Pace University logo

Pace University

New York, NY Private ยท Urban Est. 1906 www.pace.edu
Accept Rate
77.14%
Grad Rate
61.4%
Enrollment
7,725
Avg SAT
1232
Tuition
$51,424
Median Salary
$70,378
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Pace University feels like a dynamic launchpad, blending the focused energy of a private business school with the relentless pulse of New York City. Students are ambitious and career-driven, often balancing internships and classes with the vibrant city life just steps away. Itโ€™s a place where ambition meets opportunity, and the campus buzzes with a constant sense of forward momentum.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

77.14%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 123275th Pctl
11301328
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2675th Pctl
2429
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your career goals and initiative in your application essays; Pace values students who are driven and know what they want. Since the acceptance rate is 77%, your GPA and course rigor matter more than perfect test scores, so focus on maintaining strong grades. If you have relevant work or internship experience, make sure to feature it prominently to show your commitment to your chosen field.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1232
40080012001600
School range: 1130โ€“1328

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Pace is a powerhouse in business, with the Lubin School of Business holding prestigious AACSB accreditation and strong ties to Wall Street. The university excels in experiential learning, offering robust internship programs and research opportunities that leverage its prime NYC location. Teaching quality is generally hands-on, with faculty who are often industry professionals bringing real-world expertise into the classroom.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
22.2%
Health Professions
15.4%
Visual & Performing Arts
14.7%
Communications
10.1%
Computer Science
6.9%
Social Sciences
6.2%
Psychology
6.1%
Criminal Justice
4.1%
Biology & Biomedical
3.7%
Education
2.5%
English & Literature
2.4%
Natural Resources
1.4%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

61.4%
Graduation Rate
76.7%
Retention Rate
7,725
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$51,424
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$31,046
After financial aid
Total Cost
$68,092
Cost of attendance/year
27.1%
Receive Pell Grants
46.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in New York

Your playground is New York City. Students dive into the culture, catching Broadway shows, exploring world-class museums like MoMA and the Met, and hunting for vintage finds in SoHo. For fun, you can grab a slice in the Village, bike along the Hudson River Park, or hop on the subway for a concert in Brooklyn.

Local Rent Check

$2,451 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in New York
Explore New York

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$205,696
$0Est. 4 Years: $205,696

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($70,378):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Pace's campus in downtown Manhattan is located in a busy, well-trafficked area, with campus security actively present. The university provides a 24/7 campus escort service and utilizes an emergency alert system, though students should always practice standard urban awareness.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Prime downtown Manhattan location provides unparalleled access to internships and networking.
  • โœ“ Strong business and finance programs with direct pipelines to Wall Street firms.
  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it a viable option for students targeting NYC.
  • โœ“ Emphasis on experiential learning through internships and real-world projects.

Cons

  • โœ— High tuition and associated costs of living in New York City.
  • โœ— Graduation rate of 61.4% is below the national average for private universities.
  • โœ— Campus is urban and integrated into the city, which may lack a traditional 'college town' feel.

Notable Alumni

James Patterson
Bestselling author of the Alex Cross and Women's Murder Club series.
Diane Sawyer
Renowned broadcast journalist and former anchor for ABC World News Tonight.
Michael Kors
World-renowned fashion designer and founder of the Michael Kors brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pace University is particularly well-known for its Lubin School of Business, which is accredited by the AACSB and has deep connections to the financial industry. It also has strong programs in performing arts (at its Pleasantville campus), health professions, and computer science. Its primary identity is as a career-focused institution that leverages its New York City location for practical experience.

No, Pace University is not considered highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 77.14%, it is considered accessible for a wide range of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1130 and 1330 and a solid high school GPA. While it's not a 'reach' school, a strong academic record is still necessary for admission.

Campus life is fast-paced and heavily influenced by its urban setting. Students are often engaged in internships, part-time jobs, and exploring the city, which is a major part of the student experience. While there are on-campus clubs and events, the true 'campus' extends into Manhattan, offering endless opportunities for entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences.

The value of a Pace degree depends heavily on your major and career path. For students in business, finance, and certain tech fields, the strong NYC connections and internship opportunities can lead to high-paying jobs that justify the cost. The average net price of $31,046 is a more realistic figure, and for those who graduate and enter high-earning fields, the ROI can be positive.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Goldman Sachs JPMorgan Chase & Co. Mount Sinai Health System IBM Deloitte
Smart Start Score
70

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1906
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 9,238
  • In-State Tuition $51,424
  • Zip Code 10038

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 33.7% โ™€ 66.3%

The Money Talk

With a high sticker price, the value of a Pace degree hinges on its strong ROI in specific fields like business and finance. The 10-year median earnings of $70,378 are solid, and the average net price of $31,046 is more manageable than the tuition suggests, especially for students leveraging aid. For those pursuing high-earning careers in NYC, the investment can pay off quickly, but it requires a strategic approach to funding.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Marquette University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $51,424
Housing (12 mo) $29,412
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $88,036
With avg financial aid:
$31,046/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.