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New York University

New York, NY·Private nonprofit·28,663 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and students who want a large campus community. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $78,600 within 10 years; strong 88% graduation rate.

9%
Accept
28,663
Students
$37,050
Net Price
88%
Grad Rate
$78,600
Earnings
10 yr
$20,500
Debt

About This School

New York University is a private nonprofit institution located in New York, New York with approximately 28,663 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 9%. The average net price after financial aid is $37,050 per year. The graduation rate is 88%, and the typical graduate earns $78,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

New York University (NYU) is a private research university in New York City, New York, United States. Chartered in 1831 by the New York State Legislature, NYU was founded in 1832 by Albert Gallatin as a non-denominational all-male institution near City Hall based on a curriculum focused on a secular education. The university moved in 1833 and has maintained its main campus in Greenwich Village surrounding Washington Square Park. Since then, the university has added an engineering school in Brooklyn's MetroTech Center and graduate schools throughout Manhattan.

Sitting in the heart of Greenwich Village with a 9% acceptance rate, this is a highly selective school best suited for students who genuinely want to be immersed in New York City as part of their education — not just as a backdrop. The numbers are largely encouraging: a 96% freshman retention rate and $78,600 median earnings after 10 years suggest students stay engaged and land well. The one flag worth watching is the $35,035 average net price, which is steep for a private school, so make sure any aid package actually makes the math work for your family before committing.

Founded
1831
Setting
Large city
Avg Faculty Salary
$18,026

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts16%
Social Sciences13%
Business & Marketing13%
Computer Science9%
Health Professions7%
Psychology6%
Communications5%
Biological Sciences4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Angelina JolieWoody AllenShimon PeresAnne HathawayWhoopi GoldbergErich FrommChris EvansJonas SalkDakota FanningOliver StoneGertrude B. ElionRosalyn Sussman Yalow

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1520
Reading 75th %ile760
Math 75th %ile800

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite34

What This School Looks For

From the school's most recent Common Data Set (2024-25). What the admissions office actually weighs:

Academic GPAVery Important
Recommendation lettersVery Important
Application essayVery Important
Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
Character / personal qualitiesVery Important
Standardized test scoresImportant
Talent / abilityConsidered
Volunteer workConsidered
Work experienceConsidered
First generation statusConsidered
Demonstrated interestConsidered
Geographical residenceConsidered
Extracurricular activitiesConsidered

Early vs. Regular Decision

Overall
9%
All applicants
110,807 students applied, 10,232 were admitted, and 5,666 enrolled. The school uses a waitlist.

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$62,796
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,796
Avg Net Price
$37,050
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$16,977
$30–48k$14,017
$48–75k$16,862
$75–110k$32,766
$110k+$66,876

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants18%
Median debt at graduation$20,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
88%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
96%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$78,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$60,600
Female graduates$52,900

Gap: 13% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$55,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$78,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.8x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White22%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino14%
Asian22%
Two or more races4%
International26%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (28,663 undergraduates).

In the Classroom & On Campus

Class size distribution

Under 20
19%
20–29
44%
30–39
19%
40–49
8%
50–99
7%
100+
2%
Student–Faculty Ratio
8:1
Faculty with PhD/Terminal Degree
95%
Greek Life Participation
2% / 5%
fraternities / sororities

Source: New York University Common Data Set (2024-25).

Contact & Location

Address

New York University

70 Washington Sq South

New York, NY 10012-1091

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New York

Browse all New York schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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