Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
New York, New York
9.4% Acceptance Rate
New York University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
9.4%Acceptance Rate
3.79Avg GPA
1527Avg SAT
34Avg ACT
$79,121Annual Cost
$82,509Grad Salary
18.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
9.4%
Avg GPA
3.79
Avg SAT
1527
Avg ACT
34
Selectivity
Extremely Competitive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1480–1570
ACT Middle 50%
33–35
Need-Based Aid
18.6% receive Pell
New York University (NYU), established in 1831, is a global university with campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai. Known for its Tisch School of the Arts and Stern School of Business, NYU thrives in urban settings. The university's research spans from the Courant Institute to the School of Medicine. NYU's Washington Square campus is a Greenwich Village landmark.
NYU's diverse student body represents over 130 countries. Alumni include Nobel laureates and Tony winners. The university's emphasis on global education includes study away sites on six continents. NYU's integration with city life provides unmatched cultural and professional opportunities.
New York University Acceptance Rate
New York University is one of the leading universities in the USA. It is extremely competitive to gain admission to. The acceptance rate of New York University is 9.4%. This means that only 9 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Elite Standards: Admitted students typically rank in the top 2–5% of their high school class.
- Curriculum Rigor: AP, IB, or Honors courses are essential to validate academic readiness.
- Character & Impact: Beyond grades, leadership, research, and unique 'spikes' in extracurriculars drive decisions.
Selectivity at a Glance
Extremely Competitive
Selectivity scale: Extremely Competitive — 9.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
At this level of selectivity, meeting average GPA and test scores is considered the 'baseline.' Because New York University values intellectual curiosity, your supplemental essays and personal recommendations are critical in distinguishing your application from thousands of other high-achieving candidates.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.79 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.59 – 3.78
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.34
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
New York University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at New York University is 3.79. New York University is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.99-4.19 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.49 and 3.79, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
New York University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at New York University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.79, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.79 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.59 – 3.78
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.39 – 3.58
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.38
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- NYU meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for first-year undergraduates admitted to the New York campus, and while the sticker price of approximately $96,988 for 2025-26 is among the highest in American higher education, families earning under $65,000 typically pay nothing in tuition after institutional grant aid, and the average scholarship award of $37,000 significantly reduces net cost across a wide range of income levels; applicants who self-screen out of applying to NYU based on sticker price without running the Net Price Calculator are routinely forgoing substantial institutional aid that would make NYU financially competitive with state flagship alternatives.
- NYU's global network - with degree-granting campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai and study-away sites in more than a dozen cities including London, Paris, Berlin, Florence, Prague, Buenos Aires, Tel Aviv, and Accra - gives undergraduates a genuinely unprecedented geographic mobility that no other research university in the world can match; students who apply to NYU's New York campus can spend entire semesters at any global site with no disruption to financial aid, and this structural feature of the NYU experience is worth referencing specifically in the Bridge Builder essay as a tangible, institutional expression of the kind of cross-cultural connection the prompt is asking about.
- The Gallatin School of Individualized Study at NYU is one of the most underutilized and strategically powerful application targets within the university - designed for students who want to build their own interdisciplinary concentration around a genuine intellectual question that cannot be answered by a single department, Gallatin has a distinct admissions process that values intellectual ambition and academic self-direction over conventional academic credentials, making it a meaningfully different pathway into NYU for applicants whose intellectual profile does not map cleanly onto a standard major but who can articulate a compelling, coherent scholarly vision.
- The Rigor Metric: At New York University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at New York University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on New York University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
New York University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into New York University Without SAT or ACT?
New York University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
New York University Average SAT Score: 1527
The average SAT score of the admitted students at New York University is 1527 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1527 — Extremely Competitive
This score makes it Extremely Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do extremely well to score 1527 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1570 SAT or 35 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. New York University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1480, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at New York University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 780 | 760 | 800 |
| SAT Reading | 745 | 720 | 770 |
| SAT Composite | 1527 | 1480 | 1570 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1480 then you are below most of the admitted students at New York University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1570 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1550
Can I get into New York University with a 1550 SAT?
With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at New York University are good but the admission staff at New York University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
New York University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at New York University is 34.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 34 — Extremely Competitive
This score makes New York University Extremely Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do extremely well to score 34 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 34 | 33 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 33 | 35 |
Can I get into New York University with a 35 ACT?
A 35 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at New York University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at New York University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that New York University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether New York University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 35 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for New York University
Elite Strategy: The 'Spike' Approach
To be successful at a world-class institution like New York University, you must move beyond being 'well-rounded' and demonstrate that you are institutionally necessary.
Write the "Bridge Builder" Supplemental Essay as if It Is Required - Because Functionally It Is
In the 2025-26 cycle, NYU's supplemental essay prompt asks: "We are looking for students who want to be bridge builders - students who can connect people, groups, and ideas to span divides, foster understanding, and promote collaboration within a dynamic, interconnected, and vibrant global academic community." While this essay is technically optional, every experienced NYU counselor strongly recommends completing it, because at a 9% acceptance rate where most applicants have competitive grades and activities, this 250-word response is often the difference between an application that leaves a lasting impression and one that does not. The prompt is specifically designed to assess whether you are the kind of student who thrives in NYU's deliberately diverse, globally engaged, and intellectually borderless community. Ground your response in a specific, personal story - an actual moment when you built a bridge between groups, ideas, or cultures - and connect it forward to how you will continue that bridge-building work within NYU's specific community and global campus network. Avoid abstract statements about valuing diversity; the committee reads thousands of those and remembers none of them.
Apply Early Decision and Engage Actively with Demonstrated Interest Signals
Applying Early Decision - NYU offers both ED I and ED II - can give you a meaningful edge if you find yourself "on the cusp" from an admissions standpoint, because NYU's lower yield rate makes it particularly eager to lock down stellar applicants through binding commitments. NYU's ED acceptance rate is meaningfully higher than its Regular Decision rate in a pool that receives around 120,000 applications per year, making it one of the most applied-to universities on earth. Separately, NYU formally considers demonstrated interest, making it important to make contact with the admissions office, connect through social media, and visit campus or meet NYU representatives at college fairs. Attending an NYU information session, engaging with regional admissions officers at college fairs, and visiting the Washington Square campus in Greenwich Village - where NYU's academic and residential life is inseparably embedded in New York City itself - are all meaningful signals that the committee registers and that support your application's credibility as a genuine first-choice commitment.
Declare Your School and Program With Precision - NYU Admits by School, Not by University
NYU is not a single admission pool - it is a collection of distinct schools and colleges, each with its own culture, curriculum, and competitive dynamics. The Stern School of Business, Tisch School of the Arts, Tandon School of Engineering, College of Arts and Science, Gallatin School of Individualized Study, and Global Network campuses (Abu Dhabi, Shanghai) each attract different applicant profiles and carry different admission odds. Tisch, for instance, requires audition or portfolio materials for most performance and film programs; NYU only offers interviews for applicants to the Tisch School of the Arts, held in person in New York. The Gallatin School offers a uniquely self-designed interdisciplinary concentration for students who cannot find their intellectual identity in a predefined major - a powerful option for intellectually diverse applicants who have struggled to articulate a single academic focus. Research your target school's specific requirements, culture, and curriculum before applying, because your supplemental essay and activities narrative must be legible as a natural fit for that specific school's community.
Build a Profile Anchored in Depth, Creativity, and New York City Alignment
NYU is looking for students who embody creativity, intellectual curiosity, cultural and ideological diversity, and drive - and the extracurricular profile that resonates most at NYU is one that reflects genuine passion, sustained creative or intellectual investment, and a demonstrated appetite for engaging with the world beyond the classroom. NYU's 2025-26 general cost of attendance including tuition, room, board, and fees is $96,988, but 41% of the Class of 2024 received financial aid with an average first-year scholarship of $37,000, and NYU meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for first-year undergraduates admitted to the New York campus - making the sticker price less definitive than it appears. Your activities list should tell a coherent story: for students targeting Tisch, creative work and artistic engagement should dominate; for Stern, leadership, entrepreneurship, and analytical projects; for CAS, research, writing, and interdisciplinary inquiry. NYU is test-optional; submit SAT or ACT scores (competitive range approximately 1490-1570 SAT) only if they strengthen your application beyond what your GPA and activities already convey.
Expert Insight: Applying to NYU with a Common App personal essay that does not address the Bridge Builder supplemental prompt - either by skipping it entirely or submitting a perfunctory response that vaguely praises NYU's diversity without grounding the essay in a specific personal experience of genuine bridge-building - is the most reliable way to underperform at a university receiving over 120,000 applications annually where the committee uses this prompt specifically to distinguish applicants who embody NYU's globally engaged, culturally bridging community from those who are simply attracted to the New York City address; at a 9% acceptance rate, the decision not to complete the optional supplemental essay is never a neutral choice.
New York University Profile
Full Name
New York University
City
New York
State
New York
ZIP Code
10012-1091
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a New York University Degree Worth It?
Getting into New York University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. New York University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at New York University is $82,100 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.29%.
How much does a degree from New York University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at New York University is $79,121. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at New York University is much less than this.
18.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 21.7 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to New York University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At New York University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist New York University as your choice in the form.
How much does a New York University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $82,509. An average New York University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than New York University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| Scripps College | Claremont, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | 1501 | 34 |
| Wesleyan University | Middletown, CT | 1513 | 34 |
| Georgetown University | Washington, DC | 1494 | 33 |
| Emory University | Atlanta, GA | 1507 | 33 |
| University of Notre Dame | Notre Dame, IN | 1510 | 34 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell, IA | 1486 | 33 |
| Bowdoin College | Brunswick, ME | 1514 | 34 |
| Colby College | Waterville, ME | 1500 | 33 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as New York University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Mudd College | Claremont, CA | 1537 | 35 |
| Pomona College | Claremont, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| Yale University | New Haven, CT | 1534 | 34 |
| Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | 1526 | 34 |
| Williams College | Williamstown, MA | 1527 | 34 |
Degree Programs at New York University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by New York University →
Frequently Asked Questions About New York University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $82,509 annually, depending on the industry.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $79,121 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
18.6% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of New York University is 9.4% which is extremely low. Admission is highly competitive, and only the top candidates are accepted.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.79. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.49, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.49, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.39 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.79, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to New York University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1527 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1480–1570.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.