New York University (NYU)

Regardless of which of the prestigious schools under the New York University banner students attend, the consensus is that there's "unparalleled access to global industries, cultural experiences, internships, and networking opportunities. Whether you're into finance, arts, media, or tech, being in NYC puts you right in the action." Students note an accordingly high academic rigor that requires "you to spend extra study time on your own or even require outside resources like the University Learning center," but that while hard, the classes are fair: "I am able to score well and learn as long as I attend class and study for exams." The school's "huge scale and diversity" lets it offer everything from "pre-professional pursuits at hospitals or investment firms," and "the ability to take courses at the other colleges [within the university]," to "multidisciplinary projects that emphasize innovative and research-active education." It's a huge benefit to have "very intelligent, professional leaders as professors. It encourages me to engage with the material and is an opportunity to connect with the field." This is also true of "NYU's vast network and strong industry ties" with faculty that "are all experts in their fields," which make it "a great place to launch a career in various fields." Students also point to the benefit of being "able to visit the museums and exhibitions that hold the very things we are studying in class." Many courses "have integrated field trips within them, such as a class that I am currently taking which is called urban waterfront development," and a "sophomore year Environmental Science class [that] went kayaking on the Hudson piers, we went to a cemetery, we went to a recycling/landfill center, and to the Brooklyn botanical garden." NYU offers a broad, concurrent professional experience that provides students with direct access to working television show creators, ground-breaking environmental scientists, business leaders, and more.

"Intelligent and motivated students of many different backgrounds" gather at NYU to study, and multiculturalism is an often-repeated theme. "The peers I have at NYU are probably the most diverse group of friends I have ever had in my life.... I feel that in NYU people are more open in making friends outside of their comfort zone." Students learn from their differences and relish their commonalities, sharing that their peers are "ambitious and creative," "motivated and hardworking,...very passionate about what they study and competitive in classes," and "very studious." While some respondents expressed concern that the student body is "super polarized," and that wealth disparities and privilege play a role in that, most saw their contrasts in culture and background as inherent growth opportunities and felt fundamentally "comfortable and respected" by their peers.

New York University students consider New York City an extension of the university: "A buzzing city as our campus." Going to school in NYC "allows you to leave the bubble of wherever you came from" gain independence and provide "opportunities and resources that can help us to explore ourselves and succeed beyond academic goals," which may make housing that some consider to be "excessively expensive" easier to bear. It helps that "the night-life in NYC is unbeatable" and there are infinite things to do in the city, "whatever you're interested in, it is available." And while the school's sprawl can sometimes make it "hard to feel like a community," students note that there are a "plethora of clubs"American Sign Language (ASL), philosophy, investment, music, fashion, cheese, entrepreneurship, intramural sports, volunteer work, and so many more-to actively connect students and build community.

New York University’s Wasserman Center for Career Development provides comprehensive support to help students navigate their career paths and explore different majors. One student states, “Our Wasserman Center for career readiness is top-tier.” The center focuses on individualized guidance, offering one-on-one career coaching based on student interests and developing effective job search strategies tailored to their fields. These career coaches review résumés and cover letters, conduct mock interviews, and assist students with assessment tools, as well as helping them find internships and job opportunities. In addition to in-person services, students can utilize NYU Wasserman Career Modules—virtual content that covers essential career topics. The Wasserman Center also offers a wide range of other online career tools and resources, covering everything from global career guides (GoinGlobal) to Creating a Personal Pitch. The center regularly hosts career seminars for students on subjects like résumé writing, interviewing skills, and job search and networking strategies. For networking opportunities, the Violet Network connects students with NYU alumni for career guidance and mentorship. One student shares, “The greatest strengths of my school are networks and alumni.” Students are also encouraged to participate in the career and internship fairs held throughout the year. “NYU offers students unparalleled access to global industries, cultural experiences, internships, and networking opportunities.” One student adds that there are “limitless opportunities for internships.” According to PayScale.com, the median early-career salary for NYU graduates is $80,500, with 24 percent entering STEM fields.