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12.5%Acceptance
$60,438Tuition
29,430Students
89%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$82,509Earnings
#16 in New YorkPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About New York University

NYU has built its reputation around strong film and business programs while sitting in the heart of Greenwich Village. The university enrolls 29,430 students across its Manhattan campus, where future filmmakers study alongside aspiring Wall Street analysts. Notable graduates include director Martin Scorsese and actress Anne Hathaway, who learned their crafts in one of the world's most active cities. Getting in requires serious credentials, with an acceptance rate of just 12.46% and average SAT scores of 1520.

The sticker price hits $84,718 annually, but most students pay far less after aid. The average net price drops to $35,035, though this varies dramatically by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $16,816 on average. Graduates typically leave with $20,500 in debt but earn a median salary of $82,509 ten years later. That earning power helps explain why 76.46% of borrowers successfully repay their loans.

The student body reflects global diversity, with only 21.33% coming from New York State and 79% arriving from around the world. Women make up 58.88% of students, while no single racial group dominates the campus. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the university's large size.

Academics & Faculty

NYU operates as a large private research university with globally recognized programs that attract competitive students. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio provides strong academic support, contributing to an impressive 87.78% four-year graduation rate. The school's Tisch School of the Arts ranks among the top film programs worldwide, producing directors like Martin Scorsese and Ang Lee. NYU's Stern School of Business commands respect on Wall Street and beyond. The university's Greenwich Village location puts students at the center of New York's cultural and business networks. With 29,430 students and a 12.46% acceptance rate, NYU combines the resources of a major research institution with the intimate classroom experience that helps students succeed academically.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
8:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
87.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
88.5%
Retention Rate
95.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$82,509
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. Doctoral $178,151
Law. Doctoral $174,714
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $145,543
Legal Professions and Studies, Other. Master $137,921
Finance and Financial Management Services. Master $126,504
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Doctoral $126,504
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. Master $112,328
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $111,833
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Master $111,769
Real Estate. Master $104,597

View all 379 programs →

Campus Life

NYU sprawls across Greenwich Village with no traditional campus gates or quad. Only 43% of students can fit in university housing, so most live in expensive Manhattan apartments or commute from other boroughs. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio feels more meaningful in smaller seminars than in packed lecture halls at Washington Square Park.

Winter in New York means heavy coats and slush-covered sidewalks from December through March. Students grab coffee between classes at countless Village cafes or study in Bobst Library's towering floors. With 21% of students from New York State, many disappear home on weekends, while others explore museums, Broadway shows, or Brooklyn's nightlife scene. The Violets compete in Division III sports, but school spirit centers more around film screenings at the Cantor Film Center or protests in Washington Square. NYU students master the subway system quickly since campus buildings scatter from SoHo to Union Square. The city becomes your campus, which means paying Manhattan prices for everything from pizza slices to laundry.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
12,577 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1831

Campus Safety (2023)

240 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 39 6 4 3
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 0 0 43
Stalking 16 6 8 3
Robbery 4 3 0 17
Fondling 6 3 5 9
Rape 6 6 6 0
Burglary 8 2 5 0
Dating Violence 7 4 3 1
Domestic Violence 6 1 1 0
Arson 2 1 1 2
Murder 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
27°–39°F
July Avg
70°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
49.5"
Annual Snowfall
29.8"

Student Demographics

NYU draws ambitious students from across the country, with nearly 80% coming from out-of-state to study in Manhattan's heart. The student body of 29,430 reflects the university's global reputation for arts and business programs. Women make up 59% of enrollment, drawn particularly to NYU's well-known film, theater, and liberal arts offerings. The diverse mix includes significant Asian and Hispanic populations that mirror New York City itself. Only 19% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school primarily serves middle and upper-income families willing to invest in the NYC experience.
Men
41.1%
Women
58.9%
White
21.5%
Black
7.7%
Hispanic
15.9%
Asian
20.8%
In-State Students
21.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
18.6%

Location

NYU sits in the heart of Manhattan, making it one of the few major universities located directly in New York City rather than in a separate college town. The campus centers around Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, putting students within walking distance of SoHo, the Financial District, and countless cultural attractions. With 21.33% of students coming from in-state, most undergraduates travel from across the country to experience college life in America's largest city. The urban setting means no traditional quad or isolated campus bubble. Instead, students navigate subway systems, Broadway theaters, and strong museums as part of their daily routine. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare NYU with similar schools in the region.
Address
New York, New York 10012-1091
Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences
Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences
NYU Stern School of Business - Henry Kaufman Management Center
NYU Stern School of Business - Henry Kaufman Management Center
DrDorothyHeight
DrDorothyHeight

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$82,509
Median Earnings (5 years)
$83,544
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$55,900
Loan Repayment Rate
76.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at New York University?

NYU accepts 12.46% of applicants, making it highly selective among private universities. Admitted students typically score between 1470-1570 on the SAT, reflecting the competitive nature of programs like Tisch School of the Arts and Stern Business School.

How much does New York University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at NYU is $35,035, though this varies by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $16,816, while the sticker price of $84,718 makes NYU one of the most expensive universities in the country.

What is the student-faculty ratio at New York University?

NYU maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio across its 29,430 students. This relatively small ratio supports the university's reputation for strong programs in film, business, and liberal arts within its urban Manhattan setting.

What do New York University graduates earn after graduation?

NYU graduates earn a median salary of $82,509 ten years after graduation, with a 92% employment rate. The university's location in Manhattan provides exceptional internship and job opportunities, particularly for students in business, media, and entertainment fields.

Where do students live at New York University?

NYU houses 12,577 students across residence halls integrated into Greenwich Village and surrounding Manhattan neighborhoods. The university operates more like a collection of buildings throughout the city rather than a traditional enclosed campus.

Is New York University known for any particular programs?

NYU is well-known for its Tisch School of the Arts film program, which has produced directors like Martin Scorsese and Ang Lee. The Stern School of Business and programs in media studies also draw students to the university's Manhattan location, where 79% of students come from out of state.