NYU Journalism Acceptance Rate

Last Updated on January 9, 2023

NYU Journalism Acceptance Rate – CollegeLearners.com

For the class of 2018, NYU received over 75,000 applications for a class of about 2,500 students. The acceptance rate for the class of 2018 was approximately 30 percent. 

The acceptance rates of 28 percent at NYU and 15 percent at Harvard make both schools competitive but easier to get into than Columbia or Stanford. Both Harvard and NYU are among the top five schools in the country with the highest application volume.​

According to US News & World Report’s 2014 ranking, NYU is tied in 32nd place with Boston University and Emory University. As a point of reference, NYU ranked 40th overall in 2013. This year NYU’s top-five peer institutions include Chicago; Columbia; Dartmouth; Duke; Northwestern; Penn; Princeton and Yale.

NYU Journalism

New York University / Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute is located in New York, NY, in an urban setting.

The NYU Journalism Program is often called “the number one journalism school in the country” by publications like U.S. News & World Report. The statistics are startling, but for those who are still wondering, Kiplinger Newspaper Rankings placed us at number one among all master’s-granting programs nationwide.

Urban Journalism Workshop - NYU Journalism

Way back in 1978, a New York University Journalism student applied to the school and was told that there were no spaces available. Undeterred, he responded with a short letter asking to be considered for the following year. He heard nothing from the university for over a year, though he kept an eye on the incoming applicants numbers each semester. Finally, he was accepted. Rather than chalk it up as a lucky break or to beg forgiveness for applying a second time, he turned it into a story about the need to fight for what you want. It got picked up by Gawker , The Huffington Post , and countless other media outlets

NYU Journalism Enrollment Statistics

New York University Acceptance Rate - 2021 HelpToStudy.com 2022

Undergraduate

Fall 2015Fall 2016Fall 2017Fall 2018
End-of-Term Enrollment in Major295308260233
Departing Seniors99124114n/a
Others196184146n/a
Graduation Rate (with Major) of Departing Seniors in next calendar year88%77%85%n/a
Retention Rate (in Major) of Others through next End-of-Fall85%82%81%n/a

NYU undergraduates are not required to declare a major until second semester of their sophomore year, and are allowed to shift majors in subsequent years. As such we do not have a distinct cohort to track from the freshman year.

Departing Seniors are defined as all seniors in an end-of-fall count of majors who do not appear in the next year’s end-of-fall count.

Students are required to complete a second major in addition to Journalism, chosen from the other academic programs in the College of Arts and Science.

Graduate

Master’s outcomes by starting cohorts

2015201620172018
Enrollment126121118121
Graduation Rates, on-time (eventual*)83% (89%)90% (96%)88% (92%)n/a
Retention Rate**94%96%97%n/a

At the Master’s level the Institute offers nine areas of study. Most MAs can be completed in three semesters (Fall, Spring, Fall) with the exception of the Literary Reportage program and the Global and Joint programs which typically require two years to complete.

*Eventual graduation includes all degrees granted by the second summer after a cohort’s expected graduation. For 18-month programs this counts degrees received up to 3 semesters beyond the expected graduation date. For 24-month programs, this reflects degrees granted up to 2 semesters beyond expected graduation date.

**Retention rate is calculated in the second summer after a cohort’s expected graduation and considers anyone who has not been enrolled for two consecutive semesters to be attrited.

Data source: Institutional Research, Office of the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Science.

Is NYU Good For Journalism

NYU Journalism Degrees And Awards

Urban Journalism Workshop - NYU Journalism

Degrees Offered

DegreeConcentrationSub-concentration
Master of Arts/Advanced Certificate (MA/Advanced Certificate)
Master of Arts (MA)Journalism
Master of Arts (MA)French studies/journalism
Master of Arts (MA)Latin American and Caribbean studies/journalism
(Advanced Certificate)Science and environmental reporting
Master of Science (MS)Biomedical journalism
Master of Arts (MA)Cultural reporting and criticism
Master of Arts (MA)Near Eastern studies/journalism

Degrees Awarded

DegreeNumber Awarded
Master’s Degrees111
Other Advanced Degrees25

Earning Your Degree

Part-time study available?Yes
Distance learning programs available?No

NYU Journalism Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 56%

  • Applied 350
  • Accepted 197
  • Enrolled 100

Applying

 Application Fee – Domestic 110

Application Deadlines

TypeDomesticInternationalPriority date
Fall deadlineJanuary 4thJanuary 4thYes

Entrance Requirements

ExamDetails
Master’s Degree ExamGRE General Test
Master’s Degree RequirementsSample of written work

International Students

ExamDetails
TOEFL: Required
IELTS: Required

NYU Journalism Fees

Tuition Aid

Financial Support

Financial award applicants must submit:FAFSA
Application deadlines for financial awardsJanuary 4
Types of financial support availableInstitutionally-sponsored Loans
Scholarship and/or loans

Student Body

  • Total Graduate Students 198
  • International Breakout (representing other countries) 30%

Race/Ethnicity

Hispanic/Latino9.09%
Black or African American7.07%
White or Caucasian42%
American Indian or Alaska Native0.51%
Asian2.53%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander0%
Two or more races3.54%
Unknown3.54%

Gender

  • Male (27%)
  • Female (72%)

Research

Focus of faculty research:Newspaper, magazine, and broadcast journalism; business and financial reporting; media studies
Externally sponsored research expenditures last year:0

Best Journalism Schools In The World

nyu journalism acceptance rate - College Learners

The following ten programs both educate students on the principles of journalism and provide unique opportunities that enhance students’ job prospects after college:

American University

Located in Washington, D.C., the private American University draws students from all over the country who are passionate about politics. With a 2016 acceptance rate of 24.7%, the school requires applicants to work hard in their high school classes and perform highly on the SAT or ACT. A total enrollment of approximately 13,000 ensures students have plenty of resources, but won’t get lost in the crowd.

The University’s Communications school offers a B.A. in Journalism, as well M.A. programs in Journalism and Digital Storytelling, and Journalism and Public Affairs. If your child is interested in political journalism, American is the place to be. According to the University website, “students regularly report on Capitol Hill, the D.C. government, the federal agencies, as well as policymakers for the nation and the world.” Students have opportunities to participate in high-profile internships around D.C., all but guaranteeing solid work experience upon graduation.

High school students interested in the Journalism program must apply to American, then hold a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.50 to declare the major. American requires students to submit scores from the SAT or ACT (without writing or essay sections).

American University Admissions Criteria

  • Average unweighted GPA of admitted students: 3.65 (unweighted) 
  • Average SAT score of admitted students: 1245
  • Average ACT score of admitted students: 29

Arizona State University

Spread across five campuses in the Phoenix area, with a total enrollment of almost 72,000, Arizona State is among the largest universities in the country. The University’s acceptance rate in 2015 was 83%, but that doesn’t make the academics easy.

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication “fosters journalistic excellence and ethics among students as they master the professional skills they need to succeed in the digital media world of today and tomorrow.” Cronkite offers B.A. programs in Journalism and Mass Communication, Sports Journalism, and Mass Communication and Media Studies. Students enjoy a unique “teaching hospital” model, which provides them with real-life newsroom training. Students interested in sports broadcasting have the chance to report on Phoenix and Los Angeles sports through Cronkite News. Advanced students can apply to an “accelerated program,” which allows them to complete both a B.A. and M.A. within 5 years.

High school students must meet at least one of several requirements to earn a place at Arizona State.

Arizona State admissions criteria

  • Average unweighted GPA of admitted students: 3.4
  • Average SAT score of admitted students: 1150
  • Average ACT score of admitted students: 25
NYU Journalism Reporting Award 2018 ($12,500 grant for Journalists  Worldwide) | Opportunity Desk

University of Texas – Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is the premier institution of the UT system, with a semi-competitive acceptance rate of 39% in 2015. The University’s 51,000 students enjoy access to the lively city of Austin, which has become a popular destination for young people in recent years.

The Moody College of Communication offers a B.A. in Journalism, accepting new students for the fall semester only. Moody’s undergraduate students build digital portfolios throughout their four years, making them attractive candidates for post-graduation jobs. The program also features Communications Career Services, which connects students with internships in journalism and beyond. Students even have the opportunity to earn a certificate in Sports Journalism.

Those interested in the major must complete UT Austin’s regular application process for freshmen. A single online application is used to apply to all public universities in Texas. UT Austin requires students to submit scores from the ACT Writing Test or SAT Essay. So students should spend time preparing for the writing/essay part of one of these tests.

UT Austin admissions criteria

  • Average unweighted GPA of admitted students: 3.69
  • Average SAT score of admitted students: 1275
  • Average ACT score of admitted students: 29

Boston University

Located in the ultimate college town, Boston University’s College of Communications is a longtime favorite among aspiring journalists. With a 2016 acceptance rate of 26%, BU is among the more selective options on this list. Total enrollment is around 35,000, and the city offers plenty of off-campus opportunities and diversions.

The College of Communications offers B.S. and M.S. degrees in Journalism, as well as an M.S. in Science Journalism. BU’s liberal arts orientation ensures students will develop solid backgrounds in other topics, while honing their journalistic skills. The BU News Service gives students the chance to cover happenings at Boston’s State House, or travel to D.C. and report on the United States Congress. Students have access to both on-campus and off-campus internships, including programs in Australia and London.

Students hoping to study journalism at BU must complete the University’s regular application process for freshmen. BU requires students to submit scores from either the SAT (without essay) or ACT (without writing).

Boston University admissions criteria

  • Average unweighted GPA of admitted students: 3.69
  • Average SAT score of admitted students: 1320
  • Average ACT score of admitted students: 30

Emerson College

Emerson College calls itself “the nation’s only four-year college devoted exclusively to the study of communication and performing arts.” Located in downtown Boston, Emerson combines the benefits of a smaller student body (around 4,000) with the resources of a major city. With a 49% acceptance rate, it’s less selective than nearby unspecialized colleges like Boston College and BU.

In 2015, U.S. News and World Report awarded Emerson’s Journalism program the top rank nationwide. As a smaller college, Emerson offers just one B.S. in Journalism, but a variety of classes in Cultural Affairs, Public Affairs, Broadcast Platform, Writing Platform, and Multimedia Platform are available. In 2011, the College implemented a “multimedia” curriculum: students contribute to on- and off-campus radio, television, and newspaper outlets. Journalism Department Career Services connects students with a wealth of internship opportunities.

Students interested in the Journalism department complete Emerson’s regular application process for freshmen. The College requires students to submit either SAT or ACT scores.

Emerson College admissions criteria

  • Average unweighted GPA of admitted students: 3.65
  • Average SAT score of admitted students: 1225
  • Average ACT score of admitted students: 28

University of Missouri – Columbia

The University of Missouri at Columbia, or “Mizzou,” is a public university with a student body of almost 33,000. Its 77% acceptance rate makes it an accessible destination for students who qualify academically.

The Missouri School of Journalism allows students to choose from six degree areas: Convergence Journalism, Magazine Journalism, Photojournalism, Print and Digital News, Radio-Television Journalism, and Strategic Communication. Journalism courses are taught according to the Missouri Method, which emphasizes learning through real-life experience. Students may contribute to the Columbia Missourian, an award-winning series of publications, or the Global Journalist, a multimedia newsroom. The New York Internship and Washington D.C. Internship allow students to gain hands-on journalistic experience over the course of a summer or semester.

Aspiring Mizzou journalists must be accepted separately to both the University and School of Journalism. While some students are immediately accepted into the Journalism major, others begin their degrees in pre-journalism through the College of Arts and Sciences. To be directly accepted into the School of Journalism, applicants must meet the requirements detailed here.

University of Missouri admissions criteria

  • Average unweighted GPA of admitted students: 3.45
  • Average SAT score of admitted students: 1255
  • Average ACT score of admitted students: 26

Northwestern University

With a 2016 acceptance rate of 10.7%, Northwestern University is the most selective college on this list. Located in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern provides direct access to the diverse resources and entertainment Chicago has to offer. With a student body of about 20,000, Northwestern is large enough to offer a wealth of opportunities.

Northwestern’s Medill School requires undergraduates to complete a core curriculum in journalism and offers unique electives such as “Journalism of Empathy.” All undergraduate students choose an area of concentration, but are required to continue taking classes on other topics. The Medill Journalism Residency allows students to work as full-time reporters or PR specialists for one quarter. Students also may report in Washington, D.C. as part of the Medill on the Hill Program. In the Bay Area Immersion Experience, students spend a quarter in San Francisco immersing themselves in the world of entrepreneurship.

Students interested in Northwestern’s journalism major must complete the University’s application process for all freshmen. Applicants can submit either the SAT or ACT, and Northwestern also recommends taking 2 SAT Subject Tests. Because of Northwestern’s competitive acceptance rate, students should invest significant time in SAT or ACT prep.

Northwestern University admissions criteria

  • Average unweighted GPA of admitted students: 3.81
  • Average SAT score of admitted students: 1480
  • Average ACT score of admitted students: 33

New York University

New York University’s 2015 acceptance rate of 33% reflects the influx of students hoping to study in the Big Apple. With a total enrollment of over 50,000, NYU students enjoy the abundant resources of a large university in a major city. Located in the trendy Greenwich Village, NYU attracts many creative types, including those interested in journalism.

NYU’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute offers undergraduate concentrations in Journalism and Media Criticism. Journalism students choose between a Print/Online or Broadcast focus. Both Journalism and Media Criticism students must choose a second major within the College of Arts and Sciences. Carter also offers its own honors program, requiring students to complete a yearlong project. Finally, students can spend 6 weeks reporting abroad as part of the Journalism in Ghana program.

Students interested in the Journalism major must apply to the NYU College of Arts and Science. The University allows students to submit scores from one of many standardized tests, rather than exclusively from the SAT or ACT.

NYU admissions criteria

  • Average unweighted GPA of admitted students: 3.66
  • Average SAT score of admitted students: 1365
  • Average ACT score of admitted students: 31

University of Southern California

USC’s Los Angeles location makes it a popular choice among both California natives and those hoping to escape frigid East Coast winters. A 16% acceptance rate (2016) makes USC even more selective than the gems of the University of California system, UCLA and UC Berkeley. A total enrollment of 44,000 makes USC’s size similar to UCLA’s and Berkeley’s, as well.

The Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism recently updated its B.A. in Journalism to reflect the discipline’s digital nature. New classes allow students to explore journalism’s intersections with social media, virtual reality, and coding. Students can gain real-life journalism experience through writing, reporting, and producing at the Julie Chen/Leslie Moonves and CBS Media Center. To conclude the B.A., students put together digital portfolios and personal websites.

Annenberg hopefuls must fulfill requirements for first-year applicants, including submitting either SAT (without essay) or ACT (without writing) scores. They also must write a 250-word Statement of Intent, describing their qualifications for the Journalism major.

USC admissions criteria

  • Average unweighted GPA of admitted students: 3.72
  • Average SAT score of admitted students: 1365
  • Average ACT score of admitted students: 32

Syracuse University

A private research university known for its sports, Syracuse offers its 21,000 students excellent academic opportunities, as well. Its 48% acceptance rate makes it a less selective option than many colleges on this list, but solid grades and scores are still expected.

Syracuse’s Newhouse School of Public Communications offers eight undergraduate degrees. Bachelor’s programs include Broadcast & Digital Journalism, Magazine, Newspaper & Online Journalism, and Television, Radio & Film. The Newhouse Studio & Innovation Center, completed in 2014, features Dick Clark Studios, the Alan Gerry Center for Media Innovation, and the Diane and Bob Miron Digital News Center. Internship opportunities include the Bollywood Internship in India, the Dubai Internship Program, and NBC Olympics Internships.

Students applying to Syracuse must submit either SAT (without essay) or ACT (without writing) scores. There are no additional requirements for students applying directly to Newhouse.

Syracuse admissions criteria

  • Average unweighted GPA of admitted students: 3.55
  • Average SAT score of admitted students: 1190
  • Average ACT score of admitted students: 27

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