Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School | Tuition and Costs
General Information
Reviews
Students and alumni of Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts often describe the school as intellectually stimulating, creatively open, and socially progressive. Many appreciate the college’s emphasis on independent thinking, reading- and writing‑intensive coursework, and the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary topics in a liberal arts environment. The location in New York City adds vibrancy — many note that being in a major urban center enriches their educational and cultural experience, offering access to art, theatre, media, social justice movements, and internships that complement academic life. In reviews, Lang is praised for encouraging critical thinking, social engagement, and self-directed learning rather than rigid curricula, which appeals to students who crave flexibility and intellectual challenge.
At the same time, some students express drawbacks: the cost of living in NYC, tuition fees, and the competitive or fast-paced academic load can be stressful. The open-ended nature of assignments and expectations may feel demanding or unfocused for those who prefer clear structure. Nonetheless, many graduates value the broad-based education, the exposure to diverse ideas, and the creative freedom provided by Lang, believing it fosters personal and professional growth beyond conventional career tracks.
Contact Information
Address: 66 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10011, United States
Phone Number: (212) 229‑5600
Email Address: admissions@newschool.edu
School Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution Name | Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School |
| Type | Private liberal arts college within a larger university structure |
| Founded | 1919 (as part of The New School’s liberal arts tradition) |
| Campus Setting | Urban — New York City |
| Accreditation | Accredited as part of The New School |
| Motto / Emphasis | Liberal arts education, critical thinking, social engagement, creative and interdisciplinary scholarship |
| Academic Offerings | Bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts disciplines; supports interplay with other divisions of The New School for interdisciplinary study |
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts Rankings
| Ranking Type | Standing / Note |
|---|---|
| National (USA) | Recognized among liberal arts colleges for creative, interdisciplinary liberal arts education; not typically ranked among top national liberal arts colleges due to arts & urban focus |
| Global Rankings | Not ranked globally; focus is domestic and oriented to liberal arts and creative industries rather than global research metrics |
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Arts and Media Studies
- Cultural Studies and Critical Theory
- Interdisciplinary & Liberal Studies
- General Education / Core Curriculum
Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Liberal Arts and Sciences / General Liberal Studies
- English Literature and Creative Writing
- Psychology
- Sociology / Social and Cultural Analysis
- Media Studies / Communications
- Philosophy / Political Theory / Ethics
- Urban Studies / Social Research
- Interdisciplinary Majors combining arts, humanities, and social sciences
Online Learning
Eugene Lang College offers limited online courses as part of broader offerings at The New School, especially in light of flexible learning needs. While many classes remain in-person given the liberal arts emphasis and New York City campus setting, students may have access to hybrid formats or online course options, particularly for general education or certain seminars, accommodating nontraditional students or those needing flexibility.
Degrees
The college primarily awards Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in its various liberal arts majors. The curriculum is designed to be flexible and interdisciplinary, allowing students to combine fields and tailor their education across humanities, social sciences, arts, and theory-based disciplines.
Summer School
Summer sessions are available for students to catch up on credits, take elective courses, or engage in intensive seminars. These sessions help students maintain progress, explore additional interests, or accelerate degree completion.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Typical Range / Requirement |
|---|---|
| SAT | 530–660 (Reading), 470–610 (Math) among submitting students at admission |
| ACT | 24–28 among submitting students |
| GRE | Not applicable (no graduate admissions via Lang undergraduate track) |
| High School GPA / Academic Record | High school transcript required; no strict publicized minimum GPA; admissions review is holistic |
Retention and Graduation Rates
First‑year retention for undergraduates at Lang is about 73–74%. Graduation rates show that about 37–38% of students complete their degree within four years, while approximately 55–56% complete within six years. Outcomes data indicate that 81% of Lang graduates found employment or enrolled in further education within 12 months of graduation.
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admissions to Lang are holistic. While standardized tests like SAT or ACT are optional, those who submit usually present SAT Reading scores between 530–660 and Math 470–610, or ACT scores around 24–28. A strong high school record is preferred, but there is no rigid minimum GPA threshold publicly specified; selection emphasizes writing ability, critical thinking, personal essays, and overall readiness for liberal arts education.
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | ~ 73% |
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the Common Application, high school transcripts, at least two supplemental essays, and two letters of recommendation. The admissions review is holistic, evaluating academic readiness, writing ability, intellectual curiosity, and fit for a liberal arts environment. For certain scholarship or guaranteed‑admission tracks, a strong academic record (e.g. high GPA or class rank) can enhance admission prospects. Admissions emphasizes thoughtful reflection, diversity of experience, and potential for growth in a rigorous, creative, and socially engaged academic community.
Enrollment
Undergraduate enrollment at Lang includes around 1,400–1,600 students, with a majority enrolled full-time.
Application Process
- Complete and submit Common Application and required materials (transcripts, essays, recommendations)
- (Optional) Submit SAT/ACT scores if available
- For eligible students, consider “Guaranteed Admission” pathway if GPA or class rank criteria met
- Await decision (rolling admissions or Early Decision for qualified applicants)
- If accepted, confirm enrollment and apply for financial aid/scholarships
- Register for classes and new student orientation
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Application Type / Intake | Deadline / Note |
|---|---|
| Early Decision / Early Action | Early action deadline is typically November 1; early decision regular deadline varies |
| Regular Decision (Fall Entry) | August 1 for regular admission |
| Rolling Admissions | Lang offers rolling admissions beyond priority deadlines, giving flexibility to applicants |
Essay Prompt
Applicants must submit at least two supplemental essays through the Common Application. Essays typically explore intellectual interests, personal motivations, and suitability for a liberal arts environment. Lang values thoughtful, well‑written reflections and personal insight over standardized test scores.
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts Scholarships
Lang provides merit-based scholarships and financial aid as part of The New School’s aid program. Scholarship consideration is integrated with admission — no separate application is required. Financial need and academic merit are both considered. Many admitted students receive partial scholarships or grants. Financial aid packages vary individually.
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts Tuition Fees
| Item | Estimated Cost (Academic Year 2025) |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (Undergraduate) | US$ 58,694 per year |
| Room & Board (on-campus, approximate) | ~ US$ 27,050 per year |
| Books & Supplies (average) | ~ US$ 2,300 per year |
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Among undergraduates, approximately 70% identify as female and 21–22% as male. International students make up about 9–10% of the student body, representing over 50 countries. Regarding ethnicity among domestic students: roughly 56.9% are White, about 16–18% Hispanic/Latino, ~7% Asian, ~6–7% Black or African American, ~9–10% multiracial or other ethnicizations. Smaller percentages represent Native American, Pacific Islander, or “unknown / unspecified” categories. Average undergraduate age is about 20 years.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The New School — including Lang — offers financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and need-based assistance; many students receive partial aid. While publicly available data on students with disabilities is limited, the institution offers support services, accommodations, and counseling consistent with its commitment to equity and accessibility.
Student Body Snapshot
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Undergraduate Students (Lang) | ~1,400–1,600 |
| International Students | ~9–10% |
| Gender Distribution | ~70% female, ~21% male (remainder unspecified) |
| Ethnic Breakdown (domestic) | ~56.9% White, 16–18% Hispanic/Latino, ~7% Asian, ~6–7% Black/African American, ~9–10% multiracial/other |
University Diversity
Eugene Lang College prides itself on a diverse student population, both in terms of ethnic and cultural background as well as intellectual perspectives. The presence of international students from over 50 countries adds global perspectives to classrooms, enriching discussions and broadening social networks. Domestic students come from a variety of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, which supports a multicultural campus culture. Lang’s interdisciplinary liberal arts approach attracts students with varied academic interests — from humanities and social sciences to media, culture, and creative fields — fostering a community with diverse intellectual and personal backgrounds. The robust mix of backgrounds encourages collaboration, cross-cultural understanding, and inclusive dialogue, preparing students to engage thoughtfully with global issues and multicultural environments in their future careers or further studies.
Average Earnings
Data on immediate post-graduation outcomes shows that average starting salary for employed graduates within six months is around US$ 39,402. This figure is somewhat below national average for bachelor’s degree holders, reflecting the liberal arts focus and creative orientations many students pursue. However, because many graduates go into fields such as arts, writing, media, social sciences, and creative industries — where career trajectories vary widely — earnings over time can increase with additional experience, networking, and further education.
Graduation Rate
Undergraduate graduation rates at Lang show that about 37–38% complete their degree in four years, while approximately 55–56% graduate within six years.
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
As part of The New School, Eugene Lang benefits from a student-to-faculty ratio of about 9:1, ensuring relatively small classes and opportunities for personal attention, mentorship, and close interaction with professors. Instruction is delivered by a mix of full-time professors, adjunct faculty, and practitioners, reflecting the interdisciplinary, arts‑oriented, and urban character of the institution. Support staff also manage student services, academic advising, career counseling, and administrative coordination.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members at Lang typically have backgrounds in humanities, social sciences, arts, media studies, writing, and critical theory. Many are active scholars or professionals in their fields, offering students exposure to current cultural, intellectual, and creative practice. The school’s emphasis on writing-intensive seminars and small class sizes allows professors to mentor students individually, guide independent research or creative projects, and encourage intellectual exploration. Faculty regularly contribute to curriculum development, design interdisciplinary courses, and support students in academic or creative pursuits, preparing them for varied careers or further graduate study.
Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Eugene Lang College does not operate a traditional closed campus; rather, it is embedded within the urban environment of New York City. Students often live in university-affiliated housing or off-campus apartments. Approximately 26% of Lang undergraduates take advantage of college housing options. Student life is intimately connected to city life — opportunities for arts, culture, internships, social activism, and networking are abundant. Campus organizations include student-run media, theater, cultural clubs, social justice groups, and creative collectives, reflecting the college’s liberal arts and progressive ethos.
Transportation
Given its location in Manhattan, Lang students primarily rely on public transportation — subways, buses, trains — bicycles, or walking. The urban setting makes commuting feasible without personal vehicles, which aligns with the college’s compact footprint. For students living on-campus or nearby, commuting is minimal; for those from outside NYC, public transit provides reliable access to classes and city amenities.
Job Openings
The New School — including Lang — supports students with career services, internship placement, networking, and professional development. The liberal arts curriculum encourages exploration of creative, media, nonprofit, academia, writing, arts, and social advocacy career paths. Many graduates secure employment or enroll in further education within a year after graduation — over 81% for the class of 2023. The urban setting and the college’s connections in media, culture, and creative industries provide ample opportunity for internships, freelance work, and professional growth.