University Statistics

Students 59,000
Intl. Students 12,000
Founded 1831

New York University (NYU) is a premier private research university situated in the heart of New York City, renowned for its global presence, academic rigor, and diverse student body. Established in 1831, NYU has grown into one of the largest private universities in the United States, with a distinctive urban campus integrated seamlessly into the vibrant Greenwich Village and Downtown Brooklyn neighborhoods. The university boasts an exceptional array of academic programs across its numerous schools and colleges, including the highly acclaimed Stern School of Business, Tisch School of the Arts, School of Law, and the Grossman School of Medicine.

NYU’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and public service is reflected in its world-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and extensive alumni network that spans across industries and continents. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary study and experiential learning, students at NYU are encouraged to leverage the vast cultural, intellectual, and professional opportunities that New York City offers. The university’s global network extends with degree-granting campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, and study-away sites in over a dozen cities worldwide, providing unparalleled opportunities for international education and cross-cultural engagement.

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Known for its liberal arts foundation, NYU fosters a dynamic intellectual environment where students are challenged to think critically, express themselves creatively, and engage with complex global issues. The university’s strong ties to the arts, media, finance, and technology sectors in New York City provide students with unique internships, career development, and networking opportunities, preparing them to become leaders and innovators in their chosen fields. NYU’s distinctive identity as a university ‘in and of the city’ shapes a transformative educational experience for its diverse and ambitious student community.

Campus Life

Campus life at NYU is uniquely defined by its integration into the fabric of New York City, offering an urban experience unlike traditional enclosed campuses. Students live, learn, and socialize amidst the city's iconic neighborhoods, particularly Greenwich Village and Downtown Brooklyn. While there isn't a central campus quad, NYU provides numerous student organizations, clubs, and events catering to a wide range of interests, from arts and culture to activism and academic societies. Students can engage in intramural sports, community service, cultural performances, and social gatherings, all while having immediate access to NYC's unparalleled museums, theaters, restaurants, and professional opportunities.

Residential life plays a significant role in fostering community, with many first-year and transfer students living in university housing scattered throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. These residences often feature vibrant programming, social events, and support services. The university's student centers, libraries, and athletic facilities serve as key hubs for student interaction and engagement. The urban environment encourages independence and exploration, allowing students to craft a personalized college experience while being part of a large, diverse, and globally-minded university community. The energy of the city itself becomes an integral part of the NYU student experience.

Admission Information

Admission to New York University is highly competitive, reflecting its status as a top-tier global institution. Prospective undergraduates typically apply through the Common Application, submitting a comprehensive application that includes academic transcripts, standardized test scores (NYU is test-optional for many programs, but test scores are still accepted), essays, letters of recommendation, and a school report. NYU employs a holistic review process, evaluating applicants based on their academic achievements, intellectual curiosity, extracurricular involvement, leadership potential, and personal qualities as demonstrated through their essays and recommendations.

Specific schools and programs within NYU, such as the Tisch School of the Arts or the Steinhardt School, may require additional materials like portfolios, auditions, or supplementary essays. NYU seeks students who are not only academically strong but also demonstrate a genuine interest in the unique urban and global opportunities the university offers. Demonstrated interest, diversity of background, and a clear understanding of how NYU aligns with an applicant's academic and career aspirations can also play a role in the admission decision. International applicants must also meet English language proficiency requirements and provide certified translations of their academic documents.