Brigham Young University Stats Reveal A Surprising Pattern
- 01. Brigham Young University Admissions Statistics: The Numbers You Need to Know
- 02. Key Admissions Statistics for 2026
- 03. Historical Acceptance Rate Trends
- 04. Transfer Student Admissions Data
- 05. Test Score Requirements and Ranges
- 06. Application Requirements and Process
- 07. Demographics and Enrollment Statistics
- 08. International Student Requirements
- 09. What Changes Your Admission Plan
- 10. Tuition and Cost Information
Brigham Young University Admissions Statistics: The Numbers You Need to Know
Brigham Young University admits approximately 70.2% of freshman applicants for Spring/Summer/Fall 2026, with 9,870 students admitted out of 14,067 applicants. The middle 50% GPA range for admitted freshmen is 3.86-4.00, the middle 50% ACT score range is 28-32, and the middle 50% SAT range is 1300-1430. Transfer students face a 54.8% acceptance rate with a middle 50% GPA of 3.53-3.91.
Key Admissions Statistics for 2026
The most recent entrance stats from BYU's official Enrollment Office reveal a moderately selective admissions landscape. For the Spring/Summer/Fall 2026 cycle, the university received 14,067 freshman applications and admitted 9,870 students, resulting in a 70.2% admission rate. This represents a slight increase from the 67.8% acceptance rate reported for the 2024 application year.
- Freshman Applicants: 14,067
- Admitted Students: 9,870
- Admission Rate: 70.2%
- Middle 50% GPA: 3.86-4.00
- Middle 50% ACT: 28-32
- Middle 50% SAT: 1300-1430
Notably, BYU was test optional for spring/summer/fall 2026, yet 57% of admitted applicants chose to submit test scores. This suggests that while standardized tests aren't mandatory, many competitive applicants still include them to strengthen their applications.
Historical Acceptance Rate Trends
Understanding BYU's historical trajectory provides crucial context for prospective students. The acceptance rate has fluctuated significantly over the past decade, ranging from a low of 48.05% in 2015 to peaks above 69% in recent years.
| Year | Total Applicants | Total Admitted | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 11,698 | 7,929 | 67.8% |
| 2023 | 11,006 | 7,615 | 69.2% |
| 2022 | 10,559 | 7,040 | 66.67% |
| 2021 | 11,608 | 6,870 | 59.0% |
| 2020 | 11,292 | 7,820 | 69.22% |
| 2015 | 13,376 | 6,427 | 48.05% |
The data shows significant improvement in accessibility over the years, with the acceptance rate rising from 48.05% in 2015 to nearly 70% in 2026. However, recent years demonstrate fluctuation, indicating a competitive yet variable admissions landscape.
Transfer Student Admissions Data
Transfer applicants face different statistics than freshman applicants. For Spring/Summer 2026, BYU received 704 transfer applications and admitted 386 students, yielding a 54.8% transfer acceptance rate.
The middle 50% GPA range for admitted transfer students is 3.53-3.91, which is notably lower than the freshman range of 3.86-4.00. This differentiated GPA requirement reflects the university's holistic review process for transfer candidates who may have strong college coursework despite different high school profiles.
Test Score Requirements and Ranges
Standardized testing plays a significant role in BYU admissions decisions despite the test-optional policy. The average SAT score of enrolled students is 1,360, while the average ACT score is 30. Half the applicants admitted to BYU who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1290 and 1450 or an ACT score of 28 and 32.
- SAT Math: Average 640
- SAT Critical Reading: Average 640 (total 1,280-1,360 range)
- ACT Composite: Average 30 (middle 50%: 28-32)
- SAT Composite: Middle 50% 1300-1430
- 57% of admitted students submitted test scores in 2026
These competitive test score ranges indicate that while BYU accepts students without test scores, submitting strong scores can enhance admission chances.
Application Requirements and Process
Applicants to Brigham Young University must submit five required items: High School GPA, High School Record, Recommendations, English Proficiency Test (for international students), and a Personal Statement or essay. The application fee is $35, which is standard across most application cycles.
BYU uses a holistic review process where all parts of the application are considered, meaning a certain GPA or ACT score does not guarantee admission. Admissions officials consider GPA a very important academic factor, and letters of recommendation are also considered very important.
Demographics and Enrollment Statistics
Brigham Young University enrolls more than 35,000 students total, with undergraduate enrollment at 32,952 students. For the 2024-25 academic year, 5,470 men and 6,228 women applied, with 3,324 men and 4,605 women admitted. Among admitted students, 2,581 males and 3,566 females enrolled.
The university is located in Provo, Utah, founded in 1875, and operates as part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Church Educational System. BYU is classified as a high research activity institution offering degrees across business, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and sciences.
International Student Requirements
International students considering BYU must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.86 on a 4.0 scale and provide additional documentation including official transcripts, 3 teacher recommendations, and English proficiency test scores. Accepted English proficiency tests include TOEFL iBT (70-85), IELTS (6.5-7.0), and PTE (53), all taken within 2 years of application.
The acceptance rate for international applicants (58.9%) is lower than for domestic applicants (67.9%), reflecting additional requirements and competitive standards for non-U.S. students. International students must also provide a valid passport and proof of work experience for postgraduate programs.
What Changes Your Admission Plan
These numbers might change your plan in several important ways. First, the 70.2% acceptance rate indicates BYU is moderately selective rather than highly competitive, making it an accessible option for high-achieving students. Second, the test-optional policy for 2026 provides flexibility for students with strong GPAs but weaker test scores.
However, the near-perfect GPA expectations (middle 50% of 3.86-4.00) mean that students below a 3.7 GPA face significant challenges unless other application components are exceptional. The yield rate of 77.53% also indicates that admitted students frequently enroll, suggesting strong student satisfaction and program quality.
"BYU uses a holistic review process. All parts of the application are considered so a certain GPA or ACT score does not guarantee admission."
This official admissions statement from BYU's Enrollment Office emphasizes that students should present well-rounded applications beyond just test scores and GPA.
Tuition and Cost Information
While not directly part of admissions statistics, understanding BYU's cost structure helps prospective students plan realistically. Graduate programs like MBA and MS Computer Science cost approximately $15,020 per year, while undergraduate programs like BS Computer Science and BS Medical Laboratory Science cost around $11,940 annually.
These competitive tuition rates, combined with BYU's strong academic reputation and high yield rate, make it an attractive option for students seeking quality education at reasonable cost.
Key concerns and solutions for Brigham Young University Stats Reveal A Surprising Pattern
What is the BYU application deadline?
The application deadline at Brigham Young University is December 15 for regular admission, with a priority application deadline of June 10 for housing considerations.
What GPA do you need for BYU admissions?
The middle 50% GPA range for admitted freshmen is 3.86-4.00, meaning most admitted students have near-perfect GPAs, though the holistic review process considers all application components.
Is BYU test optional for 2026?
Yes, BYU was test optional for spring/summer/fall 2026, with 57% of admitted applicants voluntarily submitting test scores to strengthen their applications.
What ACT score do you need for BYU?
The middle 50% ACT score range for admitted freshmen is 28-32, with half of admitted students scoring above this range and half scoring below.
What is the BYU acceptance rate for international students?
Domestic applicants had a 67.9% acceptance rate, while only 58.9% of international applicants were accepted for the 2024 cycle.
Does BYU require letters of recommendation?
Yes, letters of recommendation are required and considered very important by admissions officials at Brigham Young University.
What is the BYU yield rate?
BYU's yield rate (enrollment rate) is 77.53%, with 6,147 students enrolled out of 7,929 admitted for the 2024-25 academic year.
When will fall 2026 transfer stats be available?
Stats including transfer applicants for fall 2026 will be added after the June transfer applicant decision notification.
What percentage of admitted students submit test scores?
57% of admitted applicants opted to have a test score considered during the spring/summer/fall 2026 cycle despite test-optional status.