The Juilliard School, established in 1905, is the world's premier performing arts conservatory in New York City. Juilliard trains dancers, actors, and musicians through intensely rigorous programs. The school's faculty includes Grammy and Tony winners. Juilliard's Lincoln Center location provides unparalleled performance opportunities.
Students regularly perform with the Juilliard Orchestra at venues like Carnegie Hall. Alumni range from Yo-Yo Ma to Viola Davis. Admission is fiercely competitive, with auditions determining entry. For those seeking to master their art among the best, Juilliard is the ultimate training ground.
The Juilliard School Acceptance Rate
The Juilliard School (Juilliard) is one of the most selective universities in the USA. With an acceptance rate of 8.96%, the institution utilizes a Holistic Review process to identify students with exceptional intellectual depth.
Admissions Guidelines
- Elite Standards: Admitted students typically rank in the top 2-5% of their high school class.
- Curriculum Rigor: AP, IB, or Honors courses are essential to validate academic readiness.
- Character & Impact: Beyond grades, leadership, research, and unique 'spikes' in extracurriculars drive decisions.
At this level of selectivity, meeting average GPA and test scores is considered the 'baseline.' Because Juilliard values intellectual curiosity, your supplemental essays and personal recommendations are critical in distinguishing your application from thousands of other high-achieving candidates.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
The Juilliard School Admission Requirements
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The Juilliard School (Juilliard) 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.
Juilliard Profile
Name: The Juilliard School (Juilliard)
City: New York
URL: www.juilliard.edu/
State: New York
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 10023-6588
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Elite Strategy: The 'Spike' Approach
To be successful at a world-class institution like Juilliard, you must move beyond being 'well-rounded' and demonstrate that you are institutionally necessary.
Elite schools favor 'pointy' students; those who are world-class in one niche. Achieve national-level recognition or produce original research rather than joining ten generic clubs.
Demonstrate 'self-driven learning.' This includes graduate-level coursework, mastering a complex skill independently, or attending top-tier summer programs (RSI/TASP).
Avoid safe, cliché topics. Use the supplemental essays to showcase creative risk-taking, quirky intellectualism, and authentic personality.
Admissions officers prioritize 'Founders' and 'Change-makers' over 'Office-holders.' Document quantifiable impact—what did you build that didn't exist before?
Does a degree from Juilliard Worth It?
Getting into Juilliard can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Juilliard offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Juilliard is USD: 75845.26 and unemployment rate is 3.41%.
How much does a degree from Juilliard Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at The Juilliard School is USD: 81090. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at The Juilliard School is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
13.31% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 21.16 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Juilliard and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At The Juilliard School, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Juilliard as your choice in the form.
How much a Juilliard Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 37827. An average Juilliard 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
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Dance
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Music
Masters Degree Programs
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Music
Doctoral Degree Programs
- Music
Post-baccalaureate Certificate Programs
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Music
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About The Juilliard School Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $37827 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $81090 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
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 Juilliard School is 8.96 which is extremely low. Admission is highly competitive, and only the top candidates are accepted.
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 Juilliard 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.