John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At John Jay, test scores are optional and only a small share of applicants submit SAT results, so a strong score can still give you a useful edge. Aim for the upper half of the 930-1220 range, ideally near 1220, to strengthen your application alongside your GPA.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York facts and stats
John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York enrolls about 11,942 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. John Jay has an 82% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 56%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1.
New York, NY
How do your scores compare at John Jay?
Key John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
February 1
Financial Aid Priority
May 1
Test dates
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
November 7, 2026
Registration deadline: October 23, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional John Jay, aim to take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes and superscoring. With the Regular Decision deadline on February 1, a December retake is typically the last test date likely to arrive in time.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
At John Jay, in-state tuition is $6,930 and out-of-state tuition is $14,880. About 79% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $1,486. Submit the FAFSA by the May 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

For out-of-state students, tuition at John Jay is $14,880, while New York residents pay $6,930. Room and board adds about $22,260, so living arrangements can significantly affect the total price. About 79% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $5,877. Merit awards are relatively modest, averaging $1,486.
Student life at John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York
1% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Acceptance rate: 56.6%
SAT: 850–1150
Acceptance rate: 58.4%
State University of New York College at Cortland
Cortland, NYAcceptance rate: 59.8%
Acceptance rate: 60%

Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.
