Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
New York, New York
9% Acceptance Rate
The Juilliard School — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
9%Acceptance Rate
$81,090Annual Cost
$37,827Grad Salary
13.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
9%
Selectivity
Extremely Competitive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Need-Based Aid
13.3% receive Pell
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 is one of the leading universities in the USA. It is extremely competitive to gain admission to. The acceptance rate of The Juilliard School is 9%. This means that only 9 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
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.
Selectivity at a Glance
Extremely Competitive
Selectivity scale: Extremely Competitive — 9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
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.
Check Your Admission Chances at Juilliard
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on The Juilliard School's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
The Juilliard School (Juilliard) Test Requirements
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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into Juilliard Without SAT or ACT?
The Juilliard School does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Juilliard
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.
Cultivate an Academic 'Spike'
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.
Intellectual Vitality
Demonstrate 'self-driven learning.' This includes graduate-level coursework, mastering a complex skill independently, or attending top-tier summer programs (RSI/TASP).
The 'Uncommon' Essay
Avoid safe, cliché topics. Use the supplemental essays to showcase creative risk-taking, quirky intellectualism, and authentic personality.
Impact-Based Leadership
Admissions officers prioritize 'Founders' and 'Change-makers' over 'Office-holders.' Document quantifiable impact—what did you build that didn't exist before?
Expert Warning: Avoid 'resume padding' in your final two years. Elite committees are trained to spot activities joined solely for the sake of the application.
Juilliard Profile
Full Name
The Juilliard School (Juilliard)
City
New York
State
New York
ZIP Code
10023-6588
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Juilliard Degree 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 $75,800 and the graduate 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 $81,090. 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.
13.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 21.2 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 does a Juilliard Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $37,827. 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 $40,595.
Degree Programs at Juilliard
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Doctoral Degree Programs
Post-baccalaureate Certificate Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Professional Certificate Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by The Juilliard School →
Frequently Asked Questions About Juilliard Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $37,827 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $81,090 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
13.3% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of The Juilliard School is 9% which is extremely low. Admission is highly competitive, and only the top candidates are accepted.
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.
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.