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NYU vs University of Minnesota

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

12.2% NYU acceptance
75.0% UMN acceptance
$130,976 UMN cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban
UMN
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Public
Founded
1851
Enrollment
54,890
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UMN saves $24,036
NYU
$60,438
UMN
$36,402
Acceptance Rate NYU more selective
NYU
12.2%
UMN
75.0%
Graduation Rate NYU higher
NYU
87%
UMN
83%
Avg SAT Score NYU higher
NYU
1480
UMN
1370
Starting Salary NYU higher
NYU
$74,100
UMN
$64,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric NYU UMN Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$60,438$36,402UMN
Tuition (In-State)$60,438$15,588UMN
Room & Board$21,578$12,870UMN
Acceptance Rate12.2%75.0%NYU
Graduation Rate87%83%NYU
Average SAT14801370NYU
Student-Faculty Ratio8:117:1NYU
Enrollment59,14454,890-
Avg Financial Aid$38,960$15,100NYU
Starting Salary$74,100$64,800NYU
Endowment$6.2B$4.4BNYU
Campus Size230 acres1,204 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
VS
UMN
$197,088
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: NYU = $172,224 | UMN = $136,688. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

UMN Top Majors

PsychologyBiologyEngineeringComputer ScienceBusiness

Campus & Student Life

Setting
NYUUrban
UMNUrban
Campus Size
NYU230 ac
UMN1,204 ac
Athletics
NYUNCAA D3
UMNNCAA D1
Region
NYUNortheast
UMNMidwest
Founded
NYU1831
UMN1851
Enrollment
NYU59,144
UMN54,890

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is NYU or UMN harder to get into?+
NYU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, NYU or UMN?+
At sticker price, UMN costs less over 4 years ($197,088 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. NYU offers an average of $38,960/year in aid while UMN offers $15,100/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for NYU and UMN?+
The average SAT score at NYU is 1480 and at UMN it is 1370. 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 NYU or UMN graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NYU have a higher average starting salary ($74,100 vs $64,800). 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?+
NYU has a 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UMN has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do NYU and UMN compare for campus life?+
NYU is located in New York, New York (urban setting) with a 230-acre campus. UMN is in Minneapolis, Minnesota (urban setting) with 1,204 acres. NYU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and UMN in NCAA D1.