The Juilliard School is a private performing arts conservatory located in New York City, New York. Founded in 1905, it offers professional education and training in music, dance, and drama at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The school enrolls students from across the United States and around the world who pursue intensive study in performance, composition, and related disciplines. Juilliard grants degrees in music, dance, and acting, along with select artist diploma and certificate programs. Its location at Lincoln Center places students within a major cultural hub, and its curriculum combines rigorous artistic training with academic coursework and public performance opportunities throughout the academic year.
With a 9.15% acceptance rate, The Juilliard School is very selective. Successful applicants typically have top grades, strong standardized test scores, and outstanding extracurricular achievements. Admission is highly competitive, and the university looks for students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and meaningful impact outside the classroom.
The Juilliard School traces its origins to 1905, when Frank Damrosch founded the Institute of Musical Art in New York City to provide advanced music training in the United States. In 1924, the Juilliard Graduate School was established with funds from the estate of Augustus D. Juilliard to support high-level musical study. In 1926, the Institute of Musical Art and the Juilliard Graduate School merged under the leadership of John Erskine, forming the Juilliard School of Music. The institution continued to expand its programs, and in 1946 it adopted the name Juilliard School of Music. During the 1950s, dance was added to the curriculum, followed by the establishment of a drama division. In 1968, the institution was renamed The Juilliard School to reflect its broader performing arts mission. Today, The Juilliard School remains a leading conservatory in New York City, offering specialized training in music, dance, and drama.
The Juilliard School has a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which means small class sizes and close interaction with professors. Students often benefit from more personalized attention, accessible faculty mentorship, and greater opportunities for discussion and research collaboration.
Admission to The Juilliard School is highly selective and centered on artistic potential. Applicants must complete an online application and participate in live auditions or portfolio reviews, depending on their chosen division in music, dance, or drama. Academic records are considered, but performance ability and creative promise are central to the evaluation process. Prospective students should prepare carefully for auditions and review specific program requirements published by The Juilliard School each admissions cycle.
The Juilliard School offers a range of financial aid options, including need-based grants, scholarships, and limited loan opportunities. Aid decisions are typically based on demonstrated financial need and program eligibility. Because conservatory training can be intensive and specialized, applicants are encouraged to explore all available funding resources and complete required financial aid documentation on time when applying to The Juilliard School.
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