Sarah Lawrence College Sarah Lawrence College, founded in 1926 in Bronxville, New York, is a prestigious private liberal arts college known for its distinctive educational approach. The 44-acre campus offers a rigorous curriculum with no traditional majors, instead using a system of individualized study plans and small seminar courses. Sarah Lawrence maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with a unique 'don' system of faculty mentorship. The college is particularly renowned for its writing, performing arts, and psychology programs. Campus facilities include the modern Barbara Walters Campus Center and the Performing Arts Center.
Sarah Lawrence takes pride in its progressive tradition and commitment to interdisciplinary, student-directed learning. All students complete a year-long senior project demonstrating mastery of their chosen area. Campus life includes NCAA Division III athletics and vibrant arts programming. Recent additions include the Science Center and renovated visual arts studios. Sarah Lawrence's combination of academic freedom, close faculty engagement, and proximity to New York City creates a distinctive liberal arts experience focused on intellectual exploration.
Sarah Lawrence College Acceptance Rate
Sarah Lawrence College is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 58.93%, 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 .
Sarah Lawrence College Admission Requirements
Sarah Lawrence College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Sarah Lawrence College is 3.75. Sarah Lawrence College is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.45 and 3.75, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Sarah Lawrence College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at Sarah Lawrence College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.75, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.75 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.55 – 3.74 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.35 – 3.54 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.34 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Sarah Lawrence College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Sarah Lawrence College 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.
Sarah Lawrence College Average SAT Score: 1374
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Sarah Lawrence College is 1374 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1374 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1440 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Sarah Lawrence College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1270, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to Sarah Lawrence College. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 650 | 590 | 710 |
| SAT Reading | 705 | 680 | 730 |
| SAT Composite | 1374 | 1270 | 1440 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1270 then you are below most of the admitted students at Sarah Lawrence College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1440 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1350
Can I get into Sarah Lawrence College with a 1450 SAT?
With a 1450 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Sarah Lawrence College are good but the admission staff at Sarah Lawrence College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Sarah Lawrence College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Sarah Lawrence College is 31.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Sarah Lawrence College very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 31 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 28 | 25 | 31 |
| ACT English | 33 | 31 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 31 | 29 | 33 |
Can I get into Sarah Lawrence College with a 33 ACT?
With a 33 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Sarah Lawrence College are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 31.Sarah Lawrence College Profile
Name: Sarah Lawrence College
City: Bronxville
State: New York
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 10708
Campus: Main
Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
How much does a degree from Sarah Lawrence College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Sarah Lawrence College is USD: 79320. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Sarah Lawrence College is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
12.65% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 42.41 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Sarah Lawrence College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Sarah Lawrence College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Sarah Lawrence College as your choice in the form.
How much a Sarah Lawrence College Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 53603. An average Sarah Lawrence College 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
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Sarah Lawrence College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Hendrix College, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| Chapman University | Chapman University, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | University of Colorado Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| University of Denver | University of Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | United States Air Force Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton College, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Centre College | Centre College, KY | 1345 | 29 |
| Bentley University | Bentley University, MA | 1340 | 31 |
| Clark University | Clark University, MA | 1339 | 32 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Sarah Lawrence College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | Pepperdine University, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Westmont College, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| St. John's College | St. John's College, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| St Olaf College | St Olaf College, MN | 1373 | 30 |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick | Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ | 1383 | 31 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Sarah Lawrence College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara University, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado College | Colorado College, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| Connecticut College | Connecticut College, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| George Washington University | George Washington University, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| University of Miami | University of Miami, FL | 1416 | 32 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Masters Degree Programs
- Dance
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Public Health
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Social Sciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Frequently Asked Questions About Sarah Lawrence College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $53603 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $79320 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 good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Sarah Lawrence College is 58.93 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.75. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.45, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.45, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.45 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.35 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Sarah Lawrence College if my GPA is below 3.35
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.75, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Sarah Lawrence College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1374 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1270-1440
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 Sarah Lawrence College.
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.