The Juilliard School

The mission of The Juilliard School is to provide the highest caliber of artistic education for gifted musicians, dancers, and actors from around the world, so that they may achieve their fullest potential as artists, leaders, and global citizens.

For over a century, students have enrolled in The Juilliard School and graduated to fulfill their dreams in the performing arts. Dancers, actors, playwrights, classical and jazz musicians—all have come here to hone their craft and deepen their artistry.

A career in the arts is challenging, but the only way to make it happen is to risk: To risk taking that audition, creating that work of art, exposing who you are. We invite you to take the step of applying to Juilliard, and we look forward to supporting you on your artistic journey.

Whether you are just starting your research into Juilliard or are in the middle of submitting your application, we look forward to connecting with you. We encourage you to reach out to us, ask us questions, attend our events, and talk with your counselors and teachers. Wherever you decide to start, we'll be here for you along the way.

We know that the cost of a college of education is one of many key factors that help you make your decision about where to enroll. We hope to start a dialogue with you about the value of a Juilliard education and the steps you can take to be prepared.

Scholarship decisions are made by the Juilliard Scholarship Committee upon the student’s admission to Juilliard and based on a combination of financial need and artistic merit. The members of the committee include administrators for the Departments of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid as well as senior administrators and artistic directors from appropriate areas of the School. While we are unable to meet the full need of all who apply, we make every effort to assist as many students as possible to attend the School.

A student loan is an investment in your education. However, because loans must be repaid with interest, taking on educational debt is a decision that must be considered carefully. The Juilliard School encourages responsible borrowing and is committed to providing students and parents with the tools and information needed to make the best possible choices.

A grant is money that does not need to be repaid. The Juilliard School will package all students with any federal or state grants for which they are eligible. We strongly encourage prospective applicants to apply for privately funded scholarships during the junior and/or senior year of high school. High school guidance counselors can provide information regarding application procedures. Many fraternal, industrial, community, and religious organizations sponsor scholarship and/or loan programs which should be investigated through the particular institution.

Full participation in campus life is considered an integral part of The Juilliard School experience. Therefore, the Office of Student Affairs staff is committed to promoting learning and growth beyond the classroom, providing support networks, creative programs, social activities, leadership opportunities, and cultural diversity events for the student body. The office also facilitates a diverse array of extra-curricular activities and student organizations, as well as ample opportunities for students to serve in campus leadership roles. Students are encouraged to consult the O.S.A. as the first stop for personal or school-related problems, questions concerning school policy, or suggestions regarding student life.

The Juilliard School is committed to providing qualified students who have disabilities an opportunity to participate on an equal basis in Juilliard’s educational programs. The Office of Academic Support and Disability Services (O.A.S.D.S.) is the focal point for meeting the needs of students with disabilities. We look forward to welcoming you to Juilliard, learning about your circumstances, and providing assistance with your Juilliard education.

You don't have to be a Juilliard student to reap the benefits of the school. Connect with Juilliard by taking advantage of educational programs for youth and adults, watching live-streamed master classes, enrolling in a free online course, attending our performances, or learning more about how our students, faculty, and alumni are embodying the values of "the artist as citizen" by creating and participating in community engagement programs right here in New York and all around the world.

Throughout its history, The Juilliard School has maintained a commitment to providing the highest caliber of artistic and educational experience to exceptionally talented young performing artists from around the world. Juilliard was founded in 1905 as the Institute of Musical Art by Dr. Frank Damrosch, the godson of Franz Liszt and the head of music education for New York City’s public schools. Damrosch was convinced that American musicians should not have to go abroad for advanced study, and created the Institute as an American music academy that would provide an educational experience comparable to that of the established European conservatories. With the initial enrollment figures nearly five times what was expected, the Institute quickly outgrew its original home at Fifth Avenue and 12th Street (seen at left) and moved to new quarters near Columbia University in 1910.