BYU Admissions 2026: 68.7% Acceptance Rate, GPA, SAT, ACT & Application Strategy
Direct answer: BYU’s official admissions page lists a 68.7% freshman acceptance rate and 12,976 freshman applicants. That makes Brigham Young University moderately selective: many prepared students are admitted, but weak academics, rushed essays, late recommendations or missing endorsement steps can still hurt the application.
BYU admissions is different from many private universities because applicants are reviewed for academic readiness, personal conduct commitments, recommendations, essays, service, leadership, applicant interest and fit with the university’s mission.
This guide gives scan-first answers: acceptance rate, GPA strategy, SAT/ACT ranges, recommendations, ecclesiastical endorsement, deadlines, essays, activities, limited-enrollment majors, tuition, video guide, FAQs and official BYU links.
Official BYU admissions page lists a 68.7% freshman acceptance rate.
BYU’s official Y Facts application stats list 12,976 freshman applicants.
Useful score range for applicants deciding whether SAT strengthens the file.
Competitive ACT range for students who want testing to support readiness.
Quick navigation for BYU applicants
BYU acceptance rate 2026: answer first
| Search question | Best 2026 planning answer | What it means for applicants |
|---|---|---|
| BYU acceptance rate 2026 | 68.7% freshman acceptance rate from BYU’s official admissions page. | BYU is accessible for strong applicants, but not automatic. |
| Freshman applicant count | 12,976 freshman applicants. | The applicant pool is large enough that essays, recommendations and readiness still matter. |
| Transfer acceptance rate | 60.6% transfer acceptance rate from BYU’s official admissions page. | Transfer admission can be slightly more selective than freshman admission. |
| Transfer applicant count | 2,748 transfer applicants. | College coursework and transfer timing matter for transfer applicants. |
| Is BYU easy? | No. A 68.7% rate still means many applicants are not admitted. | Submit a complete, thoughtful application with strong academic and conduct evidence. |
BYU GPA, SAT and ACT: what is competitive?
GPA answer
No single guaranteed GPA cutoff. BYU wants sustained academic achievement, strong course preparation and honest self-reporting/transcripts.
SAT answer
1290–1450 is a reported SAT range. Use SAT only when it makes your application stronger.
ACT answer
28–32 is a reported ACT range. Strong ACT can support academic readiness.
Academic fit
BYU applicants should show readiness for demanding university work, not just interest in the campus culture.
| Academic factor | What BYU may notice | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| GPA | Strong grades over time show academic discipline. | Protect senior-year grades and avoid a weak final year. |
| Course rigor | BYU can evaluate whether you challenged yourself with available courses. | Take strong English, math, science, social science and language/prep courses where possible. |
| SAT | A high SAT can support academic readiness. | Use BYU’s current ACT/SAT instructions before sending scores. |
| ACT | ACT can strengthen the file when scores are competitive. | Submit or use scores strategically for your cycle. |
| Dual enrollment / college work | BYU expects accurate reporting of all institutions attended. | Do not hide concurrent enrollment or college transcripts. |
| International schoolwork | Non-U.S.-accredited schoolwork may need professional evaluation. | Start early because BYU says evaluation can take weeks or months. |
BYU application deadlines and timing
BYU deadlines are term-specific. Always confirm the exact term deadline on BYU’s official Application Deadlines page before submitting because dates can change by cycle.
| Timing item | What to know | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Application opening | BYU opens applications by term and provides cycle-specific dates. | Start as soon as the application opens so recommendations and endorsement are not rushed. |
| Priority deadline | Priority timing can affect scholarship and smoother review planning. | Submit before the priority date when possible. |
| Final deadline | All required sections must be complete by the final deadline. | Do not wait until the final evening; recommender and endorsement delays are common. |
| Scholarship timing | BYU scholarship deadlines may differ from admission tasks. | Complete scholarship applications separately if you want aid consideration. |
| International documents | International schoolwork evaluation and English proficiency can take extra time. | Begin evaluation and testing requirements early. |
| Mission deferment | Admitted students may need a mission deferment process if serving a mission. | Use BYU’s official mission deferment steps after admission and mission call timing. |
Ecclesiastical endorsement and conduct commitments
| Endorsement issue | Why it matters | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Current endorsement | BYU policy makes it required for admission. | Start the endorsement process early, not after essays are finished. |
| Honor Code | Applicants must commit to BYU’s conduct expectations. | Read the Honor Code and Dress and Grooming Principles before applying. |
| Latter-day Saint applicants | Usually work through their Church leader for endorsement. | Confirm the correct leader and timing before the deadline. |
| Non-Latter-day Saint applicants | May use an authorized ecclesiastical leader or BYU chaplain route depending on circumstances. | Ask BYU or use official endorsement guidance if you are unsure. |
| Withdrawn endorsement | BYU policy says admission/standing can be reviewed if endorsement is withdrawn. | Understand that endorsement is not only an application checkbox. |
BYU recommendations: who should write them?
BYU’s recommendation page explains that recommendations are completed through the application form. Extra recommendation letters outside the requested application process are not accepted for admission review.
| Recommendation type | Who can complete it? | What BYU is trying to learn |
|---|---|---|
| Seminary recommendation | If required, your most recent seminary teacher. | Priority given to seminary participation and gospel study where applicable. |
| High school teacher recommendation | A junior or senior year teacher from math, English, science or social science. | Academic challenge, work quality, problem-solving and classroom contribution. |
| Other recommendation | Someone who knows you well and is not a relative. | Integrity, goals, responsibility, maturity and how you handle challenges. |
| Additional outside letters | Not considered if not requested through BYU’s application form. | Follow the application system instead of sending extra documents. |
BYU essays, activities and fit: what actually matters
BYU admissions video guide
Watch the video, then use the checklist below to turn general BYU advice into an application plan.
BYU majors and limited-enrollment programs
BYU admission to the university is not always the same as admission to a specific major. Some programs have limited enrollment, separate application timing or internal admission requirements after you enroll.
| Applicant interest | What to watch | Best strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Business / Marriott School | Some business majors have limited enrollment and separate program admission. | Show math readiness, leadership, service, work experience and business curiosity. |
| Engineering / technology | Strong math and science preparation matter. | Use projects, coding, robotics, engineering clubs or technical work where available. |
| Fine arts / music / design | Some programs may require portfolio, audition or later program review. | Check department-specific requirements early. |
| Education / health-related fields | Professional programs may have prerequisites and additional review. | Plan courses and service experience carefully after admission. |
| Undecided | BYU has many majors, but undecided applicants should still show academic direction. | Explain interests honestly instead of pretending to have a finished career plan. |
BYU application checklist: scan before submitting
BYU application materials: what applicants should expect
| Material | Why it matters | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Application form | Central place for personal, academic, essays and activity information. | Rushing essays and leaving recommender forms too late. |
| Academic record | BYU needs accurate coursework and grade details. | Failing to disclose dual enrollment or all schools attended. |
| Recommendations | BYU asks recommenders to rate and describe academic, personal and values-related qualities. | Choosing people who cannot give specific examples. |
| Essays and activities | Show who you are beyond grades and scores. | Writing broad, polished paragraphs with no concrete evidence. |
| Ecclesiastical endorsement | Required under BYU admission policy. | Starting endorsement after the application deadline is close. |
| International schoolwork | Non-U.S.-accredited work may need professional evaluation. | Waiting until the deadline even though evaluation can take weeks or months. |
BYU tuition and cost points applicants should know
| Cost question | Official BYU detail | Action for families |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time undergraduate tuition: Latter-day Saint | $3,344 per semester for 12+ credits on BYU’s admissions page. | Compare tuition with housing, food, books, travel and personal expenses. |
| Full-time undergraduate tuition: non-Latter-day Saint | $6,688 per semester for 12+ credits on BYU’s admissions page. | Plan for the higher non-member tuition rate if applicable. |
| Tuition subsidy | BYU says the Church subsidizes tuition prices through members’ tithing funds. | Understand why BYU tuition differs by Church membership status. |
| Scholarships | Scholarship steps can have separate deadlines. | Complete scholarship applications and FAFSA/aid steps early. |
| Mission deferment | Mission deferment is available after admission for students serving missions. | Follow BYU’s official deferment process instead of simply not enrolling. |
International applicants: quick answers
BYU says domestic and international applicants use the same application, but international background can add requirements.
Non-U.S.-accredited high school or college work must be professionally evaluated, and BYU warns this can take weeks or months.
Applicants who need English proficiency proof will see that section in the application.
Admitted international students receive instructions from BYU International Student and Scholar Services.
Common mistakes that hurt BYU applicants
- Thinking 68.7% means automatic admission: BYU still denies many applicants.
- Starting recommendations late: Seminary, teacher and other recommenders need time.
- Treating endorsement as a checkbox: Ecclesiastical endorsement is required for admission.
- Writing generic essays: BYU essays should show real examples of values, service, learning and responsibility.
- Ignoring senior grades: BYU can care about the full academic pattern.
- Hiding dual enrollment: BYU policy emphasizes full and accurate disclosure of institutions attended.
- Only focusing on SAT/ACT: Scores are only one part of the application.
- Forgetting major competitiveness: Limited-enrollment programs may require later internal application.
- Missing international evaluation timing: Professional evaluation can take weeks or months.
- Not checking official deadlines: Term deadlines can change, and all materials must be submitted on time.
Official BYU links and sources
The key facts above are already summarized in this guide. Use these official links before final submission to verify current admission rules, deadlines, endorsements, tuition and applicant-specific requirements.
Official BYU admissions page with freshman acceptance rate, freshman applicants, transfer acceptance rate and tuition snapshot.
Official hub for freshman, transfer, international applicants, application deadlines, ACT/SAT scores and application help.
Official explanation of seminary, high school teacher and other recommendation forms.
Official policy on admission, full disclosure, ecclesiastical endorsement and conduct commitments.
Official guidance for applicants with international schoolwork, English proficiency and visa-related next steps.
Official tuition-rate reference for current undergraduate, graduate and professional tuition details.
Official catalog page showing programs with internal limits, acceptance rates and application deadlines.
Admissions profile with reported acceptance rate inputs, SAT range and ACT range.
FAQs about BYU acceptance rate 2026
What is the BYU acceptance rate for 2026?
For 2026 planning, BYU’s official admissions page lists a 68.7% freshman acceptance rate and 12,976 freshman applicants.
Is BYU hard to get into?
BYU is moderately selective. A 68.7% acceptance rate means admission is realistic for prepared students, but not automatic.
How many students apply to BYU?
BYU’s official admissions page lists 12,976 freshman applicants. It also lists 2,748 transfer applicants.
What GPA do you need for BYU?
BYU does not publish one guaranteed GPA cutoff. Strong grades, rigorous courses, honest reporting and strong recommendations matter.
What SAT score is good for BYU?
A reported BYU SAT range is 1290–1450. Applicants should follow BYU’s current ACT/SAT instructions for their cycle.
What ACT score is good for BYU?
A reported BYU ACT range is 28–32. A score in or above that range can support academic readiness.
Does BYU require an ecclesiastical endorsement?
Yes. BYU’s admission policy states that applicants must have a current ecclesiastical endorsement to be admitted.
What recommendations does BYU require?
BYU may require a seminary recommendation if applicable, a high school teacher recommendation and another recommendation from someone who knows the applicant well and is not a relative.
How much is BYU tuition?
BYU’s official admissions page lists full-time undergraduate tuition at $3,344 per semester for Latter-day Saint students and $6,688 for non-Latter-day Saint students.
How can I improve my BYU application?
Earn strong grades, take rigorous courses, prepare specific essays, choose recommenders early, complete the ecclesiastical endorsement, show service and leadership, and verify official BYU deadlines before submission.