supportive environment for students. Continuous monitoring and responsive measures can help mitigate future spikes in crime and maintain a healthy campus atmosphere. For more insights on crime rates and their calculations, you can visit this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
All 163Notable alumni of The Juilliard School include Robin Williams (Actor and comedian known for improvisation), Miles Davis (Jazz trumpeter, bandleader and composer) and Kevin Spacey (Actor and two-time Academy Award winner).
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Robin Williams 1951–2014
Actor and comedian known for improvisation
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Miles Davis 1926–1991
Jazz trumpeter, bandleader and composer
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Kevin Spacey 1959–
Actor and two-time Academy Award winner
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John de Lancie 1948–
Actor and voice actor
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Nina Simone 1933–2003
Singer, pianist and civil rights activist
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Val Kilmer 1959–2025
Film and stage actor
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Elia Kazan 1909–2003
Greek-American film and theatre director
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Viola Davis 1965–
Actress, Triple Crown of Acting and EGOT winner
-
Jessica Chastain 1977–
Actress, producer and Academy Award winner
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.