NYU Acceptance Rate: Admissions Statistics

New York University (NYU) has a reputation for being seriously tough to get into. It’s not part of the Ivy League, but its admissions process is just as intense. For the Class of 2028, NYU set a record-low acceptance rate of just 8%, out of a massive pool of over 118,000 applicants in a single admission round.

But honestly, that’s not shocking. NYU is one of the most prestigious schools out there. Newsweek considers it one of the “New Ivies,” and it holds the #30 spot on U.S. News’ list of Best National Universities. The school’s exclusivity definitely makes things harder for applicants. With thousands dreaming of becoming a Violet, the admissions process is bound to be intense.

In this blog, we break down NYU’s acceptance rates, including yield rate, Early and Regular Decision admit rates, transfer, and waitlist acceptance rates. Plus, we explore how NYU’s prestige and selectivity impact your chances of getting in.

• What Is NYU’s Acceptance Rate?
• NYU Acceptance Rate Trends
• NYU Regular Decision and Early Decision Acceptance Rate
• How to Get Accepted into NYU
• NYU Transfer Acceptance Rate
• NYU Waitlist Acceptance Rate
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is NYU’s Acceptance Rate?

For the second year in a row, NYU’s acceptance rate has stayed in the single digits. For the Class of 2028, it hit a historic low at just 8%.

NYU’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 hit its lowest point in five years. The school got an overwhelming 118,000 applications but only admitted 9,440 students. While NYU doesn’t always share the exact numbers for Early and Regular Decision, it did reveal that 22,000 students applied through Early Decision this year. The ED acceptance rate hasn’t been released yet, so it’s hard to spot any trends.

NYU yield rate

The yield rate is the percentage of students who get accepted to a university and actually decide to enroll. For the Class of 2028, NYU proved to be a top choice, hitting a 60.4% yield rate—its highest in the past five years:

As you can see, for the Class of 2028, 5,705 students from the pool of 9,440 accepted students chose to enroll at NYU.

To put these numbers into perspective, the national average yield rate for four-year nonprofit colleges in fall 2022 was only 30%. Private colleges did slightly better at 33%, while public colleges averaged 25%. Meanwhile, NYU’s 60.4% puts it in a different league, proving just how many students see it as their top choice.

So, what does this mean for you as an applicant? First, it makes things tougher for waitlisted candidates since fewer admitted students are giving up their spots. Second, it shows that NYU’s reputation makes it a dream school for most accepted students. If NYU is a target school for you, your application needs to be strong in every way if you want to stand out.

NYU Acceptance Rate Trends

NYU wasn’t always this hard to get into. Let’s take a look at the recent numbers:

Over the past five years, getting into NYU has become even more competitive. Back in 2020 (Class of 2024), the acceptance rate was 21.1%. Fast forward to 2024 (Class of 2028), and the acceptance rate has dropped to just 8%, even though a record-breaking 118,000 students applied.

So, what’s going on? NYU’s popularity has skyrocketed thanks to its strong reputation, better financial aid options, and test-optional policies. But here’s the catch—the number of students NYU can accept hasn’t changed much. In 2024, 16,918 students were admitted, but in 2028, that number shrank to just 9,440 even with almost 40,000 more applications.

For you as an applicant, this means competition is tougher than ever. You’ll need stellar grades, strong extracurriculars, and a standout personal statement to make an impression. More students are also choosing Early Decision to improve their chances, but that means committing to NYU if accepted.

NYU acceptance rate vs Ivy League schools

NYU is often mentioned alongside the Ivy League when people talk about top-tier schools. After all, it is considered a part of the New Ivies. With an 8% acceptance rate for the Class of 2028, here’s how NYU compares to the Ivies:

The Ivy League remains the hardest group of schools to get into. Harvard leads with an ultra-low acceptance rate of 3.6%, followed closely by Yale at 3.7% and Columbia at 3.85%. Princeton isn’t far behind at 4.6%. NYU, with an 8% acceptance rate for the Class of 2028, is slightly more selective than Cornell (8.4%) but not as tough as schools like Brown (5.2%) or Dartmouth (5.3%).

But acceptance rates don’t tell the whole story. NYU’s 60.4% yield rate proves that students who get in really want to go—putting it in the same league as some Ivies.

While NYU’s acceptance rate isn’t as extreme as Harvard’s or Yale’s, its growing applicant pool and shrinking admit rate show that competition is only getting tougher. If NYU is your dream school, you’ll need to approach your application with the same level of preparation and strategy as you would for an Ivy.

NYU Regular Decision and Early Decision

The thing about NYU is that they don’t openly share their Early and Regular Decision admission stats, which makes it hard to spot trends. They also haven’t officially said that applying Early Decision gives you a better shot than Regular Decision.

That said, they did confirm that for the Class of 2029, around 25,000 students applied through Early Decision, while for the Class of 2028, that number was 22,000.

NYU Early Decision policy

If you apply to NYU through Early Decision and get accepted, you’re expected to enroll. That also means withdrawing any applications you’ve submitted to other schools and not applying anywhere else after getting your acceptance.

NYU takes this commitment seriously, but they understand that life happens. There are a few exceptions, like if you don’t get into your first-choice school, program, or campus at NYU or if your financial aid package isn’t enough to make attending possible.

NYU Regular Decision and Early Decision application deadlines and notification

If you’re applying to NYU, it’s important to keep track of the key deadlines. For Early Decision I, the application deadline is November 1, and decisions are released by December 15. If you’re going for Early Decision II, you’ll need to apply by January 1, with decisions coming out on February 15.

For those applying through Regular Decision, the deadline is January 5, and you can expect to hear back by April 1.

How to Get Accepted into NYU

Good grades and strong test scores matter, but NYU looks at more than just academics when reviewing applications. They take a holistic approach, which means they’re looking for students who do well in class but also bring something special to campus. NYU values curiosity, creativity, and a drive to make a difference both in and out of the classroom.

So, how do you make your application stand out in a pool of thousands of talented applicants? Here are a few tips to help you shine:

Target GPA

NYU doesn’t officially set a minimum GPA, but let’s be honest, strong academics are a big deal. The average GPA for admitted students is around 3.7, which means most successful applicants are top performers in their high school classes.

If your GPA isn’t quite there, don’t stress. You can make up for it with solid test scores, strong essays, or standout extracurriculars. Taking challenging courses like AP, IB, or honors classes can also show that you’re ready to handle the academic intensity at NYU.

Target test scores

Even though NYU is test-optional, strong SAT or ACT scores can still give your application an extra edge. If you’re planning to submit them, shoot for a high score to make your application even stronger.

Scoring in the 75th percentile (1560 for SAT, 35 for ACT) or higher puts you in a great spot and shows NYU that you’re ready for its intensive coursework.

If you choose not to submit test scores, no worries. Just make sure the rest of your application stands out. Show off your achievements, write amazing essays, and get strong recommendation letters to make your application as competitive as possible.

Extracurriculars

Getting the most out of your extracurriculars is a great way to set yourself apart from other applicants. Pick activities that truly excite you and align with your passions, skills, and long-term goals.

When you do something you love, you stay motivated and engaged. Maybe that means leading your debate team to the National Speech & Debate Tournament or qualifying for the USA Debate Team. It could be volunteering for Digital4Good or even winning a Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Or perhaps it’s playing an instrument. Whatever it is, passion keeps you going.

Authenticity is key, so focus on activities that reflect who you are. NYU values intellectual curiosity, civic engagement, and leadership, so showing how your experiences connect with those qualities can make your application even stronger.

Essays

The NYU supplemental essay is an optional part of the first-year Common Application, but it’s a great chance to share a little more about yourself with the admissions team in a concise and creative way.

Think of it as a fun exercise in creative thinking, the kind you’ll be doing as a college student and global citizen. Instead of stressing over making it perfect, approach it with curiosity and excitement. The admissions team isn’t here to judge you harshly, they’re genuinely interested in who you are and what inspires you. They appreciate the time, effort, and honesty you put into your application.

If you want to learn more about how to ace your NYU supplemental essay, check out our comprehensive guide.

Recommendation letters

NYU requires one letter of recommendation, but you can submit up to three if you’d like. This letter should come from someone in a position of authority—a teacher, professor, counselor, work or internship supervisor, or even a clergyperson—who can give insight into who you are both academically and personally.

When choosing who to ask, go for teachers who know you well and can talk about both your academic strengths and character. A strong, detailed recommendation can help you stand out to the admissions team, so pick someone who can really showcase your potential!

Want to learn how to maximize your chances of getting accepted to NYU? Our simple guide breaks down the admissions process and gives you tips on how to make your application shine.

NYU Transfer Acceptance Rate

NYU is known for being more transfer-friendly when it comes to admissions. They haven’t shared the transfer acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 yet, but for the Class of 2027, it was 37.2%, much higher than the first-year acceptance rate!

Let’s take a look at the latest figures:

For the Class of 2024, NYU admitted 41.5% of transfer applicants, accepting 3,279 students out of 7,906 applications. The following year, the Class of 2025 saw a drop to 25.8%, with 2,337 students admitted from 9,042 applicants. The Class of 2026 had an even lower acceptance rate of 20.5%, with 1,712 students accepted from 8,361 applications.

However, the Class of 2027 saw a significant increase, with 3,930 students admitted out of 10,573 applications, bringing the transfer acceptance rate back up to 37.2%.

These numbers show that NYU remains more transfer-friendly than many top universities, but the acceptance rate changes each year depending on the number of applicants and available spots.

Important dates and transfer requirements

If you’re planning to transfer to NYU, make sure you meet the basic requirements. You should have completed the equivalent of a U.S. secondary school education (about 12 years of formal schooling starting at age six) and have a diploma or leaving certificate.

If you qualify as a transfer student, here are what you’ll need:

• High school transcript. No matter when you graduated, you’ll need to submit your secondary/high school transcript (or GED) with your graduation date.
• College transcripts. You must provide transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
• Letter of recommendation. You’ll need at least one letter from a teacher, counselor, coach, supervisor, or another authority figure. You can submit up to three, but only one is required.
• Standardized tests (optional). SAT/ACT scores are optional for this application cycle.
• Audition or portfolio. If you’re applying to art or music programs at Steinhardt School or Tisch School of the Arts, you’ll need to submit an audition or portfolio.
• English language proficiency. If English is not your first language or you haven’t completed at least three years of study where English was the only language of instruction, you’ll need to submit an English language test.
• Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). Some students may be asked to submit a SRAR after applying, especially for college coursework completed in the U.S.

If you’re planning to transfer to NYU, it’s important to keep track of the key dates and deadlines:

• Spring transfer. Submit your application by October 15, and expect a decision between November and January.
• Summer/Fall external transfers. The application deadline is March 15, with decisions announced from May to June.

Make sure to submit all required documents on time to avoid any issues with your application.

NYU Waitlist Acceptance Rate

NYU does use a waitlist, but for the past five years, they haven’t shared admission stats for waitlisted students in their Common Data Set. If you’re waitlisted during Early Decision I or II, you can confirm your interest by filling out the Waitlist Response Form in the NYU Applicant Portal.

Since NYU doesn’t share its waitlist acceptance rate, we can look at trends from other top schools with high yield rates. With a 60.4% yield rate, it’s likely that NYU had very few spots available for waitlisted students in the most recent admissions cycle. The chances aren’t impossible, but they’re definitely slim.

How to stay in the game if you’re waitlisted at NYU

• Confirm your spot. Secure your place on the waitlist by following NYU’s instructions. If you don’t take this step, you’re out of the running.
• Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Write a short, genuine note to NYU’s admissions team. Let them know you’re still excited about NYU, and update them on any new achievements or milestones since you applied.
• Keep your grades strong. Stay on top of your academics and keep participating in extracurriculars. NYU values commitment and consistency, even after applications are submitted.
• Stay realistic. The waitlist process is unpredictable, so while it’s okay to hope for the best, make sure you’re also focusing on a school where you’ve already been accepted to set yourself up for success.

The best way to avoid the stress of the waitlist is to submit a strong application in the first round. But if you find yourself in this position, following these steps can help you stand out as a dedicated and qualified applicant.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is NYU’s latest overall acceptance rate?

NYU’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 hit an all-time low of 8%. Out of a record-breaking 118,000 applications, only 9,440 students were admitted.

2. What is NYU’s Early Decision acceptance rate?

NYU hasn’t publicly released its Early Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2028, but we do know that 22,000 students applied through Early Decision. Historically, applying ED has given students better odds than Regular Decision, but it comes with the commitment to enroll if accepted.

3. What is NYU’s Regular Decision acceptance rate?

NYU hasn’t disclosed its Regular Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2028. However, given the overall 8% acceptance rate, RD is expected to be even more competitive than Early Decision.

4. What is NYU’s transfer acceptance rate?

NYU is generally more transfer-friendly compared to many other top schools. For the Class of 2027, the transfer acceptance rate was 37.2%, with 3,930 students admitted out of 10,573 applications.

5. What is NYU’s waitlist acceptance rate?

NYU doesn’t publish a specific waitlist acceptance rate, but with a high yield rate of 60.4%, it’s likely that very few waitlisted students were offered admission in the latest cycle.

Takeaways

NYU’s acceptance rate proves just how competitive it is to land a spot at this top university. If you’re aiming for NYU, here are five key things to keep in mind:

• NYU’s overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 is 8%, the lowest in its history.
• NYU’s selectivity is on par with some Ivy League schools, making it a top choice for high-achieving students.
• Early Decision applicants typically have better odds than Regular Decision, though NYU hasn’t released official ED acceptance rates for the Class of 2028.
• A strong GPA (around 3.7 or higher) and competitive SAT/ACT scores (SAT 1450-1550, ACT 32-35) can help, along with compelling essays and recommendations.
• With NYU’s increasing competitiveness, it’s worth seeking advice from a college admissions expert to strengthen your application and stand out in the pool.