Leonard N. Stern School of Business
General Information about Leonard N. Stern School of Business
About (Overview)
The Leonard N. Stern School of Business (commonly known as NYU Stern) is the business school of New York University, located in New York City. Founded in 1900 as NYU’s School of Commerce, Accounts and Finance, it has evolved into a globally respected institution for business education. Stern cultivates leaders able to navigate complex, uncertain economic and social landscapes by combining rigorous academics, global immersion, social impact orientation, and deep ties to business ecosystems. Its undergraduate, graduate, executive, and doctoral programs span traditional business disciplines as well as emerging areas such as data science, sustainability, fintech, and entrepreneurship.
Being located in Greenwich Village gives Stern a strategic urban advantage: students are immersed in the financial, media, and technology epicenter of New York City, with vast internship, networking, and industry access. Stern emphasizes experiential learning, global exposure, and cross-disciplinary flexibility: undergraduates must complete a “Social Impact Core” and global experience component, while graduate students engage with real-world cases, global immersions, and collaborative projects. The school prides itself on a pluralistic student community, strong faculty engagement, and a “business with purpose” ethos that seeks not only profitability but impact.
Contact Information
Address:
Leonard N. Stern School of Business
New York University
44 West Fourth Street
New York, NY 10012
Phone Number: (212) 998-0600 (main business school line)
Email / General Inquiry: stern.admissions@nyu.edu (Undergraduate/Graduate Admissions Office)
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1900 |
| Named For | Leonard N. Stern (alumnus and benefactor) |
| Type | Private business school within NYU |
| Accreditation | AACSB-accredited |
| Dean | Bharat N. Anand (as of 2025) |
| Undergraduate Enrollment (approx.) | ~2,800 students |
| Faculty Size | ~472 (tenured, tenure-track, clinical, visiting, adjunct) |
| Global Partnerships / Study Away Sites | ~16 international sites |
| Career Placement Rate (Undergraduate, within 3 months) | ~95.4 % |
Leonard N. Stern School of Business Rankings
| Ranking Domain | Position / Status |
|---|---|
| QS Global Business School Rankings | #17 globally in business (for Stern’s business stream) |
| U.S. Undergraduate Business Programs | Often ranked among top 5 |
| Financial Times / MBA Rankings | Stern’s full-time MBA frequently ranked among the top 15–20 globally |
| Industry Reputation | Strong reputation in finance, real estate, tech, and consultancy sectors |
Leonard N. Stern School of Business Academics
Leonard N. Stern School of Business Faculties / Departments
Stern does not have rigid “faculties” as in some universities; instead its academic structure comprises program areas, academic units, and interdisciplinary tracks. Key areas include:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Management & Organizations
- Operations, Information, and Decisions
- Real Estate
- Social Impact & Sustainability
- Data Science / Computing concentrations
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Business Economics / Quantitative Economics
- Strategy & Global Business
- Business Analytics
Leonard N. Stern School of Business Courses and Programs / Majors
Undergraduate and graduate degree options at Stern include:
- BS in Business (core business degree)
- BS in Business and Political Economy (BPE)
- BS in Business, Technology & Entrepreneurship (BTE)
- Dual-degree options (e.g. BS/Master in Accounting)
- Full-time MBA
- Part-time MBA / Langone MBA
- Executive MBA
- Specialized master’s programs (e.g. MS Finance, MS in Business Analytics)
- PhD / doctoral programs in fields such as finance, marketing, management, economics
- Executive education and nondegree certificate programs
Online Learning
While Stern’s historically in-person programs remain central, the school has expanded hybrid and digital components especially in executive education, certificate programs, and remote electives. Some MBA elective courses and executive modules are offered in blended or virtual formats to reach global learners. The expansion of Stern’s online and hybrid offerings is part of its strategy to increase flexibility, reach broader audiences, and integrate digital innovation into business pedagogy.
Average Test Scores (Undergraduate AND Graduate)
| Program Type | Typical Score / Range |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Stern) | Mean SAT ~1550 (for Class of 2023) |
| Graduate MBA | Average GMAT ~737; middle 80% range ~690–760 |
| Graduate MBA (GRE) | GRE accepted; typical verbal/quant scores ~163 / 164 |
Retention and Graduation Rates
NYU as a whole reports retention and graduation rates that reflect strong student success; for instance, New York University’s overall graduation rate and retention exceed 90 %. Stern’s undergraduate cohort is among the more stable and supported groups, with high retention from first to second year and graduation within 4–5 years being common for business students. The rigorous advising, career services, and structured curriculum support high persistence. Among undergraduate graduates, a very high proportion secure employment or graduate school placement soon after graduation.
Leonard N. Stern School of Business Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Applicants to Stern’s undergraduate program are highly selective. For admitted students (e.g. Class of 2023), the mean SAT score reported is approximately 1550, and ACT equivalent around 35. High school GPA is typically in the top of the class, often near 4.0 (weighted). Because NYU has adopted test-optional policies in recent cycles, many applicants emphasize coursework rigor, extracurricular leadership, and essays when test scores are not submitted.
Leonard N. Stern School of Business Acceptance Rate
| Program | Acceptance Rate / Metrics |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Stern (Class of 2023) | 4.9% acceptance (924 admits from ~18,858 applicants) |
| Stern Undergraduate (general trend) | Typically between 4-7% in recent cycles |
| MBA Program | Approximate acceptance 24–31% (varies by year) |
Leonard N. Stern School of Business Application Requirements
Applications to Stern require submission of the Common Application (for undergraduate), with high school transcripts, test scores (if submitted), recommendations, essays, and often a supplemental Stern essay. For MBA applicants, requirements typically include undergraduate transcripts, resume, essays, two or more letters of recommendation, GMAT or GRE (often required or encouraged), standardized test scoring, and optional interview. International applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency. Stern applies a holistic review, evaluating academic achievement, leadership potential, global perspective, personal qualities, and fit with Stern’s values of social impact and innovation.
Application Process
- Submit the Common Application (with Stern supplemental) or graduate program application portal
- Provide high school (or college) transcripts and course history
- Submit SAT/ACT (undergraduate) or GMAT/GRE (graduate) scores if submitting
- Provide letters of recommendation (academic, professional)
- Write personal essays and supplemental statements
- Complete optional interview (invitation-based)
- Accept offer and complete enrollment steps
Leonard N. Stern School of Business Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program | Deadline / Typical Period |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Early Decision I | November (year before matriculation) |
| Undergraduate Early Decision II | January |
| Undergraduate Regular Decision | January |
| MBA Round 1 Deadline | September 15 |
| MBA Round 2 Deadline | October 15 |
| MBA Round 3 Deadline | January 15 |
| MBA Round 4 Deadline | April 15 |
Essay Prompt
For undergraduate applicants, Stern often requires a supplemental essay in which students reflect on their motivations, leadership, community impact, or how they would contribute to Stern’s mission of business with purpose. Graduate applicants may be asked to write essays about career goals, major decisions, leadership experiences, and how they will leverage Stern’s resources to make impact.
Leonard N. Stern School of Business Scholarships
Stern offers merit-based scholarships and fellowships for high-achieving students across undergraduate and graduate admissions. Scholarship amounts vary and may depend on academic credentials, leadership potential, diversity initiatives, and special programs (e.g. social impact fellowships). Some awards are renewable if certain academic standards are met. Students may also combine Stern scholarships with NYU-wide financial aid.
Leonard N. Stern School of Business Tuition and Fees
| Program | Approximate Cost / Annual Rate |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (NYU, business school rate) | ~$67,430 per year for full-time students |
| MBA Tuition (full-time) | $86,916 for tuition alone; full cost of attendance higher |
| Executive MBA Total Program Cost | ~$232,880 (NYC cohort, include fees, materials, global residencies) |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Stern enrolls a diversified student body across its programs. Undergraduate cohorts often balance gender representation roughly evenly or with a modest male/female skew, depending on the year, and include significant international student presence. Racial and ethnic diversity is substantial, with representation of Asian, Hispanic, Black, White, and multiracial students. In MBA programs, students are drawn globally, with ages typically in the late 20s to early 30s, and work experience averaging around 5 years.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
NYU and Stern adhere to institutional policies of support for students from underrepresented, low-income, and disability backgrounds. Financial aid, accommodation offices, and student support services help facilitate access and success. Scholarship initiatives and diversity programs help reduce barriers for students from marginalized communities. Disability services provide accommodations, assistive technologies, and inclusive design in classrooms and digital platforms.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Program / Cohort | Estimated Count / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Stern Students | ~2,800 |
| Faculty (all types) | ~472 |
| International / Study-Away Usage | Many undergraduate students engage globally; international students represent a significant portion in graduate programs |
| MBA Cohort Size | Several hundred per entering class (varies year by year) |
University Diversity
Diversity is deeply embedded in Stern’s culture. Stern emphasizes global outlook, cross-cultural exchange, and inclusive dialogue in coursework and leadership programs. Its many study-away sites, global immersion projects, and international exchange partnerships bring students into contact with diverse cultural and business settings worldwide. Within New York City—a melting pot of cultures—Stern students are exposed daily to different languages, backgrounds, and worldviews. The curriculum emphasizes social impact, ethics, and business as a force for positive change, encouraging students to consider how diversity and equity factor into organizational success. Clubs, affinity groups, speaker series, conferences, and leadership initiatives further enrich the diverse environment by giving voice to underrepresented communities and fostering inclusive networks. By attracting students from around the world and across the socioeconomic spectrum, Stern strengthens the breadth of perspectives in classrooms, enabling richer discussions, broader problem-solving, and better preparedness for operating in global settings.
Average Earnings
Stern graduates typically enjoy strong career outcomes. Undergraduate alumni often go to leading firms in finance, consulting, technology, real estate, and entrepreneurship. According to Stern’s published career outcomes, over 95% of undergraduates secure employment or graduate school placement within three months of graduation, with average compensation (including bonuses) around $107,157. Graduate MBA alumni report even higher compensation, with starting salaries well above six figures, often exceeding $160,000 depending on location, industry, and bonuses. These figures reflect Stern’s connectivity to the NYC business ecosystem, active alumni networks, strong corporate recruitment, and emphasis on experiential learning. Over time, Stern graduates tend to advance into leadership, entrepreneurial, or strategic roles, further elevating lifetime earning potential. The return on investment is bolstered by Stern’s global brand, access to major industry hubs, and robust career services.
Leonard N. Stern School of Business Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Stern’s faculty includes tenured professors, tenure-track faculty, clinical faculty, visiting scholars, and adjunct professors drawn from academia, industry, and global institutions. With roughly 472 in total across various roles, Stern maintains a high faculty-to-student ratio to support rigor and mentorship. Non-faculty staff include administrative personnel, program and admissions offices, career development, research centers, IT, student services, and financial aid offices. The staff structure supports cross-disciplinary collaboration and student success.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at Stern are recognized leaders in finance, marketing, strategy, economics, data science, social impact, and behavioral decision sciences. They publish in top academic journals, consult for corporations, and serve as thought leaders. The dean, Bharat N. Anand, is a notable economist whose scholarship centers on competition in information goods and digital strategy, with prior academic leadership roles. Many faculty receive teaching awards and lead executive programs, global initiatives, and interdisciplinary research. Stern often recruits faculty who bridge academia and industry, so students benefit from research-informed teaching and real-world insight. Faculty achievements include major grants, consulting engagements, editorial roles, award-winning publications, and high-impact case work.
Leonard N. Stern School of Business Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Stern is integrated within NYU’s campus in Greenwich Village, meaning students live in dorms or apartments across the broader NYU residential network. Housing options range from university-run residence halls to NYU-affiliated shared apartments, often located in Manhattan neighborhoods. Costs depend on location, room type, and meal plans; full-time students should budget substantial housing and living expenses in New York City. Stern students benefit from proximity to labs, coworking spaces, study lounges, and interdisciplinary hubs. The dense urban campus encourages walking, public transit use, and immersion in city life. Social, cultural, and business events are frequent and accessible given Stern’s central location.
Transportation
Being in Manhattan, Stern students leverage New York’s robust public transit system: subways, buses, commuter trains, and bike networks. Many students commute using MetroCard, CitiBike, or walking. Campus mobility is seamless, with classrooms, libraries, and administrative buildings in close proximity. For off-campus internships or events, students regularly use public transit or rideshares. NYU also facilitates shuttle services in some instances, particularly for evening programs. The urban placement gives Stern students a competitive advantage in accessibility to industry sites, corporate offices, cultural institutions, and networking venues across NYC.