Syracuse University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with over 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.

Syracuse University is a private research university with an acceptance rate of 50%. Located in the Finger Lakes region of central New York, Syracuse University has made a name for itself in both academics and athletics. Programs in media studies, art, and business are all highly ranked. The university's strengths in the liberal arts and sciences earned it a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. The Syracuse Orange compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference. The attractive campus is the home of the 49,250-seat Carrier Dome, the largest college dome stadium in the country.

Considering applying to Syracuse University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, Syracuse University had an acceptance rate of 50%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 50 were admitted, making Syracuse's admissions process competitive.

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Syracuse University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Standards

Syracuse University, which accepts half of all applicants, has a selective admissions process. Successful applicants will need grades and standardized test scores that are above average. However, Syracuse has a holistic admissions process involving other factors beyond grades and test scores. A strong application essay and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule. Applicants should note that some programs require a portfolio or audition. The admissions folks are looking for students who will both succeed in the classroom and contribute to the campus community in meaningful ways.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. Most admitted students had a high school average of "B" or better, a combined SAT score of 1100 or higher (ERW+M), and an ACT composite score of 22 or higher. The higher those grades and scores, the better your chance of receiving an acceptance letter.

Note that there are quite a few red dots (rejected students) and yellow dots (waitlisted students) hidden behind the green and blue throughout the graph. Some students with grades and test scores that were on target for Syracuse did not get accepted. Note also that a few students were accepted with test scores and grades a bit below the norm. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their grades and test scores are outside Syracuse's average range.