What SAT score do you need for NYU? (Middle 50%: 1480–1550)
First-year students at NYU who sent an SAT scored 1480–1550, with a median of 1520 (Common Data Set 2024–25). NYU admits 9.2% of applicants and is test optional.
Where your score lands at NYU
First-year students who sent an SAT: 1480–1550, median 1520
Middle 50% of admitted students Median Fewer than half sent a score, so the range runs high
Enter your SAT or ACT to see which tier NYU is for you and whether to send your score.
NYU by the numbers
- Admit rate
- 9.2%
- Middle 50% SAT
- 1480–1550
- Median SAT
- 1520
- About on the ACT
- 33–35
- Sent an SAT
- 28%
Test optional · checked Nov 9, 2026 · NYU admissions · SAT range from the Common Data Set, 2024–25; admit rate from it or IPEDS
NYU admit rate over 10 years
Applications rose 92%, from 57,727 in 2015 to 110,807 in 2024, and NYU's admit rate went from 32% to 9.2%.
- 32%
- 9.2%
Show the numbers
| Fall | Applied | Admitted | Admit rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 110,807 | 10,232 | 9.2% |
| 2023 | 113,578 | 10,693 | 9.4% |
| 2022 | 100,662 | 12,539 | 12% |
| 2021 | 95,517 | 12,380 | 13% |
| 2020 | 80,210 | 16,918 | 21% |
| 2019 | 79,462 | 12,873 | 16% |
| 2018 | 71,834 | 14,359 | 20% |
| 2017 | 64,007 | 17,707 | 28% |
| 2016 | 60,724 | 19,351 | 32% |
| 2015 | 57,727 | 18,515 | 32% |
In fall 2024, 5,666 of the 10,232 admitted students enrolled. Applicants and admits from IPEDS, the federal college survey, by fall of entry.
What each SAT score means at NYU
Which tier your score puts them in, and whether it's worth sending.
- Under 1520Far reachHold
- 1520–1540Far reachSend
- 1550 and upReachSend
Tiers here use only your SAT and their admit rate. Essays, activities and recommendations still decide most admissions at selective colleges.
NYU SAT sections and ACT
Scores of enrolled first-year students who sent one, by percentile.
| Test | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 760 | 780 | 800 |
| SAT Reading and Writing | 720 | 740 | 760 |
| SAT total | 1480 | 1520 | 1550 |
| ACT composite | 34 | 34 | 35 |
Of enrolled first-year students, 28% sent an SAT and 10% sent an ACT. Common Data Set 2024–25.
NYU cost and outcomes
What students pay after grants, how many finish, and what they earn.
- Average net price
- $37,050
- per year, after grants
- Graduate in 6 years
- 88%
- Median earnings
- $82,509
- 10 years after starting
- Undergraduates
- 31,839
College Scorecard, 2022–23, from the US Department of Education. Net price averages federal-aid students across family incomes.
Colleges like NYU
Similar SAT ranges and admit rates.
- BarnardNew York, NY · 8.8% admitted1480–1540, median 1510
- CornellIthaca, NY · 8.8% admitted1490–1550, median 1530
- WilliamsWilliamstown, MA · 8.3% admitted1490–1550, median 1520
- SwarthmoreSwarthmore, PA · 7.5% admitted1480–1550, median 1520
- PomonaClaremont, CA · 7.1% admitted1490–1550, median 1520
- Claremont McKennaClaremont, CA · 10% admitted1480–1540, median 1510
More colleges in New York
Sources
- NYU Common Data Set 2024–25
SAT and ACT ranges, early decision, waitlist, GPA and class rank, as the college reported them.
- College Navigator (IPEDS)
Applications, admissions and enrollment by year, from the federal college survey.
- College Scorecard
Net price, graduation rate and earnings, from the US Department of Education.
- NYU admissions
Test policy for 2026–27, checked Nov 9, 2026.
- NYU website
New York University
Updated Nov 9, 2026. Spot a number that's off? Email support@tryashore.com and we'll check it against the source.
Questions
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