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College comparison
Emory vs NYU
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Emory Atlanta, GA |  NYU New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateNew York University is more selective | 11% | 9% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1550 | 1480–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,298 | 28,663 |
| Avg net price | $22,585 | $37,050 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)NYU reports higher median earnings | $80,137 | $82,509 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 88% |
| Median debt | $18,250 | $20,500 |
| Economic mobility | 1.8% | 3.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Emory vs NYU: how they compare
For an affluent, data-driven family, the choice between Emory and NYU is a classic contrast between a high-value, cohesive campus experience and a high-mobility, immersive urban one.
By the numbers Selectivity is comparable: NYU's acceptance rate is 9% versus Emory's 11%, with NYU's SAT 25–75th percentile range (1480–1560) slightly higher than Emory's (1470–1550). Outcomes are similar, with NYU's 10-year median earnings at $83k edging out Emory's $80k. The starkest contrasts are in value and mobility. Emory's average net price is $23k, yielding a value of 3.5× earnings per dollar of net price, significantly higher than NYU's 2.2× on a $37k net price. Conversely, NYU's economic-mobility rate is 363%, more than double Emory's 180%. NYU shows higher admit-rate volatility (127% vs. 76%). Both have strong DOE financial-health scores (NYU 2.7/3, Emory 2.6/3) and graduation rates (Emory 91%, NYU 88%).
Where they overlap Both are selective private universities located in major city settings with strong academic reputations and positive post-graduate outcomes.
How they differ The core difference is experiential. Emory offers a traditional, residential campus life with a defined campus in a suburban Atlanta setting. NYU provides a decentralized, "city-as-campus" experience in New York City, requiring greater student independence.
Who each suits Emory suits students seeking a cohesive college atmosphere with strong pre-professional and pre-med pathways, where community is built-in. NYU is a match for highly independent, self-motivated students who thrive in fast-paced, unstructured environments and prioritize access to urban networks, particularly in fields like business and the arts.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Emory University or New York University harder to get into?
- New York University is more selective: Emory University's acceptance rate is approximately 11% and New York University's is approximately 9% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Emory University vs New York University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1470–1550 at Emory University and 1480–1560 at New York University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.