Two dancers dressed in white, on jumping up in the air towards the second one standing nearby

Apply to the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program

The Ailey/Fordham Bachelor of Fine Arts Program is a four-year joint program offering professional dance training at The Ailey School and an exceptional liberal arts education rooted in the Jesuit tradition of intellectual development and personal attention at Fordham University. Learn how to qualify for the program and start your application today! 

Criteria

Dance

  • Superior talent and potential for a dance performance career
  • Pre-professional training in ballet and modern for at least three years
  • Musicality
  • Energy, creativity, and the ability to communicate through movement
  • Stamina, drive, and independence to train in a rigorous dance program

Academic

  • Superior talent and potential for a dance performance career
  • Pre-professional training in ballet and modern for at least three years
  • Musicality 
  • Energy, creativity, and the ability to communicate through movement
  • Stamina, drive, and independence to train in a rigorous dance program
  • Solid B+/ A- average in a college preparatory program
  • Competitive GPA 
  • Strong writing skills 
  • Involvement in community or extracurricular activities
  • A desire to live in the heart of New York City

Learn more about Fordham's admission criteria

Deadlines

First Year Applications - Deadline has passed

January 2025

Transfer Applications Open

April 1, 2025

Transfer Applications Due

Applicants who show the highest potential will be invited to audition. 

Tuition & Fees

Students attending the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program pay tuition directly to Fordham University. Please visit Fordham University's website for information on tuition and fees. 

The only fees paid to The Ailey School are an annual physical therapy fee of $270. 


Financial Aid 

Financial Aid for the BFA program is offered through Fordham University. Their extensive program offers standard need-based assistance including grants, loans, and work-study programs, as well as merit-based awards on artistic and academic potential. 

Financial Aid applicants must apply directly through Fordham University, not through The Ailey School Financial Aid Office. Applicants who are interested in financial aid should file the CSS Profile and the FAFSA application. Contact the Fordham University Financial Aid Office for instructions on how to apply for financial aid or call 718-817-3800. 

Fordham Financial Aid 

Note: Due to fluctuating government financial aid regulations, the data presented should only be used as a guide. Please confirm the required forms and application deadlines with Fordham University's Office of Student Financial Services.  

How to Apply

All prospective students—including first time, transfer, and international students—must submit separate applications to both The Ailey School and Fordham University to be considered for admission. Applicants who show the highest potential will be invited to audition. Those invited to audition will be required to pay a $45 audition fee. Review these instructions before submitting your applications.

FAQs