| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
The university is made up of several colleges, each with a distinct focus:
Parsons School of Design – One of the most prestigious design schools in the world, offering programs in fashion, interior design, communication design, and more.
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts – Known for its seminar-style courses and emphasis on critical thinking and social engagement.
The New School for Social Research – Offers graduate programs in the social sciences and philosophy, continuing the university’s founding mission of intellectual freedom.
College of Performing Arts – Includes the Mannes School of Music, School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, and the School of Drama.
Schools of Public Engagement – Offers adult education, media studies, and programs in public policy and management.
Situated in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, The New School thrives in one of the most vibrant cultural and artistic neighborhoods in New York City.
Students often engage with the city through internships, performances, design projects, and activism.
Progressive education philosophy: Emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary studies.
Diverse student body: Attracts a global population of students, especially in creative fields.
Strong focus on social justice: Courses and campus culture often emphasize equity, inclusion, and political engagement.
Design and arts excellence: Particularly strong reputation in design, fashion, fine arts, and performance.
Marc Jacobs (fashion designer)
Ai Weiwei (artist and activist)
Brad Mehldau (jazz pianist)
Sufjan Stevens (musician)
Jonah Hill (actor and filmmaker – briefly attended)
Renowned worldwide for design education. Programs focus on creativity, sustainability, and innovation.
BFA Fashion Design
BFA Communication Design
BFA Product Design
BFA Interior Design
BFA Illustration
BBA Strategic Design and Management
BFA Integrated Design
BFA Photography
BFA Fine Arts
BA/BFA Dual Degree (with Lang)
MFA Fashion Design and Society
MFA Industrial Design
MS Strategic Design and Management
MA Fashion Studies
MFA Transdisciplinary Design
MFA Communication Design
MFA Textiles
A progressive liberal arts college offering interdisciplinary and discussion-based learning.
Philosophy
Psychology
Politics
Literary Studies
Culture and Media
Economics
Environmental Studies
Global Studies
History
The Arts (including music, theater, and visual arts)
Urban Studies
Students can also pursue self-designed majors and cross-register with other New School colleges.
Focused on social sciences and philosophy, offering advanced graduate-level study.
Philosophy
Sociology
Politics
Economics
Psychology
Anthropology
Liberal Studies
Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism
Historical Studies
Includes:
Mannes School of Music
School of Jazz and Contemporary Music
School of Drama
BM Classical Music (Mannes)
BFA Jazz and Contemporary Music
BFA Dramatic Arts
MM Voice, Conducting, Composition (Mannes)
MM Performer-Composer
MFA Contemporary Theatre and Performance
MA Arts Management and Entrepreneurship
Offers programs for adult learners and those interested in media, public policy, and creative writing.
BA/BS Liberal Arts
BS Media Studies
BS Food Studies
BS Global Studies
MA Media Studies
MA International Affairs
MS Nonprofit Management
MS Media Management
MFA Creative Writing
MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Certificate in Documentary Media Studies
Students can often combine programs across colleges (e.g., BA/BFA with Parsons and Lang), or pursue interdisciplinary studies tailored to their interests.
College |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Parsons School of Design |
BFA Fashion Design |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BFA Communication Design |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BFA Product Design |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BFA Interior Design |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BFA Illustration |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BBA Strategic Design & Management |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BFA Integrated Design |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BFA Photography |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BFA Fine Arts |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts |
BA Literary Studies |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BA Philosophy |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BA Politics |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BA Culture and Media |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BA Psychology |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BA Economics |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BA Global Studies |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BA Environmental Studies |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BA Urban Studies |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BA The Arts (including Music, Theater, Visual Arts) |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
College of Performing Arts |
BFA Dramatic Arts |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BFA Jazz and Contemporary Music |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
BM Classical Music (Mannes School of Music) |
4 years |
$53,760 |
|
Schools of Public Engagement |
BS Media Studies |
4 years |
$28,944–$35,000 |
|
|
BS Food Studies |
4 years |
$28,944–$35,000 |
|
|
BS Global Studies |
4 years |
$28,944–$35,000 |
|
|
BA/BS Liberal Arts (Adult Degree Program) |
N/A |
$28,944–$35,000 |
College |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Parsons School of Design |
MFA Fashion Design and Society |
2 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
MFA Industrial Design |
2 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
MFA Communication Design |
2 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
MFA Textiles |
2 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
MFA Fine Arts |
2 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
MS Strategic Design and Management |
2 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
MA Fashion Studies |
2 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
MFA Transdisciplinary Design |
2 years |
$53,760 |
|
The New School for Social Research |
MA Philosophy |
2 years |
$30,720 |
|
|
MA Psychology |
2 years |
$30,720 |
|
|
MA Sociology |
2 years |
$30,720 |
|
|
MA Anthropology |
2 years |
$30,720 |
|
|
MA Politics |
2 years |
$30,720 |
|
|
MA Economics |
2 years |
$30,720 |
|
|
MA Liberal Studies |
2 years |
$30,720 |
|
|
MA Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism |
2 years |
$30,720 |
|
College of Performing Arts |
MM Classical Performance (Mannes) |
2 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
MM Voice / Conducting / Composition |
2 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
MM Performer-Composer |
2 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
MFA Contemporary Theatre and Performance |
2 years |
$53,760 |
|
|
MA Arts Management and Entrepreneurship |
2 years |
$53,760 |
|
Schools of Public Engagement |
MA Media Studies |
2 years |
$31,400 |
|
|
MS Media Management |
2 years |
$31,400 |
|
|
MA International Affairs |
2 years |
$31,400 |
|
|
MS Nonprofit Management |
2 years |
$31,400 |
|
|
MFA Creative Writing |
2 years |
$31,400 |
|
|
MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) |
2 years |
$31,400 |
|
|
Graduate Certificate in Documentary Media Studies |
1 year |
$31,400 |
College |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The New School for Social Research (NSSR) |
PhD Philosophy |
5–6 years |
$30,720 |
|
|
PhD Psychology |
5–6 years |
$30,720 |
|
|
PhD Sociology |
5–6 years |
$30,720 |
|
|
PhD Economics |
5–6 years |
$30,720 |
|
|
PhD Politics |
5–6 years |
$30,720 |
|
|
PhD Anthropology |
5–6 years |
$30,720 |
|
|
PhD Historical Studies |
5–6 years |
$30,720 |
Location: New York City, USA (Greenwich Village, Manhattan)
Total Students: ~10,000+
International Students: ~30% of total student population
Popular With: Students interested in fashion, design, music, performing arts, social sciences, and liberal arts.
International students can enroll in:
Undergraduate programs (Bachelor’s degrees)
Graduate programs (Master’s degrees & PhDs)
Certificate & diploma programs (e.g. Media Studies, English language programs)
Top colleges include:
Parsons School of Design
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts
The New School for Social Research
College of Performing Arts
Schools of Public Engagement
Undergraduate Programs:
High school transcripts (translated to English)
SAT/ACT not required (test-optional)
English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7.0+, Duolingo 120+)
Portfolio (for art/design programs at Parsons)
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose or personal essay
Graduate Programs:
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
Transcripts
TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores
Resume/CV
Statement of purpose
Portfolio (where required)
Letters of recommendation
GRE not generally required
Step |
Details |
|---|---|
|
1. Choose a Program |
Select a program from one of the colleges (e.g., Parsons, Lang, Performing Arts). |
|
2. Submit Online Application |
Apply through the (for most undergrad programs). Parsons applicants will use the Common App + Parsons Challenge (a creative project). |
|
3. Pay Application Fee |
$50 USD (fee waivers available for eligible students). |
|
4. Submit Required Documents |
- Academic transcripts (with English translation) |
|
5. Interview (If Required) |
Some programs (like Drama or Music) require auditions or interviews. |
|
6. Check Status & Await Decision |
Log into your New School applicant portal to track progress. |
Term |
Priority Deadline |
Regular Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall (August start) |
January 15 |
Rolling admission until space is full |
|
Spring (January start) |
October 15 |
Rolling admission |
Step |
Details |
|---|---|
|
1. Choose Your Program |
Select from master’s or PhD programs in Design, Arts, Social Research, Media, etc. |
|
2. Apply Online via New School Application Portal |
Apply here |
|
3. Pay Application Fee |
$50–$75 USD depending on program |
|
4. Submit Required Documents |
- Bachelor’s degree transcript |
|
5. Interview/Audition (if applicable) |
Required for performing arts programs and some design programs. |
|
6. Track Application |
Through the New School portal. Notifications sent via email. |
Term |
Most Programs Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Fall Entry |
January 15 (priority) – varies by program |
|
Spring Entry |
October 15 (only some programs available) |
Program Level |
Main Intakes |
Additional Intakes |
|---|---|---|
|
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) |
Fall (August/September) |
Spring (January) |
|
Graduate (Master’s & PhD) |
Fall (August/September) |
Spring (January) |
*Spring intake is available for select undergraduate and graduate programs only.
Most programs accept students for Fall intake, which has the largest number of open seats and scholarship opportunities.
Criteria |
Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Age/Academic Level |
Completed high school/secondary school or equivalent |
|
Academic Transcripts |
Must show completion of required coursework with passing grades |
|
English Language Proficiency |
TOEFL iBT 92+, IELTS 7.0+, Duolingo 120+ (for international students) |
|
Portfolio (if applicable) |
Required for art/design/music/theatre programs (especially Parsons, Performing Arts) |
|
Personal Statement / Essay |
Required |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Typically 1–2 letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors |
|
SAT/ACT |
Optional (test-optional policy) |
|
Interview or Audition |
Required for some performance-based programs (drama, music, etc.) |
Criteria |
Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Bachelor’s Degree |
From an accredited institution (any field, though some programs prefer relevant degrees) |
|
GPA Requirement |
Typically 3.0+ on a 4.0 scale (varies by program) |
|
English Language Proficiency |
TOEFL iBT 92+, IELTS 7.0+, Duolingo 120+ |
|
Portfolio (if applicable) |
Required for design, art, and music programs |
|
Statement of Purpose |
Required |
|
Resume/CV |
Recommended or required |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Usually 2 required |
|
Interview or Audition |
Required for performing arts; may be requested for others |
Criteria |
Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree |
Depending on the program; most accept students directly from a bachelor’s |
|
Academic Background |
Strong background in relevant discipline |
|
Research Proposal or Statement of Purpose |
Required |
|
Writing Sample |
Required for most PhD programs (especially in social sciences & humanities) |
|
GPA |
Typically 3.3+ recommended |
|
English Proficiency |
TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7.5+, Duolingo 125+ |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Usually 3 |
|
Interview |
May be required |
Ranking Platform |
Category |
Ranking / Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Overall Global University Ranking |
#561–570 |
|
QS World University Rankings |
Art & Design (Parsons School of Design) |
Top 3 globally |
|
QS World University Rankings |
Performing Arts |
Top 100 globally |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
National Universities (USA) |
#201–250 range |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Best Global Universities |
#1,000+ globally |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Social Sciences and Public Health (graduate) |
Ranked, not top-tier |
|
Times Higher Education (THE) |
Overall World University Ranking |
800–1000 band |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Type |
Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
|
New School Merit-Based Scholarship |
All undergraduate & graduate applicants (auto-considered) |
Tuition Reduction |
Up to 75% of tuition |
|
International Student Scholarship |
International undergraduate & graduate students |
Merit-Based |
(partial tuition) |
|
Dean’s Scholarship (Graduate) |
Graduate applicants with strong academic/professional background |
Merit-Based |
Up to $30,000/year |
|
Parsons Talent Scholarship |
Exceptional portfolio applicants to Parsons School of Design |
Talent + Merit |
Up to full tuition |
|
College of Performing Arts Scholarships |
Music, drama, or jazz students with auditions |
Talent-Based |
up to full tuition |
|
Lang Opportunity Scholarship |
Undergraduate applicants to Eugene Lang College (academic & need-based) |
Need + Merit |
N/A |
|
Creative Writing Fellowship |
MFA Creative Writing applicants |
Merit-Based |
Partial to full tuition |
|
New School Art Collection Writing Award |
Students with strong writing on visual arts (specific programs) |
Competition-Based |
Up to $2,500 (one-time) |
|
External Scholarships (e.g., Fulbright, DAAD, etc.) |
International graduate students |
External/Government |
N/A |
No separate application needed for most merit-based scholarships — students are automatically considered during admission.
Financial aid (need-based) is also available to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens (via FAFSA).
Students are encouraged to explore external scholarships and country-specific funding programs.
Residence Hall |
Student Type |
Room Type |
Features |
Estimated Cost per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Kerrey Hall |
First-year & upper-level students |
Single / Double |
On-campus, modern, shared kitchens, laundry, lounges |
$21,000 – $24,000 |
|
Loeb Hall |
First-year students |
Double |
Close to Parsons, community-style living, shared bathrooms |
~$19,500 |
|
Stuyvesant Park Residence |
Upper-level & grad students |
Single / Double / Triple |
Apartment-style, shared kitchen, laundry, study areas |
$18,000 – $22,000 |
|
20th Street Residence |
Upper-level undergrads |
Double / Triple |
Loft-style, modern, shared kitchen and bath |
~$17,000 – $20,000 |
|
New School Leased Housing (varies yearly) |
Graduate & transfer students |
Studio / Shared Apartment |
Independent-style housing, limited availability |
$20,000+ |
Fully furnished rooms (bed, desk, dresser, wardrobe)
Wi-Fi and utilities included
24/7 security & front desk
Resident Advisors (RAs) and community programming
Laundry facilities and study lounges
As home to Parsons School of Design and the College of Performing Arts, the campus buzzes with creativity. Whether you're studying fashion, jazz, film, or philosophy, students often collaborate across disciplines, leading to a rich, experimental atmosphere. Art shows, pop-up galleries, performances, and fashion exhibits happen year-round.
Located in Greenwich Village, one of NYC's most iconic neighborhoods, The New School doesn’t have a traditional gated campus. Instead, students live and study in modern buildings spread across the neighborhood, giving them access to the best of the city: museums, cafes, internships, and cultural events.
The New School has a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. It attracts students from over 100 countries, and many identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a space where people are encouraged to express their identities openly and engage in meaningful conversations about society and change.
There are 50+ student-run clubs and organizations covering everything from environmental activism and journalism to anime, poetry, and dance. If something doesn’t exist, you can start your own club with university support.
You’ll find regular film screenings, open mic nights, student showcases, political panels, art markets, and design fairs. The school also hosts the Parsons Festival, New York Fashion Week shows, performing arts showcases, and public lectures by renowned thinkers and artists.
Being in NYC opens up tons of professional possibilities. Students intern at places like Vogue, MoMA, The New York Times, and major design studios. The Center for Career Development helps students connect with internships, part-time jobs, and post-grad career paths.
The New School offers robust support services, including:
Mental health counseling
Academic advising
Health services
International student support
Career guidance
While The New School doesn’t have a massive dining hall system like larger universities, there are on-campus cafes and plenty of nearby local food spots in the Village. Many students cook in their residence hall kitchens or explore the city’s endless food scene.
Student life at The New School is unconventional, intellectual, and purpose-driven. You’ll be surrounded by designers, writers, musicians, activists, and thinkers — all passionate about pushing boundaries and making change.
92% of graduates (across all schools) are employed, in graduate school, or pursuing other meaningful activities within one year of graduation.
89% of students complete at least one internship during their time at The New School — many complete two or more.
Top programs with strong placement:
Parsons School of Design
College of Performing Arts
Media Studies & Strategic Design (Grad)
Social Sciences (NSSR)
Fashion & Design
Media & Communications
Performing Arts & Entertainment
Nonprofits & NGOs
Marketing & Advertising
Technology & UX/UI
Higher Education & Research
Public Policy & International Affairs
Vogue / Condé Nast
The New York Times
MoMA / The Whitney
Nike
IBM
United Nations
Warner Music Group
IDEO
Vice Media
Spotify
Accenture
NBCUniversal
The New School’s Center for Career Development (CCD) offers a full suite of services:
Career counseling and coaching
Resume and portfolio workshops
Interview prep
Internship and job search help
Industry panels and networking events
Employer partnerships and recruitment events
Parsons Career Services (for design students) offers specialized creative industry connections
Thanks to its location in New York City, students have access to:
Fashion houses (Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren)
Design studios (Pentagram, Frog)
News and media outlets (NBC, BuzzFeed, Vice)
Music labels and theater companies
UN and NGOs (for global affairs students)
Design & Creative Fields: $45,000 – $70,000
Tech/UX/UI Roles: $60,000 – $85,000
Media & Communication: $45,000 – $65,000
Social Sciences/Policy: $40,000 – $60,000
Performing Arts: Highly variable (freelance/project-based)
The New School (overall): 57% – 66%
This makes it a moderately selective university. While it's not as competitive as Ivy League schools, admission still requires strong academic performance, a compelling personal statement, and (for many programs) a standout portfolio or audition.
College |
Estimated Acceptance Rate |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Parsons School of Design |
~35% – 45% |
More competitive due to portfolio requirements and global reputation in design/fashion. |
|
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts |
~65% – 70% |
Holistic review, no standardized test scores required. |
|
College of Performing Arts |
~40% – 50% |
Audition-based programs; selectivity depends on discipline (jazz, drama, classical). |
|
The New School for Social Research (Graduate) |
~55% – 65% |
Varies by department; strong academic writing and research background is key. |
|
Schools of Public Engagement (Undergrad & Grad) |
~60% – 70% |
Designed for adult learners and working professionals — more flexible entry. |
Portfolio/Audition: Crucial for design, visual arts, music, and drama programs.
Academic performance: GPA and transcript rigor are considered.
English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores (for international students).
Personal statement: Must reflect creativity, purpose, and fit with The New School's values.
Letters of recommendation: Add weight to your application.
The New School
66 West 12th Street
New York, NY 10011
United States
Situated in downtown Manhattan, close to Union Square, Washington Square Park, and the West Village.
Campus buildings are spread across 5th Avenue, 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), 13th Street, and 14th Street.
No traditional closed-campus; instead, it has an urban, integrated campus feel—students live and study in multiple buildings across several city blocks.
Walking distance to subway lines (1/2/3, A/C/E, B/D/F/M, L, N/Q/R/W), making it easy to get around NYC.
NYU (just a few blocks away)
The Strand Bookstore
Chelsea Market & High Line
Art galleries, museums, fashion studios, cafes, and theaters
Many internship opportunities in media, arts, design, fashion, and public policy