US University · Ranked #28
New York University: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
New York University is a highly selective university that admits roughly 12.2% of applicants. Set in New York, New York and ranked #28 nationally in our dataset, New York University attracts a deep, accomplished applicant pool, so a strong academic record is the entry ticket rather than the deciding factor. Successful candidates typically pair excellent grades with a clear, well-articulated reason for applying here specifically.
NYU is a global university centered in Greenwich Village with renowned programs in business, arts, and law, plus campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.
This guide breaks down New York University's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
New York University admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 12.2%
- SAT range
- 1370–1530
- Average GPA
- 3.83
- In-state
- $60,438
- Out-of-state
- $60,438
- Enrollment
- 29,401
- Type
- Private
- Location
- New York, New York
How hard is it to get into New York University?
An acceptance rate of 12.2% places New York University firmly in the highly selective category. Academic excellence is necessary but not sufficient here: the majority of denied applicants are fully qualified on paper. Decisions turn on the strength of essays, recommendations, and demonstrated depth in a few areas rather than a long list of activities.
Plan for New York University as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at New York University typically score between 1370 and 1530 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1370 and a quarter above 1530. A score at or above 1530 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.83 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1450 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.83. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1370) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
New York Universityapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Decision: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 5
New York University's Early Decision deadline is Nov 1, with Regular Decision on Jan 5. Early Decision is binding — an admit obligates you to enroll and withdraw other applications. Apply ED only if New York University is your clear first choice and you do not need to weigh competing financial-aid packages; the bump in admit rate is real but it is a commitment, not a tactic.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 5.
Notable programs at New York University
- Business (Stern) — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Film — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Performing Arts (Tisch) — frequently requiring a portfolio or audition in addition to the standard application.
- Law — a strong pre-professional and graduate strength for this institution.
- Data Science — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Marketing — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
New York University is particularly known for Business (Stern), Film, Performing Arts (Tisch), Law, Data Science, and Marketing.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending New York University
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, New York University charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $60,438 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
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New York University: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at New York University?
- New York University has an acceptance rate of 12.2%, which makes it highly selective. Plan for New York University as a reach. Make sure your list includes target and likely schools, and use your essays to show depth and a specific reason this school fits your goals.
- What SAT score do you need for New York University?
- Admitted students at New York University typically score between 1370 and 1530 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1530 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1370 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into New York University?
- The average GPA of admitted students at New York University is approximately 3.83 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.83 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for New York University?
- New York University's application deadlines: Early Decision is Nov 1 (binding); Regular Decision is Jan 5. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is New York University a public or private university?
- New York University is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend New York University?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, New York University charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $60,438 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.