The Ailey School, established in 1969 by dance legend Alvin Ailey, is one of America's premier professional dance training institutions. Known for its intensive ballet and modern dance programs.
Located in Manhattan's Theater District, the school features spacious studios with sprung floors, conditioning rooms, and direct connections to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Students train with world-renowned faculty and guest artists.
The Ailey School Acceptance Rate
The Ailey School is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 59.94%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
The Ailey School Admission Requirements
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The Ailey School SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
The Ailey School Profile
Name: The Ailey School
City: New York
State: New York
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 10019-4402
Campus: Main
Accredited by: National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)
How much does a degree from The Ailey School Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at The Ailey School is USD: 38616. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at The Ailey School is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
17.14% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 17.14 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to The Ailey School and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At The Ailey School, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist The Ailey School as your choice in the form.
How much a The Ailey School Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 22782. An average The Ailey School graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About The Ailey School Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $22782 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $38616 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of The Ailey School is 59.94 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by The Ailey School.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.