Progressive liberal arts college near NYC, pioneering personalized education since 1926.
Sarah Lawrence pioneered the integration of rigorous arts education with progressive pedagogy, emphasizing personalized academic study and low student-to-faculty ratios. Students work one-on-one with faculty mentors to design individualized conference projects that blend multiple disciplines rather than following siloed majors. The college offers undergraduate, master's, and lifelong learning programs, with particular strengths in arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Graduate programs include master's degrees and dual-degree options.
The 44-acre suburban campus in Yonkers features a mix of Tudor Revival architecture and modern facilities, including the Monika A. and Charles A. Heimbold Visual Arts Center (LEED-certified), Campbell Sports Center (pool, track, squash courts), Charles DeCarlo Performing Arts Center, and Esther Raushenbush Library (300,000+ volumes). Student housing includes traditional dorms, Mead Way houses, and Slonim Woods townhouses. The college is 30 minutes by train from Manhattan, offering access to NYC internships and cultural opportunities. Activism and community engagement are central to student life.
Sarah Lawrence employs holistic review without a formulaic admissions process. The college is test-optional and does not require SAT/ACT scores (15% of admitted students submitted SAT, 6% ACT). In 2024, the college accepted 49.9% of applicants with an average high school GPA of 3.75. The college welcomes first-year, transfer, and international applicants and provides need-based financial aid regardless of citizenship status.
Sarah Lawrence emphasizes career preparation through robust career services, internships for all students, and community partnerships. The college has a strong tradition of alumni success and civic engagement. Notable alumni include Barbara Walters and Ann Patchett. The college maintains active connections to NYC and the Hudson Valley for experiential learning and professional opportunities.