New York University logo

New York University

New York, NY Private ยท Urban Est. 1831 www.nyu.edu
Accept Rate
9.41%
Grad Rate
87.8%
Enrollment
29,430
Avg SAT
1527
Tuition
$60,438
Median Salary
$82,509
Overall Grade
B
A+
Academics
C
Value
A+
Admissions
A+
Diversity
B+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

NYU pulses with an electric, nonstop energy that feels like the city itselfโ€”ambitious, diverse, and creatively charged. Students are immersed in a campus that seamlessly blends into the streets of Manhattan, fostering a sense of independence and real-world readiness. It's a place where the line between classroom and city blurs, and opportunity feels tangible.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

9.41%
Most Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 152775th Pctl
14801570
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 3475th Pctl
3335
1122436

Admissions Tips

Demonstrate genuine intellectual curiosity and how you'll leverage NYC as an extension of your learningโ€”NYU values students who are proactive and resourceful. Highlight any unique artistic, entrepreneurial, or community-focused projects in your application, as they value creativity and initiative. Ensure your supplemental essays are tailored specifically to NYU's programs and urban mission, showing you've done your homework beyond the generic appeal.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1527
40080012001600
School range: 1480โ€“1570

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

NYU's academic strengths lie in its top-ranked programs in visual and performing arts, social sciences, and business, driven by a world-class faculty. Research opportunities are abundant and accessible, with strong ties to global institutions and NYC's industries. The teaching is rigorous and often interdisciplinary, encouraging students to think beyond traditional boundaries.

Popular Majors

Visual & Performing Arts
16.4%
Social Sciences
13.4%
Business & Marketing
12.2%
Computer Science
8.3%
Health Professions
8.2%
Psychology
6.2%
Mathematics & Statistics
5.8%
Communications
5.3%
Engineering
3.9%
Biology & Biomedical
3.5%
Multidisciplinary Studies
1.7%
Education
1.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

87.8%
Graduation Rate
95.5%
Retention Rate
29,430
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$60,438
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$35,035
After financial aid
Total Cost
$79,121
Cost of attendance/year
18.6%
Receive Pell Grants
21.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in New York

Students take full advantage of New York City, from catching Broadway shows and exploring world-class museums to hanging out in Washington Square Park. The social scene is endlessโ€”food trucks, indie concerts, pop-up markets, and diverse neighborhoods are all part of the daily experience. Weekends might involve anything from a gallery opening in Chelsea to a late-night slice in the East Village.

Local Rent Check

$2,451 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in New York
Explore New York

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$241,752
$0Est. 4 Years: $241,752

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($82,509):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

NYU's campus is integrated into Greenwich Village and surrounding neighborhoods, which are generally safe but require urban awareness. The university has a robust NYU Public Safety presence and offers services like the Safe Ride program, though students must remain vigilant in a bustling city environment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Unparalleled access to internships and cultural experiences in New York City
  • โœ“ Strong, globally recognized programs in arts, business, and social sciences
  • โœ“ Diverse and international student body with a vibrant, creative campus culture
  • โœ“ High graduation and retention rates indicate strong student satisfaction and support

Cons

  • โœ— Extremely high cost of attendance and living expenses in NYC
  • โœ— The urban campus can feel overwhelming; traditional 'college town' experience is absent
  • โœ— Highly competitive admissions and academic environment can be stressful

Notable Alumni

Angelina Jolie
Award-winning actress and filmmaker known for roles in films like 'Girl, Interrupted' and humanitarian work.
Martin Scorsese
Academy Award-winning director and producer, renowned for his influential films such as 'Taxi Driver' and 'The Irishman'.
Alan Greenspan
Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve of the United States, a key figure in global economics.

Frequently Asked Questions

NYU is renowned for its premier programs in visual and performing arts (Tisch), business (Stern), and social sciences, all deeply integrated with New York City's cultural and professional landscapes. It's also known for its global network, with campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, and its influential alumni in film, media, and finance. The university embodies a spirit of urban engagement and creative innovation.

Yes, NYU is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of just 9.41%. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is typically between 1480-1550, indicating a very competitive applicant pool with strong academic credentials. Admission also heavily considers essays, extracurriculars, and how well an applicant's goals align with NYU's unique urban and global mission.

Campus life at NYU is unique because it's woven into the fabric of New York City; there isn't a traditional enclosed campus, so students live and learn amidst the city's energy. Student life is vibrant and self-directed, with over 300 clubs, Division III athletics, and easy access to concerts, museums, and diverse dining. It's an experience that fosters independence, with the city itself serving as an extension of the classroom and social scene.

The value of an NYU degree depends on the student's major and how effectively they utilize NYC's opportunities. For fields like business, arts, and media, the proximity to industry leaders and internship opportunities can justify the high cost, leading to strong post-graduation earnings. However, students should proactively seek scholarships and financial aid to mitigate the burden, as the net price remains a significant investment compared to public universities.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Google JPMorgan Chase & Co. Goldman Sachs IBM NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Smart Start Score
97

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1831
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 32,343
  • In-State Tuition $60,438
  • Zip Code 10012

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 41.1% โ™€ 58.9%

The Money Talk

At over $60,000 in tuition, NYU is a significant investment, but the 10-year median earnings of $82,509 suggest a strong return for many graduates. The average net price of $35,035, factoring in aid, still places it among the more expensive options, so maximizing scholarships and grants is crucial. The degree's value is heavily tied to your major and how well you leverage NYC's internship and networking opportunities.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $60,438
Housing (12 mo) $29,412
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $97,050
With avg financial aid:
$35,035/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.