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Arizona State University vs NYU

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

88.0% ASU acceptance
12.2% NYU acceptance
$147,264 ASU cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

ASU
Tempe, Arizona
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
83,446
Setting
Urban
NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition ASU saves $29,238
ASU
$31,200
NYU
$60,438
Acceptance Rate NYU more selective
ASU
88.0%
NYU
12.2%
Graduation Rate NYU higher
ASU
69%
NYU
87%
Avg SAT Score NYU higher
ASU
1230
NYU
1480
Starting Salary NYU higher
ASU
$60,100
NYU
$74,100

Detailed Comparison

Metric ASU NYU Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,200$60,438ASU
Tuition (In-State)$12,479$60,438ASU
Room & Board$14,000$21,578ASU
Acceptance Rate88.0%12.2%NYU
Graduation Rate69%87%NYU
Average SAT12301480NYU
Student-Faculty Ratio18:18:1NYU
Enrollment83,44659,144-
Avg Financial Aid$12,400$38,960NYU
Starting Salary$60,100$74,100NYU
Endowment$1.5B$6.2BNYU
Campus Size1,695 acres230 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

ASU
$180,800
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: ASU = $131,200 | NYU = $172,224. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

ASU Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringPsychologyBiologySupply Chain

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ASUUrban
NYUUrban
Campus Size
ASU1,695 ac
NYU230 ac
Athletics
ASUNCAA D1
NYUNCAA D3
Region
ASUWest
NYUNortheast
Founded
ASU1885
NYU1831
Enrollment
ASU83,446
NYU59,144

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is ASU or NYU harder to get into?+
NYU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 88.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, ASU or NYU?+
At sticker price, ASU costs less over 4 years ($180,800 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. ASU offers an average of $12,400/year in aid while NYU offers $38,960/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for ASU and NYU?+
The average SAT score at ASU is 1230 and at NYU it is 1480. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do ASU or NYU graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NYU have a higher average starting salary ($74,100 vs $60,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
ASU has a 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio while NYU has 8:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do ASU and NYU compare for campus life?+
ASU is located in Tempe, Arizona (urban setting) with a 1,695-acre campus. NYU is in New York, New York (urban setting) with 230 acres. ASU competes in NCAA D1 athletics and NYU in NCAA D3.