US News National Universities: #32 (2016) → #27 (2025)
↑ 5 spots
About New York University (NYU)
New York University is a private university in New York, NY with 64,951 students. With a 9.4% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Visual/Performing Arts, Social Sciences, and Business/Marketing.
Is New York University (NYU) a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 9.4%, New York University (NYU) is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
Your Profile
New York University (NYU) Is...
What to Do
Above-average GPA + strong application
Match
Apply — worth the effort
Average GPA, some strengths
Reach
Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools
Below-average GPA
Hard Reach
Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates
New York University (NYU) True Cost by Family Income
19% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating NYU enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
vs Sticker Price
$0-30k
$12,400
$49,600
-79%
$30-48k
$15,200
$60,800
-74%
$48-75k
$22,800
$91,200
-61%
$75-110k
$34,600
$138,400
-41%
$110k+
$54,200
$216,800
-7%
New York University (NYU) Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
Program
US Rank
New York University (NYU) Salary
National Median
Premium
Computer Science
—
$116,250
$75,000
+55%
Engineering
—
$111,600
$72,000
+55%
Mathematics & Statistics
—
$96,100
$62,000
+55%
Engineering Technologies
—
$89,900
$58,000
+55%
Business
#10
$85,250
$55,000
+55%
Health Professions
—
$80,600
$52,000
+55%
Physical Sciences
—
$74,400
$48,000
+55%
Social Sciences
#10
$69,750
$45,000
+55%
Biological Sciences
—
$65,100
$42,000
+55%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
—
$65,100
$42,000
+55%
Communication & Journalism
—
$62,000
$40,000
+55%
History
—
$62,000
$40,000
+55%
Education
#12
$58,900
$38,000
+55%
Philosophy & Religious Studies
—
$58,900
$38,000
+55%
Public Administration & Social Services
—
$58,900
$38,000
+55%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics
—
$58,900
$38,000
+55%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies
—
$58,900
$38,000
+55%
Communications Technologies
—
$58,900
$38,000
+55%
Psychology
—
$55,800
$36,000
+55%
English Language & Literature
—
$55,800
$36,000
+55%
Liberal Arts & General Studies
—
$54,250
$35,000
+55%
Visual & Performing Arts
—
$52,700
$34,000
+55%
Popular Majors at New York University (NYU)
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Visual/Performing Arts
15.9%
Social Sciences
14.2%
Business/Marketing
11.4%
Computer Science
8.8%
Liberal Arts
7.1%
Health Professions
6.9%
Psychology
6.6%
Mathematics/Statistics
6.1%
Communication
5.8%
Engineering
3.7%
Biological Sciences
3.5%
Student Demographics
White
22.2%
Black/African American
7.6%
Hispanic/Latino
15.9%
Asian
19.8%
International
26.0%
What New York University (NYU) Looks For in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
★★★★★ Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
★★★★★ Very Important
Class Rank
★★★ Considered
Standardized Test Scores
★★★ Considered
Application Essay
★★★★★ Very Important
Recommendation
★★★★ Important
Extracurricular Activities
★★★★ Important
Talent Ability
★★★★ Important
Character Personal Qualities
★★★★ Important
First Generation
★★★ Considered
Alumni Relation
★★★ Considered
Interview
★★ Not Considered
Work Experience
★★★ Considered
Volunteer Work
★★★ Considered
Financial Aid & Student Debt
19.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$55,800
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About New York University (NYU)
What is NYU's acceptance rate?
NYU has an acceptance rate of 9.4%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for NYU?
The middle 50% SAT range at NYU is 1480-1570. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 33-35. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at NYU?
The most popular majors at NYU by degrees awarded are: Visual/Performing Arts (15.9%), Social Sciences (14.2%), Business/Marketing (11.4%), Computer Science (8.8%), Liberal Arts (7.1%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
Can I transfer to NYU?
NYU accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
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