US University · Ranked #62
Syracuse University: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Syracuse University is a moderately selective university in Syracuse, New York, admitting around 54% of those who apply. Ranked #62 nationally in our dataset, it rewards students who meet its academic benchmarks and submit a complete, on-time application — the bar is attainable for solid candidates and the process is more forgiving than at the most selective schools.
Syracuse University is known for its top-ranked Newhouse School of Public Communications, strong Orange athletics, and comprehensive academic offerings in upstate New York.
This guide breaks down Syracuse'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.
Syracuse University admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 54%
- SAT range
- 1180–1370
- Average GPA
- 3.6
- In-state
- $60,078
- Out-of-state
- $60,078
- Enrollment
- 15,252
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Syracuse, New York
How hard is it to get into Syracuse University?
With 54% of applicants admitted, Syracuse is moderately selective. The school admits the majority of students who meet its academic benchmarks, so the most common reasons for denial are an incomplete application, missing the deadline, or numbers that fall below the published ranges. Hitting the academic targets and applying on time is most of the battle.
For students who meet the numbers, Syracuse is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at Syracuse typically score between 1180 and 1370 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1180 and a quarter above 1370. A score at or above 1370 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.6 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 1275 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.6. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1180) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
Syracuse Universityapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Decision: Nov 15
- • Regular Decision: Jan 5
Syracuse's Early Decision deadline is Nov 15, with Regular Decision on Jan 5. Early Decision is binding — an admit obligates you to enroll and withdraw other applications. Apply ED only if Syracuse 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 Syracuse University
- Communication (Newhouse) — a professionally oriented program with strong industry ties.
- Architecture — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Information Studies — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
Syracuse is particularly known for Communication (Newhouse), Architecture, Business, Information Studies, and Engineering.
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 Syracuse University
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Syracuse charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $60,078 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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Syracuse University: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Syracuse University?
- Syracuse University has an acceptance rate of 54%, which makes it moderately selective. For students who meet the numbers, Syracuse is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
- What SAT score do you need for Syracuse University?
- Admitted students at Syracuse University typically score between 1180 and 1370 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1370 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1180 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into Syracuse University?
- The average GPA of admitted students at Syracuse University is approximately 3.6 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.6 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for Syracuse University?
- Syracuse University's application deadlines: Early Decision is Nov 15 (binding); Regular Decision is Jan 5. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Syracuse University a public or private university?
- Syracuse 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 Syracuse University?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Syracuse charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $60,078 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.