Highly Selective9.2% Acceptance Rate

Chances of Getting Into New York University

New York City, New York Private University • #35 National • Founded 1831

NYU Admissions Statistics 2025–2026

9.2%
Acceptance Rate
3.71
Average GPA
1520
Average SAT
34
Average ACT
120,000+
Total Applicants
6,500
Class Size
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio

NYU SAT & ACT Scores

SAT Scores (Middle 50%)

Score Range1480–1550
Average1520
10001600

ACT Scores (Middle 50%)

Score Range33–35
Average34
2036

About New York University

New York University is one of the largest private universities in the U.S. and the most applied-to university in the country. Located in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, NYU is known for its strong business (Stern), film (Tisch), and arts programs, and for its global campus network spanning Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, and 12 other cities.

Top Programs

Business (Stern)Film (Tisch)Computer ScienceEconomicsNursing

What Makes NYU Unique

  • Most applied-to university in the country (120,000+ applicants)
  • Global campus network — NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU Shanghai, study-away sites worldwide
  • No traditional campus — NYC is the campus
  • Stern School of Business and Tisch School of the Arts are world-class
  • One of the most diverse universities in the world

NYU Cost & Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Tuition$60,438/yr
Total Cost$85,764/yr
Median Earnings (10yr)$72,600/yr

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Aid20%
Avg Aid Package$38,000+
School TypePrivate

NYU Application Deadlines

Regular Decision
January 5
Early Decision
November 1
ED Acceptance Rate: ~27%

How to Get Into NYU: Admission Tips

1

NYU uses ED1 and ED2 — both significantly boost acceptance chances

2

Apply directly to the school/program you want (Stern, Tisch, CAS, etc.)

3

The 'Why NYU' essay should be specific about your chosen school within NYU

4

Tisch requires an artistic portfolio/audition — prepare early

5

International experience or global perspective is valued

The Brutal Truth About NYU Admissions

The numbers are brutal. With a 9.2% acceptance rate, NYU rejected over 108,960 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.

Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At NYU, having a 3.71 GPA and 1520 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.

The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. NYU doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.

Bottom line: Apply if NYU genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 9.2%-acceptance-rate basket.

NYU Admissions FAQ

What is the acceptance rate at New York University?

New York University has an acceptance rate of 9.2% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 120,000+ applicants, approximately 6,500 students were admitted to the incoming class.

What GPA do I need to get into NYU?

The average GPA of admitted students at New York University is 3.71. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.56, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.

What SAT score do I need for NYU?

The middle 50% SAT range for admitted NYU students is 1480–1550. The average SAT score is 1520. For ACT, the range is 33–35 with an average of 34.

Is NYU hard to get into?

Yes, New York University is highly selective with an acceptance rate of just 9.2%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.

How much does NYU cost?

Tuition at New York University is $60,438 per year, with total cost of attendance at $85,764. However, 20% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $38,000+.

What are my chances of getting into NYU?

Your chances of getting into New York University depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 9.2% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.

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What Are Your Chances at NYU?

Enter your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars. Get a personalized, brutally honest assessment of your odds — plus scholarship estimates.

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