Overview of The New School
Founded in 1919, The New School is a private, comprehensive university located in New York City, United States. Originally established as The New School for Social Research, it emerged as a hub for intellectual freedom and progressive thought. Today, the university encompasses five colleges and enrolls approximately 10,000 students from over 116 countries. With its urban campus situated in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, The New School is recognized for blending academic rigor with forward-thinking ideals, attracting a diverse international community.
The New School is renowned for leadership in the arts, social sciences, design, and humanities. Its signature divisions include Parsons School of Design—ranked among the top art and design schools globally—along with the College of Performing Arts and the New School for Social Research. The university’s flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum encourages students to combine majors across traditional boundaries. Faculty drive innovative research in design, urban studies, and critical theory, with frequent collaborations spanning institutions worldwide. The New School consistently appears in global rankings for design and the arts, reflecting its influential scholarship and creative output.
Student life at The New School is dynamic and culturally rich, with more than 50 student organizations and campus events that emphasize the arts, activism, and global issues. Dedicated support services foster student well-being and academic development. The university upholds strong values of diversity and inclusion, welcoming a large international student population. Housing options, athletic facilities, and vibrant public art spaces are integrated into campus life, while students benefit from New York City’s extensive cultural resources and professional opportunities.
The New School’s mission centers on advancing innovation, justice, and sustainability through education that empowers students as responsible global citizens. Its vision is to nurture critical thinkers prepared to effect positive change in a rapidly evolving world.
