What Is NYU Known For? Top Programs, Global Reach, and More

Ah, New York University. You’ve probably seen its name pop up on TikTok or Instagram, usually paired with some artsy shots of Washington Square Park. But let’s get to the point: what is NYU really known for? Spoiler alert: it’s not just the prime NYC location. Let’s break it down.

• NYU Is Known for Its Prestigious Academics
• NYU Is Known for Its Popular Majors
• NYU Is Known for Its Selectivity
• NYU Is Known for Its NYC Location
• NYU Is Known for Its Global Reach
• NYU Is Known for Its Notable Alumni
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

NYU Is Known for Its Prestigious Academics

Let’s start with the obvious. When people ask what NYU is known for, the answer almost always includes academics. NYU doesn’t mess around when it comes to its programs. With 10 undergraduate schools and colleges, NYU offers everything from Tisch’s world-famous arts programs to Stern’s powerhouse business degrees.

Tisch School of the Arts

When asking what NYU is known for, Tisch is always part of the answer. Think filmmaking, acting, and dramatic writing. Alumni like Lady Gaga, Martin Scorsese, and Spike Lee thrived here, and it’s easy to see why. In 2024, TheWrap ranked Tisch’s Film & Television Program as the #1 film school in the nation. 

Aside from just honing your craft, Tisch is also about making connections. Located in the heart of New York City, Tisch gives you access to industry professionals, real-world projects, and endless networking opportunities: from interning on film sets to attending festivals like Tribeca.

So, if your dream is to own the stage, screen, or behind-the-scenes magic, Tisch is calling your name.

Stern School of Business

Let’s talk about Stern, aka the place where future Wall Street hotshots and entrepreneurial geniuses are made. When people ask what NYU is known for, Stern is always in the conversation. Ranked #7 by the U.S. News & World Report among the best business schools in the country, Stern is basically the cool kid on the block.

Stern grads secure life-changing gigs. In fact, 94.3% of graduates receive job offers within three months of graduating. That’s nearly every single graduate walking out the door with a contract in hand. And we’re not talking just any jobs: we’re talking roles at companies like Goldman Sachs, Google, and Amazon.

And here’s the fun part: Stern students don’t just stick to crunching numbers. They often double major, mixing finance with tech, psychology, or even theater. Yep, that means you could go from analyzing stocks to starring in a Broadway production. Stern’s vibe? Hustle meets creativity, with a little New York City grit thrown in.

Steinhardt, Gallatin, and beyond

And don’t sleep on NYU’s other gems, because it’s not all about Tisch and Stern. The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development is a big deal for anyone interested in shaping minds, improving lives, or breaking into the music biz. Steinhardt is where future educators, health leaders, and music moguls get their start.

Now, let’s talk about the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, aka the playground for academic rule-breakers. Hate the idea of picking one major? At Gallatin, you don’t have to. You get to create your own major and pull courses from across NYU’s schools and beyond. 

Want to mix environmental science with fashion design? Or maybe pair political science with video game design? Done and done. Gallatin students are the ultimate academic DIYers, turning their unique interests into custom-made degrees that are as quirky and ambitious as they are.

If you’re dreaming of revolutionizing classrooms, curating the next Spotify hit, or building a career that doesn’t even exist yet, NYU lets you do it your way. Traditional paths? Overrated. At NYU, you make your own rules.

NYU Is Known for Its Popular Majors

When you think of what NYU is known for, certain majors immediately come to mind. It’s no surprise, really. NYU has built its rep on delivering world-class programs that shape dream careers. Let’s break down some of the heavy hitters:

• Film and acting. Tisch School of the Arts is the ultimate playground for creatives. Whether you’re directing, screenwriting, or working behind the camera, Tisch is the place where your Hollywood (or indie film festival) dreams take off.
• Business. Stern School of Business is where future CEOs, Wall Street big shots, and startup founders cut their teeth. Its grads snag roles at top firms like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase (or go rogue and launch their own unicorn startups).
• Psychology. Got a knack for understanding how people tick? NYU’s psych program is one of the most respected in the country. If you’re into clinical psychology, social behavior, or the neuroscience behind it all, NYU has the tools to help you turn curiosity into expertise—and maybe even a career helping people figure out their lives (or yours).
• Politics and International Relations. With the United Nations just down the street, NYU’s location is a dream for students wanting to get into politics, global relations, or diplomacy. If making the world a better place (or running it) is your thing, NYU is the perfect launching pad.
• Journalism. NYU’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute is the place for aspiring reporters, writers, and media pros. Whether you want to investigate hard-hitting stories or craft compelling narratives, NYU prepares you for the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of journalism. Bonus: you’ll be reporting in the media capital of the world.

Sure, these majors tend to grab the spotlight, but don’t let that fool you into thinking NYU stops there. From the arts to STEM to humanities, NYU is known for having a buffet of possibilities. Why settle for just one path when you can explore them all?

NYU Is Known for Its Selectivity

Let’s not sugarcoat it: getting into NYU is tough. This isn’t the kind of school you casually apply to with a “let’s see what happens” mindset. When asking what NYU is known for, its selectivity is definitely part of the answer.

For the Class of 2028, NYU’s acceptance rate hit a record low of 8%, which makes it one of the most competitive universities in the country. For context, that’s on par with some Ivy League schools, like Cornell (8.4%) and Dartmouth (5.3%).

If you’re aiming for NYU, you’re up against tens of thousands of ambitious applicants from all over the world. Here are some stats to chew on:

• Applications. Over 118,000 students applied to NYU for the Class of 2028. Yes, you read that right—118,000.
• SAT scores. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1470 and 1570 on the SAT.
• ACT scores. The middle 50% of admitted students had ACT scores ranging from 33 to 35.
• GPA. Most students who get in are rocking a high school GPA of 3.81 or higher.

The takeaway? NYU is looking for top-tier students who bring more than just good grades. They want leaders, creatives, innovators: people who are ready to take advantage of everything the university (and New York City) has to offer.

NYU Is Known for Its NYC Location

Ah, New York City: home to yellow cabs, overpriced bagels, and endless opportunity. If there’s one thing NYU knows how to do, it’s taking full advantage of its location.

When people ask what NYU is known for, its integration with the city is always a top answer. NYU’s campus is woven into the city itself, which gives students a front-row seat to one of the most dynamic places on Earth.

A campus without walls

Forget the ivy-covered quads and bubble-like college towns: NYU’s “campus” is New York City. The heart of it all is Washington Square Park, where students gather to hang out, study, or watch the city’s street performers do their thing. NYU’s buildings stretch across lower Manhattan and beyond.

Your lecture halls might be in a sleek, modern skyscraper or a charming historic building nestled among coffee shops and boutiques. Need a study break? You could grab a Michelin-starred meal (because NYC has more than 70 of those), catch a Broadway show, or stroll through world-class museums like the Met or MoMA.

The city itself becomes part of your education. Where else can you analyze a Van Gogh painting for your art history class and then see it in person the same afternoon?

Internships on your doorstep

NYC is a professional goldmine. If you’re into finance, fashion, media, tech, or the arts, the opportunities are endless. The United Nations, The New York Times, Goldman Sachs, Google, and Broadway: all are within reach when you’re an NYU student.

Here’s the real kicker: these companies and organizations come to NYU to scout talent. They host info sessions, workshops, and networking events right on campus. That means your next internship—or even your first job—could be just a quick elevator ride away.

And let’s not forget the sheer convenience of being in the city that never sleeps. You could spend your mornings in class, your afternoons at an internship, and your evenings exploring the city’s nightlife or attending cultural events.

From the tech startups of Silicon Alley to the bright lights of Times Square, NYC makes sure that NYU students learn anywhere and everywhere.

Downside: high cost of living

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: living in New York City is expensive. And when you’re an NYU student, you’re right in the middle of one of the priciest cities on the planet.

Compared to Philadelphia, for example, rent in NYC is a jaw-dropping 142.1% higher, and overall living costs (including rent) are 68.5% higher. That bagel-and-coffee breakfast that costs $5 elsewhere? It’s $8 here—and that’s the “student discount” version.

Sure, NYC offers unmatched opportunities and experiences, but you’ll need to budget like a pro and maybe pick up a side hustle to survive. Living here means paying for the privilege of being in the center of it all. But if you can handle it, the rewards might just make the costs worth it.

NYU Is Known for Its Global Reach

NYU is basically a global passport. With campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, plus study-abroad sites in 13 countries, NYU students can explore the world without missing a beat academically. It’s no wonder NYU is nationally ranked #1 for study abroad programs. 

Study abroad like a pro

If you’ve got a case of wanderlust, NYU is the dream school. Over 40% of NYU students pack their bags and study abroad at least once during their college experience, which makes it one of the most global universities out there.

And when NYU says “study abroad,” it’s not just talking about throwing you into a random partner program. They have full-on campuses and academic centers in places like Paris, Florence, London, Madrid, and Shanghai.

And here’s the best part: NYU makes it easy to stay on track with your major while you’re globe-trotting. You’ll take classes taught by NYU professors, all while earning credits that count directly toward your degree. Plus, these study-abroad sites offer unique programs tailored to their locations—think fashion in Paris and art conservation in Florence.

NYU Is Known for Its Notable Alumni

One of the coolest things about NYU is the sheer number of famous and influential people who’ve walked its halls. Seriously, NYU’s alumni list is like a who’s who of success stories. From movie directors to pop stars, these grads left their mark on the world. Here are some standouts:

• Martin Scorsese. The guy behind Goodfellas and The Wolf of Wall Street learned his craft at Tisch. So if you’ve ever quoted “funny how?” to your friends, thank NYU.
• Lady Gaga. Before she was “Mother Monster,” she was Stefani Germanotta, grinding away at Tisch’s Collaborative Arts Project 21. Clearly, the hustle paid off.
• Alec Baldwin. The Emmy-winning 30 Rock star got his start at Tisch. Can you imagine him in class? “Liz Lemon!” but with a script in hand.
• Spike Lee. A true game-changer in filmmaking, Spike didn’t just graduate from Tisch—he came back to teach. Talk about giving back.
• Kristen Bell. The star of The Good Place and Frozen got her start at Tisch. With a powerhouse voice and comedic chops, she’s proof that NYU knows how to turn talent into stardom.
• Ang Lee. This two-time Oscar winner (Life of Pi, Brokeback Mountain) also polished his skills at Tisch. Clearly, NYU knows how to produce talent behind the camera.

And it’s not just about the arts. NYU grads are out here running Wall Street, leading courtrooms, and even shaping global policy:

• Reed Hastings. Co-founder of Netflix. Yeah, the guy who made your weekend binge possible.
• Alan Greenspan. Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve. Big brain energy, courtesy of NYU’s Stern School of Business.
• Jack Dorsey. Co-founder of Twitter and Square. You can thank him (or blame him) for doomscrolling.

From snagging Oscars and building a billion-dollar company to reshaping entire industries, NYU grads show up and show out. Who knows? You could be next.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is NYU popular?

NYU is known for its prestigious academics, prime NYC location, and global opportunities. With standout programs like Tisch for film and Stern for business, plus study-abroad options in 13 countries, NYU attracts ambitious students worldwide. Its unique “campus without walls” and influential alumni make it a top choice.

2. Is NYU public or private?

NYU is a private university. Unlike public universities, it’s funded through tuition, private donations, and endowments. This private status comes with perks like smaller class sizes, personalized advising, and state-of-the-art resources.

3. What majors is NYU known for?

NYU is known for its standout programs in film and acting (Tisch School of the Arts), business (Stern School of Business), psychology, journalism, and international relations. These programs attract students who want to excel in creative, professional, and global industries.

4. Is NYU a good university?

Yes, NYU is a good and highly respected university. It ranks among the top institutions globally and boasts an impressive alumni network, including leaders in the arts, business, and politics. With rigorous academics, endless opportunities, and a location in NYC, NYU offers students an education that’s as challenging as it is rewarding.

5. Why is NYU highly ranked for study abroad?

NYU is ranked #1 for study abroad by the U.S. News & World Report because of its unmatched global network. With campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai and global programs in 13 countries, students can study seamlessly while earning credits. Tailored programs led by NYU professors offer both academic rigor and cultural immersion, making it a standout choice for global learning.

Takeaways

So, what is NYU known for? A lot, as it turns out. From its prestigious programs to its prime location in NYC, NYU offers an academic and professional experience that’s hard to match. Here’s a quick recap:

• NYU’s world-class academics are a major draw, with renowned programs in film (Tisch), business (Stern), psychology, journalism, and international relations. If you’re a future filmmaker, entrepreneur, or global leader, NYU has the tools to help you succeed.
• NYC sets NYU apart, turning the city into a living classroom. You can intern at the United Nations, catch a Broadway show, and learn among some of the world’s top cultural institutions—all while earning your degree.
• Global opportunities are endless at NYU. Ranked #1 for study abroad programs, NYU gives you the chance to study in Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, and 13 other countries while staying on track with your academics.
• NYU is known for being selective. Admissions are competitive, with an 8% acceptance rate for the Class of 2028.
• Need help getting into NYU? From showcasing your strengths to nailing your essays, a college admissions consultant can help you stand out and boost your chances of joining NYU’s prestigious community.