| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Founded: 1926
Type: Private liberal arts college
Known for: Progressive, individualized education; strong focus on the arts, humanities, and writing.
No traditional majors; students design their own course of study with guidance from faculty.
Heavy emphasis on writing, seminars, and independent study.
One-on-one student-faculty conferences are a core part of the curriculum.
Strong programs in:
Creative Writing
Theatre
Dance
Visual Arts
Psychology
Liberal Arts
Small: ~1,500 undergraduates
Known for being intellectually curious, creative, and often artistically inclined.
Welcoming and inclusive campus culture.
Located in a suburban area, but just 30 minutes from New York City, giving students access to internships, arts, culture, and more.
Tuition is on the higher side (~$60,000+ per year), but they offer need-based financial aid and some scholarships.
Considered selective.
Emphasis on essays, recommendations, and overall fit with the college’s unique academic approach.
SAT/ACT: Test-optional
Literature
Philosophy
History
Religion
Classics
Writing (especially strong in Creative Writing)
Languages (French, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, Ancient Greek, Latin, Chinese, etc.)
Theatre (very strong program – known nationally)
Dance (one of the top undergraduate dance programs in the U.S.)
Music (performance, theory, composition)
Film History and Theory
Visual Arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, photography)
Psychology
Sociology
Anthropology
Political Science
Economics
Geography
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Computer Science
Mathematics
Environmental Studies
Neuroscience (interdisciplinary)
Students are encouraged to blend areas of study. Some popular interdisciplinary paths include:
Gender and Sexuality Studies
Environmental Studies
International Studies
Human Genetics (offered through a graduate program, but undergrads can take related coursework)
Public Policy
Migration and Diaspora Studies
Human Genetics
Writing (MFA)
Dance (MFA)
Art of Teaching (MAT)
Women’s History (MA)
Theatre (MFA)
Small seminars (usually fewer than 15 students)
Conference system: one-on-one meetings with professors to pursue independent projects
Emphasis on writing, discussion, and deep analysis
Course Program Area |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Creative Writing |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Theatre |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Dance |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Visual Arts |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Music |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Literature |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Philosophy |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
History |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Psychology |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Sociology |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Anthropology |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Political Science |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Economics |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Environmental Studies |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Biology |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Chemistry |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Physics |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Computer Science |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Mathematics |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Languages (French, Spanish, etc.) |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Gender and Sexuality Studies |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
International Studies |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Public Policy |
4 years |
$62,640 |
|
Neuroscience (Interdisciplinary) |
4 years |
$62,640 |
Master’s Program |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
MFA in Writing |
2 years |
$29,430 |
|
MFA in Theatre |
2–3 years |
$32,130 |
|
MFA in Dance |
2–3 years |
$32,130 |
|
MA in Women’s History |
2 years |
$23,250 |
|
MA in Art of Teaching (Early Childhood/Childhood Education) |
2 years |
$23,250 |
|
MS in Human Genetics |
2 years |
$44,300 |
|
MA in Health Advocacy |
2 years |
$23,250 |
|
MA in Dance/Movement Therapy |
2–3 years |
$32,130 |
|
Dual Degree: MA in Women’s History + Master of Social Work (with NYU) |
3 years |
(Split with NYU) |
No traditional majors – Students create personalized academic pathways.
Focus on:
Writing and critical thinking
Small seminars and one-on-one faculty conferences
Creative arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences
Need-based aid available for international students.
You must submit the CSS Profile to apply.
Competitive but possible to receive generous aid packages.
Culturally inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly community
Student organizations for global cultures and identities
Support through:
International Student Services Office
Orientation for international students
Visa and immigration support (F-1 visa)
Access to internships in NYC
Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 visa holders
Career Services provides resume help, job search support, and grad school prep
Freedom to build your own curriculum
Close faculty mentorship
Creative and interdisciplinary learning
Proximity to NYC opportunities (theatre, writing, art, finance, etc.)
Inclusive, tight-knit community
Step |
Details |
|---|---|
|
1. Choose Application Type |
Sarah Lawrence accepts the Common Application. You can apply as: |
|
2. Check Deadlines |
- Early Action: Nov 1 (non-binding) |
|
3. Submit Required Materials |
- Completed Common Application |
|
4. Standardized Tests |
- Test-Optional Policy: SAT/ACT scores are not required |
|
5. English Proficiency (for International Students) |
Required if English is not your native language. Accepted tests: |
|
6. Application Fee |
$60 USD (fee waivers available for eligible students) |
|
7. Financial Aid Application (if applying for aid) |
- Domestic students: FAFSA + CSS Profile |
|
8. (Optional) Interview |
Interviews are not required, but they are encouraged and available upon request – can help you stand out. |
|
9. Track Your Application |
After submission, you’ll receive a portal login to check your status and upload any missing documents. |
|
10. Admission Decision Notification |
- Early Action/ED I: Mid-December |
Intake Type |
Application Deadline |
Decision Notification |
Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Early Action (EA) |
November 1 |
Mid-December |
Late August (Fall) |
|
Early Decision I (ED I) |
November 15 |
Mid-December |
Late August (Fall) |
|
Early Decision II (ED II) |
January 2 |
Mid-February |
Late August (Fall) |
|
Regular Decision (RD) |
January 15 |
Late March / Early April |
Late August (Fall) |
|
Transfer Admission |
April 1 (Rolling basis) |
Rolling after submission |
Late August (Fall) |
Note: Sarah Lawrence primarily has Fall intake only for undergraduates.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Educational Background |
Completion of secondary education (equivalent to U.S. high school diploma) |
|
GPA Requirement |
No strict minimum, but a strong academic record is expected (approx. 3.3+ on 4.0 scale is competitive) |
|
Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT) |
Optional – you can submit scores, but they are not required |
|
English Language Proficiency |
Required for non-native English speakers: |
|
|
- TOEFL (recommended: 100 iBT) |
|
|
- IELTS (recommended: 7.0 overall) |
|
|
- Duolingo English Test (recommended: 120+) |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
At least 2 required (1 from a teacher) |
|
Personal Statement / Essay |
Required as part of the Common Application |
|
Portfolio (optional) |
Recommended for applicants in arts (theatre, dance, creative writing, etc.) |
|
Financial Documents (International) |
Needed if applying for financial aid or for visa processing |
Scholarship Name |
Type |
Eligibility |
Amount (USD/year) |
Open to International Students? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Merit-Based Scholarships |
Automatic/Need-blind |
Outstanding academic performance & achievements |
Up to $35,000 |
Yes |
|
Presidential Scholarship |
Merit-Based |
Top applicants with exceptional academics & leadership |
Up to $35,000 |
Yes |
|
Visual & Performing Arts Scholarships |
Talent-Based |
For students in dance, music, theatre, or visual arts (portfolio/audition required) |
(~$5,000–$15,000) |
Yes |
|
Need-Based Financial Aid |
Need-Based |
Based on demonstrated financial need (via CSS Profile) |
(can cover large % of tuition) |
Yes |
|
International Student Grant |
Need-Based |
Awarded to international students with financial need |
N/A |
Yes |
|
Transfer Student Scholarships |
Merit-Based |
Outstanding academic record at previous institution |
Up to $20,000 |
Yes |
Facility / Housing Type |
Details |
Cost per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Traditional Residence Halls |
Shared rooms or singles; common bathrooms; community-style living |
$10,000–$12,000 |
|
Apartment-Style Housing |
Shared apartments with kitchen, bathroom; more independent living |
$12,000–$14,500 |
|
Theme Housing (Special Interests) |
Focused communities (e.g., LGBTQ+, sustainability, arts) |
$11,000–$13,000 |
|
Graduate Housing |
Limited; mostly off-campus or apartment-style housing |
(~$12,000–$15,000) |
|
Dining Plan (Meal Plan) |
Required for undergraduates living on campus; includes access to dining hall & cafes |
~$6,800/year |
|
Utilities & Wi-Fi |
Included in housing cost |
Included |
|
Laundry Facilities |
Available in all residence halls |
Included (or small fee) |
|
Security & Support |
24/7 campus safety, residence advisors, health services |
Included |
Housing Type |
Housing + Meal Plan (USD/year) |
|---|---|
|
Traditional Residence Hall |
~$17,000–$18,800 |
|
Apartment-Style Housing |
~$18,800–$21,300 |
Student life at Sarah Lawrence is deeply rooted in creativity, independence, and self-expression. It’s a small, close-knit college where students are encouraged to be curious, think critically, and engage deeply — both in and out of the classroom.
You won’t find a rigid campus culture here. Instead, students shape their own experience, just like they shape their academic path. Many students are involved in the arts — writing, theatre, dance, visual arts — and even those who aren’t artists are passionate about learning, discussing, and pushing boundaries.
The academic vibe blends into student life. Since classes are small and seminar-based, students often continue deep conversations in dorm lounges, coffee spots, or over meals. Independent research, student-run performances, readings, and art shows are part of the daily rhythm.
Housing is mostly on-campus, with options ranging from traditional dorms to apartments and themed housing (like sustainability or LGBTQ+ communities). Most first-year students live on campus, and many continue to do so throughout their time at Sarah Lawrence. It creates a strong sense of community.
While it’s a smaller school (~1,500 students), there’s no shortage of events:
Open mic nights
Film screenings
Dance and theatre performances
Student-led workshops
Cultural celebrations
Social justice forums
There’s also an annual event called Midnight Breakfast during finals week, where professors serve students late-night comfort food — a fun tradition that everyone loves.
The campus is proudly inclusive and progressive. Students from all backgrounds — including international students and those from the LGBTQ+ community — find space to express themselves freely. There are multiple identity-based clubs and support services to help students feel at home.
The college offers mental health counseling, wellness programs, and health services. The vibe on campus is generally supportive — students tend to look out for one another, and faculty are very involved in student well-being.
One of the biggest perks? Sarah Lawrence is just a 30-minute train ride to Manhattan, so students often head into New York City for:
Internships
Museums and galleries
Broadway shows
Food adventures
Weekend hangouts
It’s the best of both worlds — a peaceful, green campus with easy access to one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
There are dozens of student-run clubs and orgs — academic, cultural, political, creative, and fun. If a club doesn’t exist yet, you’re encouraged to start it. Some examples:
Model UN
Queer Student Union
Black Students at Sarah Lawrence
Creative Writing Club
Environmental Action Coalition
Dance Troupes
Zine & Literary Collectives
Sarah Lawrence doesn’t have a traditional “placement cell” like some technical universities, but it offers comprehensive career support through its Career Services office, helping students find:
Internships
Research opportunities
Fellowships
Graduate school pathways
Full-time jobs after graduation
Because of the college’s proximity to New York City, students often intern during the academic year and over the summer in fields like:
Publishing
Film & TV production
Psychology & social work
Politics & public policy
Nonprofits
Art & design
Performing arts
Business/startups
Many students get real-world experience before graduating, often leading to post-grad offers.
According to recent alumni data:
92% of graduates are employed or in grad school within 1 year of graduation.
A large number pursue graduate school immediately, especially in:
Law
Medicine
Creative writing (MFA)
Psychology
Public health
Education
Fine arts
Sarah Lawrence grads have gone on to top institutions like:
Columbia University
NYU
Harvard
Yale
UC Berkeley
London School of Economics
Oxford
Alumni are found in diverse industries, including:
Creative Arts – writers, filmmakers, dancers, artists
Education – teachers, researchers, education policy
Mental Health – therapists, counselors, clinical psychology
Media & Journalism – editors, reporters, content creators
Nonprofits & NGOs – advocacy, policy, humanitarian work
Business & Entrepreneurship – small businesses, startups
Law & Public Service – lawyers, public policy advisors
The college has a strong and supportive alumni network, especially in creative and academic fields. Many students connect with alumni for mentorship, jobs, and collaborative opportunities.
Resume and cover letter workshops
Job search coaching
Networking events
Graduate school application help
Alumni panels and career fairs
The acceptance rate at Sarah Lawrence College, USA, is approximately 57% (as of the most recent admissions cycle).
It is considered moderately selective.
The college uses a holistic admissions process, meaning they look at more than just grades and test scores.
Strong emphasis is placed on:
Your personal essay
Letters of recommendation
Extracurricular activities
Demonstrated interest
Academic potential and intellectual curiosity
Test-optional, so not submitting scores won’t hurt your chances.
However, strong scores can support your application if you choose to submit them.
Sarah Lawrence College
Address:
1 Mead Way
Bronxville, New York 10708
United States
