About The New School
The New School for Social Research emerged in 1919 in New York City as a promoter of innovative and creative thinking. It began as a new kind of academic institution; an innovative college where faculty and students were free to honestly and directly address the problems facing societies in the 20th century. Over the years, the New School for Social Research, now formally named The New School, grew into an urban university divided into private, not-for-profit academic schools and colleges:
- Parsons School for Design
- Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts
- College of Performing Arts
- The New School for Social Research
- Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy
- School of Media Studies
The courses offered by The New School reflect the founders’ interest in the emerging social sciences, international affairs, drama and literature, performing arts, art, information processing, and more. Several of the schools offer fully online programs leading to certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. The New School online degrees combine rigorous study and skill development with practical experience.
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Accreditation & Licensing
The New School is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
2,803Fully Online Graduate Students:
5%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$22,266Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
97%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$19,395Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesCost comes up fast at The New School. Students often describe tuition as high and financially stressful, even when classes feel strong.
Time to finish can also shift. A 2022 part-time faculty strike cut classes for weeks, and some felt they paid for interrupted learning.
Plan your pace early and revisit it each term. Clear credit, aid, and finish planning can protect both time and cost.
At The New School, support is strongest in the classroom. Many professors are engaged and available. In senior-year courses, students are more likely to get office hours and useful feedback that helps them improve.
Support outside class can feel less steady. Many instructors are part-time, so they may be harder to reach between scheduled sessions. School-wide follow-through has also had uneven moments.
In 2022, a faculty strike paused classes for weeks and disrupted course flow. Some graduate deadlines have also changed quickly, including a PhD deadline shift from February to November. Overall, students can expect strong guidance in class, with less predictable systems at the school level.
Online classes at The New School work well for active learners. Teaching centers on discussion, not long lectures. Many classes are small and seminar-style. You are expected to come prepared and join in often.
The pace is challenging, and classes push you to think across fields. Your classmates are focused and career-minded. Guest professionals bring practical context to class topics.
The school also has faced schedule disruptions at times, including the 2022 strike. Even so, the academic style remains engaging, rigorous, and built for students who like to participate.
At The New School, classes center on discussion, ideas, and active thinking. Students are pushed to analyze, not just memorize. Small classes are a clear strength. The work moves at a fast pace and can feel demanding.
Across subjects, courses often challenge students with fresh and thoughtful material. Professors are usually knowledgeable and engaged in class. Many courses offer useful feedback and regular office hours. Students also learn from working professionals and can take classes across fields. That adds real career context while keeping the school’s core style intact, rigorous, seminar-based learning.
The New School delivers strong seminar-style learning. Classes are discussion-heavy and idea-driven. Small classes are a real plus. The work is rigorous and interdisciplinary.
The pressure points are cost and consistency. Tuition feels high for many students. Financial strain is a recurring theme. The 2022 strike cut classes for weeks.
That interruption hurt trust in term reliability. Support is best inside the classroom. Professors often give strong feedback and office hours. Outside-class help is less consistent.
Graduate timelines can shift in ways that complicate planning. Overall, this is a fit for students who prioritize discussion-driven rigor and can absorb higher cost with some process uncertainty.
The New School delivers strong seminar-style learning. Classes are discussion-heavy and idea-driven. Small classes are a real plus. The work is rigorous and interdisciplinary.
The pressure points are cost and consistency. Tuition feels high for many students. Financial strain is a recurring theme. The 2022 strike cut classes for weeks.
That interruption hurt trust in term reliability. Support is best inside the classroom. Professors often give strong feedback and office hours. Outside-class help is less consistent.
Graduate timelines can shift in ways that complicate planning. Overall, this is a fit for students who prioritize discussion-driven rigor and can absorb higher cost with some process uncertainty.
Online Programs offered by The New School
All Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About The New School
Is The New School accredited?
Yes. The New School is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does The New School offer?
The New School offers 3 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does The New School offer?
The New School offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at The New School?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is The New School expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, The New School falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at The New School?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask The New School first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is The New School military friendly?
The New School shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from The New School through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for The New School applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, Resume/CV, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does The New School accept life experience credit?
The New School does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are The New School programs fully online or mixed?
The New School programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does The New School offer?
The New School has online program options in areas such as Art & Liberal Arts and Business; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Are any admission tests required for The New School programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at The New School?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any The New School programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at The New School?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For The New School, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare The New School programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a The New School program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
The New School is featured in 1 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
The New School is located in New York
New York at a Glance:
Top Majors in New York:
Top Incentives in New York:
- Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): Up to $5,665 annually
- Excelsior Scholarship: Full tuition coverage
Top Career Pathways in New York:
- Entry Level: Financial Analyst ($85,000)
- Mid Level: Senior Analyst ($130,000)
- Senior Level: Finance Director ($200,000+)
- Required Education: BS Finance
- Certifications: CFA, Series 7, Series 63