Syracuse University is a private university in Syracuse, NY with 37,473 students. At 41.7% acceptance, it's selective but accessible to students who meet the academic benchmarks. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Communication, and Social Sciences. Graduates earn a median of $79,164 ten years after enrollment.
With a 41.7% acceptance rate, Syracuse University is a Match for students who meet the academic profile. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school average, you have reasonable odds.
Your Profile
Syracuse University Is...
What to Do
Meet academic requirements
Safety
Strong odds — apply with confidence
Slightly below average
Match
Apply — still realistic
Syracuse University True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at Syracuse. Families earning $0-30k pay around $15,817 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $55,401. 16% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Syracuse enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $26,000, which is reasonable against the $60,459 typical early-career salary.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$15,817
$63,268
$30-48k
$15,845
$63,380
$48-75k
$21,132
$84,528
$75-110k
$28,780
$115,120
$110k+
$55,401
$221,604
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$18,444
Total Cost of Attendance
$84,517
Popular Majors at Syracuse University
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
14.8%
Communication
14.4%
Social Sciences
12.8%
Visual/Performing Arts
7.6%
Psychology
6.4%
Parks/Recreation
5.7%
Computer Science
5.7%
Engineering
4.9%
Biological Sciences
4.3%
Architecture
4.1%
Public Administration
3.2%
Education
2.1%
Student Demographics
White
53.7%
Black/African American
7.6%
Hispanic/Latino
13.1%
Asian
8.3%
International
7.2%
How to Get Into Syracuse University
Syracuse is a Match school for students with solid academics. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school median, you have good odds of admission. Focus your energy on the application essay and making a genuine case for why Syracuse fits your goals.
1345
Target SAT Score
30
Target ACT Score
41.7%
Acceptance Rate
42,089
Total Applicants
What Syracuse University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Considered
Application Essay
Important
Recommendation
Important
Extracurricular Activities
Important
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Important
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Considered
Interview
Not Considered
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Considered
Syracuse University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Syracuse University ED I/II admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Early Decision
Nov 15
Early Decision II
Jan 5
Regular Decision
Jan 5
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Feb 15
Early Decision: Syracuse University offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if Syracuse University is your clear first choice.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
16.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$26,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$60,459
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About Syracuse University
What is Syracuse's acceptance rate?
Syracuse has an acceptance rate of 41.7%, making it moderately selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for Syracuse?
The middle 50% SAT range at Syracuse is 1260-1430. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 28-32. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at Syracuse?
The most popular majors at Syracuse by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (14.8%), Communication (14.4%), Social Sciences (12.8%), Visual/Performing Arts (7.6%), Psychology (6.4%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do Syracuse graduates earn?
Syracuse graduates earn a median salary of $79,164 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is Syracuse worth the cost?
With median earnings of $79,164 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $26,000, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making Syracuse a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
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