Parsons School of Design at The New School SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Parsons admits a meaningful share of applicants, but its 89% freshman retention suggests fit and follow-through matter after you arrive. Because Parsons is test-optional, you do not need scores to apply, but a strong SAT or ACT can add a clear academic signal alongside a GPA near 3.47 and your creative work.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Parsons School of Design at The New School facts and stats
Parsons School of Design at The New School enrolls 4,392 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Parsons has an 89% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 79%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1.
New York, NY
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Key Parsons School of Design at The New School application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 1
Early Action
November 11
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
January 15
Financial Aid Priority
February 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Parsons, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year so you can use the summer before senior year and early fall for retakes and possible superscoring. For the November 11 Early Action deadline, an October SAT or ACT is typically the last fall retake likely to arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Parsons is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students: $59,334. About 21% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $15,833. Submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
Parsons’ total cost of attendance is about $86,274, including $59,334 in tuition and fees and $26,940 for room and board. About 21% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $32,423, and the average merit award is $15,833. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of $36,436.
Student life at Parsons School of Design at The New School
25% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
Flushing, NYAcceptance rate: 85%
SAT: 909–1293
ACT: 16–25
Adelphi University
Garden City, NYAcceptance rate: 65.9%
SAT: 1120–1330
ACT: 24–30
Acceptance rate: 77.5%
Acceptance rate: 100%
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