Sarah Lawrence College is a private liberal arts college in Bronxville, New York, ranked among the top National Liberal Arts Colleges in the United States. Located about 30 minutes from Manhattan, Sarah Lawrence enrols roughly 1,750 students across undergraduate and graduate divisions.
The college is best known for its individualised don system, small seminar classes, and pioneering graduate programmes in Writing, Dance, Theatre, and Human Genetics. Sarah Lawrence accepts Indian applicants across two intakes and offers substantial merit aid, making it a serious option within the universities in USA shortlist for Indian students seeking a liberal arts education.
- US News National Liberal Arts Colleges Rank: #75 (estimated, 2025-2026 edition)
- Acceptance Rate: 55% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January, select graduate programmes)
- Undergraduate Tuition 2026-2027: ₹66.2 lakh ($70,000 estimated)
- Average Starting Salary (MFA/MS graduates): $52,000 (₹49.1 lakh, market median)
Also Check: MS Universities in USA
Sarah Lawrence practises need-aware admission but offers generous institutional aid, with average grants covering 40% of tuition for qualifying international students. Indian applicants apply on an F-1 student visa, with a 12-month OPT post-study work window (36 months for STEM-designated Human Genetics track).
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). Undergraduate Early Decision I closes 15 November 2026, Early Decision II closes 1 January 2027, and Regular Decision closes 15 January 2027 (Expected, based on prior cycle). Graduate MFA and MS deadlines fall between 1 January and 15 February 2027 depending on programme; verify each programme page. Spring 2027 entry is limited to select graduate programmes and closes 1 October 2026.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Sarah Lawrence College 2027
- Sarah Lawrence College Admission 2027
- Sarah Lawrence College Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Sarah Lawrence College Acceptance Rate 2027
- Sarah Lawrence College Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Sarah Lawrence College Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Sarah Lawrence College Scholarships 2027
- Sarah Lawrence College Rankings 2027
- Sarah Lawrence College Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Sarah Lawrence College vs Peer Universities
- Sarah Lawrence College FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Sarah Lawrence College 2027
Sarah Lawrence College fees follow a per-credit graduate structure and a flat annual undergraduate tuition. Programmes range from two-year MFA and MS pathways to a four-year Bachelor of Arts built on the college’s signature concentration model rather than fixed majors.
Sarah Lawrence College Postgraduate Programmes 2027
Total fees below use approximately 30-36 credits for MFA and 60 credits for MS Human Genetics at estimated 2026-2027 rates. All figures are indicative; confirm on the official fee schedule.
| Programme | Total Tuition (USD) | Total Tuition (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFA Writing (Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction) | $58,000 (estimated) | 54.8 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) plus writing portfolio |
| MS Human Genetics (Genetic Counseling) | $104,000 (estimated) | 98.3 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) in life sciences |
| MFA Dance | $56,000 (estimated) | 52.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) plus audition |
| MFA Theatre (Acting, Directing, Playwriting) | $56,000 (estimated) | 52.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) plus audition or portfolio |
| MA Child Development | $52,000 (estimated) | 49.1 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) in psychology or education |
| MA Women’s and Gender History | $52,000 (estimated) | 49.1 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) in humanities |
| MS Health Advocacy | $52,000 (estimated) | 49.1 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) in health-related field |
| MA Art of Teaching (dual-degree option) | $52,000 (estimated) | 49.1 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MFA Music Composition and Conducting | $56,000 (estimated) | 52.9 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) plus audition |
| MFA Filmmaking and Moving Image Arts | $58,000 (estimated) | 54.8 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) plus creative portfolio |
Sarah Lawrence College Undergraduate Programmes 2027
The Bachelor of Arts is a four-year degree using concentrations rather than majors. Total tuition below reflects four years at estimated 2026-2027 rates.
| Programme | Total Tuition (USD) | Total Tuition (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Liberal Arts (Humanities concentration) | $280,000 (estimated) | 264.6 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BA Writing and Literature | $280,000 (estimated) | 264.6 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BA Dance | $280,000 (estimated) | 264.6 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) plus audition |
| BA Psychology | $280,000 (estimated) | 264.6 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BA Visual and Studio Arts | $280,000 (estimated) | 264.6 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) plus portfolio |
Insider note: Indian students most frequently apply to MS Human Genetics, MFA Writing, and BA Liberal Arts with a psychology concentration. The Human Genetics programme is one of the oldest genetic counseling degrees in the world and enjoys strong hospital placement.
Read More: Sarah Lawrence College Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Sarah Lawrence College Admission 2027
Sarah Lawrence College admission for Indian students runs primarily through the Fall intake, with limited Spring entry for select graduate programmes. The college uses the Common Application for undergraduates and programme-specific portals for graduate applicants.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Early Decision I deadline | 15 November 2026 | Binding commitment; strongest aid signal |
| Undergraduate Early Decision II and Regular Decision deadline | 1 January 2027 (ED II); 15 January 2027 (RD, Expected based on prior cycle) | Non-binding for RD; recommended for Indian applicants |
| Graduate MFA and MS deadlines | 1 January to 15 February 2027 (varies by programme) | MS Human Genetics closes earliest; verify at official programme page |
| Credential verification (WES or ECE) | Start 8 weeks before deadline | Indian transcripts require course-by-course evaluation |
| Programme start | August 2027 (Fall); January 2027 (Spring, select graduate) | F-1 visa interview recommended 60-90 days before start |
Planning note: The MS Human Genetics programme uses a rolling review after 15 January and fills seats quickly. Indian applicants should complete WES evaluation and secure GRE scores (if required) by November 2026 to avoid rush.
Read More: Sarah Lawrence College Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Sarah Lawrence College Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Sarah Lawrence admission requirements for Indian students prioritise academic writing, portfolio strength, and English proficiency over standardised tests, which remain optional for undergraduate admission.
Sarah Lawrence College Postgraduate Requirements
- Academic: Recognised bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); MS Human Genetics prefers 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) in life sciences
- English: TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS 7.0 (verify at official English requirements page)
- Credential verification: WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation of Indian transcripts
- Programme-specific: Portfolio for MFA Writing and Filmmaking; audition for Dance, Theatre, and Music; GRE optional for most programmes
Sarah Lawrence College Undergraduate Requirements
- Academic: Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) from CBSE, ICSE, or state boards
- English: TOEFL iBT 90 or IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo English Test 115 (recommended; verify at official page)
- Standardised tests: SAT and ACT are test-optional through Fall 2027
Key insight: Sarah Lawrence weighs the graded writing sample and teacher recommendations more heavily than most US colleges. Indian applicants should submit an English or Social Studies essay of 3 to 5 pages with teacher comments visible.
Sarah Lawrence College Acceptance Rate 2027
The Sarah Lawrence College acceptance rate is 55% (estimated) for undergraduate admission, placing it in the moderately selective band among US liberal arts colleges. Graduate programme rates vary significantly, with MS Human Genetics running around 20% (estimated) and MFA programmes ranging from 15% to 30% (estimated) by discipline. These figures draw on published federal enrolment data rather than officially disclosed rates.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 55% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2024 | 57% (estimated) | Slight tightening |
Indian applicants with strong writing samples and demonstrated intellectual curiosity face better odds than the headline rate suggests. Graduate creative programmes select overwhelmingly on portfolio quality.
Reality check: A 55% acceptance rate does not mean easy admission. Sarah Lawrence self-selects a small applicant pool of students already drawn to independent study, so competition among applicants is stronger than the rate implies.
Read More: Sarah Lawrence College Acceptance Rate
Sarah Lawrence College Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for Indian students at Sarah Lawrence sits between $88,000 and $92,000 (₹83.2 lakh to ₹86.9 lakh) covering tuition, housing, food, and personal expenses. Graduate programmes cost less overall because credit loads are lighter.
Sarah Lawrence College Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Undergraduate tuition uses a flat annual rate; graduate programmes charge per credit.
| Level | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate BA | $70,000 (estimated) | 66.2 lakh (estimated) |
| Graduate MFA and MA | $28,000 to $30,000 per year | 26.5 lakh to 28.4 lakh (estimated) |
| MS Human Genetics | $52,000 per year | 49.1 lakh (estimated) |
Monthly Cost of Living in Bronxville for Indian Students at Sarah Lawrence College
Bronxville sits in Westchester County; on-campus housing is the most predictable option. Off-campus rents run 20% above the New York state average.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus room and board) | $1,500 (estimated) | INR 1,41,750 |
| Food (meal plan supplement) | $300 (estimated) | INR 28,350 |
| Transportation (Metro-North to Manhattan) | $180 (estimated) | INR 17,010 |
| Books and supplies | $100 (estimated) | INR 9,450 |
| Personal and health insurance | $400 (estimated) | INR 37,800 |
| Total monthly | $2,480 (estimated) | INR 2,34,360 |
| Total annual (10 months) | $24,800 (estimated) | 23.4 lakh (estimated) |
[Source: NAFSA and US federal cost-of-attendance guidance]
Insider note: Metro-North train to Grand Central costs $10.75 off-peak and takes 30 minutes, making Manhattan realistic for weekly outings. Indian students should budget an extra $200 monthly for winter clothing in the first year.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
Sarah Lawrence College Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The Sarah Lawrence campus spans 44 acres in Bronxville with English-inspired architecture and a residential feel just 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan.
- Location and transport: Metro-North commuter line from Bronxville station reaches Grand Central in 30 minutes
- Housing: 85% of undergraduates live on campus; guaranteed housing all four years for undergraduate students
- Notable facilities: Heimbold Visual Arts Center, Performing Arts Center with three theatres, and the Esther Raushenbush Library with 260,000 volumes
- Indian community: Small but active South Asian Students Association and a Diwali celebration hosted annually by the Office of Diversity
What Indian students say: Class sizes stay under 15 and one-on-one don meetings with faculty every two weeks make the workload manageable. Bronxville itself is quiet, so students rely on the New York City trip for social variety.
Sarah Lawrence College Scholarships 2027
Sarah Lawrence College offers a mix of merit-based scholarships and need-based aid for international students. No scholarship is exclusively reserved for Indian nationals, but Indian applicants compete for all merit awards.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee Scholarship | Merit | Up to $30,000 per year (₹28.4 lakh) | Top academic and creative applicants; automatic review | 15 January 2027 (verify at official page) |
| Presidential Scholarship | Merit | Up to $25,000 per year (₹23.6 lakh) | Strong academic record; no separate application | 15 January 2027 (verify at official page) |
| Dean’s Scholarship | Merit | Up to $20,000 per year (₹18.9 lakh) | Competitive academic profile | 15 January 2027 (verify at official page) |
| Need-based Institutional Aid | Need | Varies (average $30,000; ₹28.4 lakh) | Submit CSS Profile and ISFAA | 15 January 2027 (verify at official page) |
Planning note: Sarah Lawrence is need-aware for international applicants, meaning aid requests can influence admission chances. Indian applicants should apply as early as possible and complete the CSS Profile alongside the Common Application.
Read More: Sarah Lawrence College Scholarships Guide
Sarah Lawrence College Rankings 2027
Sarah Lawrence College ranks within the top National Liberal Arts Colleges in the US News edition, though it does not appear in QS World or THE World rankings because both bodies weight research output over teaching-focused liberal arts colleges.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| THE World | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
| US News National Liberal Arts Colleges | 2025-2026: #75 (estimated) | 2024-2025: #72 (estimated) | 2023-2024: #68 (estimated) |
[Source: US News, QS, THE — verify current editions at each body’s official site]
Key insight: For Indian students, US News liberal arts rank matters for US graduate school admissions and employer recognition, but does not affect F-1 visa eligibility. Sarah Lawrence remains SEVP-certified regardless of world-ranking absence.
Read More: Sarah Lawrence College Rankings Analysis
Sarah Lawrence College Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Sarah Lawrence emphasises career discernment through its Office of Career Services, with strong outcomes in publishing, education, healthcare counseling, and creative industries.
- Employment within 6 months (graduate outcomes): 85% employed or in further study (estimated)
- Median starting salary (MS Human Genetics): $75,000 (₹70.9 lakh, market median)
- Median starting salary (MFA and MA): $45,000 to $55,000 (₹42.5 lakh to ₹52.0 lakh, market median)
- Representative employers: New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Columbia University Medical Center, publishing houses across NYC, and public school districts
- Career support: Alumni mentorship network, on-campus career fairs, and STEM OPT extension pathway for MS Human Genetics graduates
Insider note: MS Human Genetics graduates from Sarah Lawrence enjoy near-universal placement into US hospital counseling roles, which sponsor H-1B visas at higher rates than most humanities pathways. Indian graduates in creative programmes typically use OPT for New York-based internships before pursuing further study.
Sarah Lawrence College vs Peer Universities
The peer set below compares Sarah Lawrence with liberal arts colleges of similar size and philosophy that Indian applicants often consider alongside it.
| University | QS World 2027 | US News Liberal Arts 2025-2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah Lawrence College | Not ranked | #75 (estimated) | $52,000 (₹49.1 lakh) | Individualised don system; strong MS Human Genetics |
| Bennington College | Not ranked | #100 (estimated) | $58,000 (₹54.8 lakh) | Field Work Term with real-world placements |
| Bard College | Not ranked | #65 (estimated) | $56,000 (₹52.9 lakh) | Wide graduate programme range and Hudson Valley setting |
| Vassar College | Not ranked | #16 (estimated) | NA (undergraduate focus) | Higher selectivity and larger endowment |
| Hampshire College | Not ranked | NA | $45,000 (₹42.5 lakh) | Fully self-designed curriculum |
Sarah Lawrence stands out because it combines the intensity of a graduate seminar with an undergraduate liberal arts frame, and its MS Human Genetics remains one of the top-three genetic counseling programmes in the United States. Indian applicants aiming for creative writing, dance, or genetic counseling should place it ahead of larger research universities.
Sarah Lawrence College suits Indian students who want small-group learning, one-on-one faculty mentorship, and a New York-area location, with an investment of around ₹85 lakh annually returning median starting salaries of ₹49 lakh in creative fields and ₹70 lakh for genetic counseling. The F-1 visa and OPT window support first-job placement in the US.
It is not the right fit for Indian students who prefer large lecture-based STEM engineering, want a globally ranked research university brand, or expect abundant merit aid without a strong creative or academic portfolio. Bard College offers a comparable liberal arts model with a wider graduate menu at similar cost.
Sarah Lawrence College FAQs
Ques. What English test scores does Sarah Lawrence College accept from Indian applicants?
Ans. Sarah Lawrence College accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test, and PTE Academic for Indian applicants. Undergraduate applicants typically need TOEFL 90, IELTS 6.5, or Duolingo 115. Graduate programmes require TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0. The college may waive testing if Indian applicants completed at least three years at an English-medium school; verify the waiver on the official English proficiency page.
Ques. Does Sarah Lawrence require GRE scores for graduate admission?
Ans. Most Sarah Lawrence graduate programmes made GRE scores optional after 2020, including MFA Writing, MFA Dance, MFA Theatre, MA Women’s History, and MA Child Development. MS Human Genetics recommends GRE General Test but does not require it. Indian applicants without a GRE score should strengthen the statement of purpose and secure detailed academic references from bachelor’s-degree faculty.
Ques. Can Sarah Lawrence students work part-time on campus?
Ans. F-1 visa holders at Sarah Lawrence can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term and 40 hours during official breaks. Common roles include library assistant, dining services, teaching assistant, and administrative office positions. Wages start around $16 per hour (₹1,512), enough to cover personal expenses but not tuition. Off-campus work requires OPT or CPT authorisation.
Ques. How does Sarah Lawrence evaluate Indian Class 12 marks for admission?
Ans. Sarah Lawrence admissions reviews CBSE, ICSE, and state board Class 12 results alongside the graded writing sample and teacher references. There is no minimum percentage cutoff, but competitive applicants typically score between 75% and 90%. Indian applicants must send official mark sheets translated into English if issued in another language. Predicted grades from Class 11 may be submitted for early rounds.
Ques. What is the F-1 visa financial proof required for Sarah Lawrence?
Ans. Indian applicants must show liquid funds equivalent to one full academic year of estimated cost, roughly $90,000 (₹85.1 lakh), before the I-20 is issued. Acceptable proofs include bank statements, education loan sanction letters from Indian banks, and sponsor affidavits. Sarah Lawrence financial aid awards reduce the proof requirement by the same amount. All statements must be dated within six months of I-20 request.
Ques. Which Indian banks provide education loans for Sarah Lawrence?
Ans. Sarah Lawrence is recognised by major Indian education lenders including HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, InCred, and public sector lenders like SBI and Bank of Baroda. Loan amounts up to ₹1.5 crore are available without collateral for graduate programmes at accredited US institutions. Sarah Lawrence issues the I-20 only after admission, so loan pre-approval based on the offer letter is the standard route.
Ques. Is the MS Human Genetics programme at Sarah Lawrence STEM-designated?
Ans. Yes, the MS Human Genetics programme at Sarah Lawrence is STEM-designated under CIP code 26.0806, making Indian graduates eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of the standard 12-month OPT. Total post-study work eligibility reaches 36 months, giving Indian students three H-1B lottery cycles. This is a strong pathway for genetic counseling careers in US hospitals.
Ques. What is the application fee at Sarah Lawrence and can Indian applicants get a waiver?
Ans. The Sarah Lawrence application fee is $60 (₹5,670) for undergraduate and $65 (₹6,143) for graduate applications. Fee waivers are available through the Common Application for demonstrated financial need and for applicants who attend virtual information sessions hosted by Sarah Lawrence. Indian applicants should request the waiver via the Common App fee waiver section before submitting the application.
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Sarah Lawrence College Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 2.4 L/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 95,950/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 3.8 L/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
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Sarah Lawrence College Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.sarahlawrence.edu/admission/apply/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Sarah Lawrence College Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||||
| SAT | 1325 | 1240 | 1410 | 39 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 690 | 650 | 730 | - |
| Mathematics | 635 | 590 | 680 | - |
| ACT | 29 | 27 | 31 | 36 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| English | 32 | 28 | 35 | - |
| Mathematics | 26 | 23 | 28 | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Sarah Lawrence College Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3853 | 1357 | 2496 | - |
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