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New York University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1480 to 1550
ACT Range34 to 35
Average GPA3.81
Acceptance Rate9.2%

NYU is test-optional, but its submitted-score range is a clear signal: competitive scores cluster around 1480 to 1550 on the SAT. Aim for the upper end, or about a 35 ACT, if you want your test score to add real strength to your application.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

New York University facts and stats

Quick Facts

New York University enrolls about 29,060 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. NYU has a 96% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 88%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1.

Location

New York, NY

Undergrad Enrollment29,060
Freshman Retention96%
SettingUrban
Student to Faculty Ratio8:1
Graduation Rate88%
Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at NYU?

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Key New York University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 5

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

November 1

Priority Deadline

Financial aid deadlines

Coming soon

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional NYU, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes that could improve your superscore. For the November 1 Early Decision deadline, the October SAT or ACT is typically the last retake whose scores can arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

NYU is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $62,796, and 29% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $23,737.

House illustration
Tuition and Fees$62,796
Room and Board$23,530
Average Merit Award$23,737
Application Fee$85
Students on Aid29%
Average Aid Package$68,216
Average Debt at Grad$25,802

At NYU, tuition, fees, room, and board total about $86,326 per year. About 29% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $68,216. Merit awards average $23,737, which can meaningfully reduce the billed cost for recipients. Graduates leave with an average debt of $25,802.

Student life at New York University

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Choral groups
Housing

38% of undergrads live on campus

Freshman housing: Guaranteed

Coed
Living-learning
Greek life

Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 5% of women join sororities.

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ACT: 16–25

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Acceptance rate: 65.9%

SAT: 1120–1330

ACT: 24–30

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