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The Ailey School

New York, NY·Private nonprofit·94 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. earnings-to-debt ratio is tight. a private nonprofit school with 94 students.

32%
Accept
94
Students
$35,855
Net Price
74%
Grad Rate
$22,782
Earnings
10 yr
$17,500
Debt

About This School

The Ailey School is a private nonprofit institution located in New York, New York with approximately 94 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 32% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $35,855 per year. The graduation rate is 74%, and the typical graduate earns $22,782 within 10 years of enrollment.

Worth considering if you're serious about a career in dance — the intimate environment of just 88 undergraduates means real attention and serious training, not a lost-in-the-crowd experience. The median debt at graduation is a manageable $13,399, which is reassuring given that performing arts careers rarely start with high salaries. That said, the $31,130 average net price is still meaningful on a dancer's income, so go in with a clear-eyed financial plan and a realistic sense of where this degree can take you professionally.

Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts100%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$14,817
Out-of-State Tuition
$14,817
Avg Net Price
$35,855
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants24%
Median debt at graduation$17,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
74%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$22,782
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$23,620
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$22,782
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.3x

Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White9%
Black33%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian1%
Two or more races11%
International32%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (94 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

The Ailey School

405 W 55th Street

New York, NY 10019-4402

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at The Ailey School?

The Ailey School has an acceptance rate of 32%, based on the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Is The Ailey School hard to get into?

The Ailey School is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 32%. Solid grades and a complete application give most applicants a real shot.

How much does The Ailey School cost?

The average net price at The Ailey School is about $35,855 per year after grants and scholarships, based on federal data. Your actual cost depends on your family's finances and aid package.

What is the graduation rate at The Ailey School?

The Ailey School has a graduation rate of 74%, according to U.S. Department of Education data.

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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