About Sarah Lawrence College
The sticker price of $81,824 looks intimidating, but most students pay far less. The average net price drops to $21,132 after aid, making this top education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $53,603 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given earning potential. However, only 12.65% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the student body skews toward higher-income families despite generous aid.
Women make up 80.31% of the student body, reflecting the college's historical mission and continued appeal to students seeking academic freedom. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures the personal attention that defines the Sarah Lawrence experience.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 33.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.0%
- Retention Rate
- 84.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,603
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $71,854 |
| Public Health. | Master | $47,260 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $35,060 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $28,443 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Master | $26,353 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $21,873 |
Campus Life
The don system shapes daily life here. Students meet one-on-one with faculty mentors who guide their self-designed academic paths without traditional grades or requirements. Women make up 80% of the student body, creating a distinctly feminist campus culture. With only 194 total athletes across 15 varsity sports, this isn't a rah-rah college atmosphere. Instead, students spend weekends at poetry readings, experimental theater performances, or exploring Greenwich Village galleries. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally. Many head to nearby coffee shops or take advantage of internships and cultural events in New York City, though the suburban setting provides a quieter retreat from urban intensity.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,070 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1926
Campus Safety (2023)
25 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 23°–39°F
- July Avg
- 64°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 32.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 19.7%
- Women
- 80.3%
- White
- 61.4%
- Black
- 4.4%
- Hispanic
- 10.9%
- Asian
- 4.9%
- In-State Students
- 20.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 12.7%
Location
- Address
- Bronxville, New York 10708
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,603
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $42,787
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Sarah Lawrence College?
Sarah Lawrence College accepts 49.88% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The admitted students typically score between 1260-1450 on the SAT. This liberal arts college draws students who value individualized education over traditional grading systems.
How much does Sarah Lawrence College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Sarah Lawrence College is $21,132, lower than the sticker price of $81,824. Only 12.65% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's wealthy student body. Students typically graduate with $27,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $286.
What makes the academic program at Sarah Lawrence College unique?
Sarah Lawrence operates on a distinctive don system where students work closely with faculty advisors in a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The college famously has no grades or distribution requirements, allowing students to design their own curriculum. This progressive approach to education has been a hallmark since the college's founding in 1926.
What do Sarah Lawrence College graduates earn after college?
Sarah Lawrence graduates earn a median of $53,603 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 87.1%. The 6-year graduation rate is 70%, which is lower than many top liberal arts colleges. The college's emphasis on creative and liberal arts fields often leads to varied career paths rather than traditional high-paying professions.
Where is Sarah Lawrence College located and what is campus life like?
Sarah Lawrence sits in Bronxville, New York, a wealthy suburb that provides easy access to Manhattan. With 1,468 students and housing for 1,070, most students live on campus in this intimate community. The student body is 80.31% female and draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 20.26% of students from New York.
Is Sarah Lawrence College known for producing famous alumni?
Sarah Lawrence has produced notable graduates across creative industries, including fashion designer Vera Wang, filmmaker J.J. Abrams, and artist Yoko Ono. The college's emphasis on individualized learning and creative expression has fostered alumni who became leaders in arts, media, and politics. Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel and actress Tea Leoni also graduated from this progressive institution.
