BYU Acceptance Rate By Year: Why It's Changing Fast
Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, has maintained an overall acceptance rate fluctuating between 48% and 70% over the past decade, with recent years stabilizing around 67-70% amid rising applications.
BYU Acceptance Rate by Year: This Pattern Stands Out
From 2015 to 2024, BYU's undergraduate acceptance rates improved significantly from a low of 48.05% to 67.8%, reflecting expanded capacity and a self-selecting applicant pool tied to its LDS affiliation. This upward trend paused slightly in 2024 with 11,698 applicants and 7,929 admits, yielding 67.8%, down from 69.2% in 2023. The pattern highlights BYU's growing accessibility despite a 15% application surge since 2023, reaching nearly 13,500 for 2024-25 terms.
Historical Data Table
BYU publishes detailed admissions statistics annually, showing applicants, admits, and rates primarily for regular decision cycles. The table below compiles verified data from 2015-2024, revealing a sharp recovery post-2017 lows.
| Year | Total Applicants | Total Admits | Overall 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% |
| 2019 | 10,500 | 7,086 | 67.49% |
| 2018 | 11,205 | 7,224 | 64.47% |
| 2017 | 12,739 | 6,520 | 51.18% |
| 2016 | 12,858 | 6,738 | 52.4% |
| 2015 | 13,376 | 6,427 | 48.05% |
For Spring/Summer/Fall 2026, early stats show 14,067 freshman applicants with 9,870 admitted at 70.2%, continuing the stabilization.
Key Trends
- Post-2017 rebound: Rates jumped from 51.18% to over 64% by 2018, driven by enrollment management tweaks on January 15, 2018.
- Recent volatility: Dipped to 59% in 2021 amid pandemic shifts, then spiked to 69.22% in 2020 with test-optional policies.
- Application boom: Up 15% since 2023 to 13,500 for 2024-25, pressuring rates downward despite high yield (81%).
- Long-term rise: From 48% in 2015 to 67-70% average 2020-2024, contrasting national privates' tightening.
Steps to Improve Chances
- Target GPA benchmarks: Admitted freshmen average 3.86-4.00 (middle 50%), with transfers at 3.53-3.91.
- Boost test scores: Aim for ACT 28-32 or SAT 1290-1450, as 2026 stats confirm their weight.
- Meet December 15 deadline: $35 fee; ecclesiastical endorsement mandatory for LDS applicants.
- Highlight fit: Essays on character alignment with Honor Code differentiate in holistic review.
- Apply early: Winter semester options yield similar rates but faster decisions.
Profile of Admitted Students
BYU's admissions process emphasizes academic merit alongside ecclesiastical recommendations, creating a unique selector effect. For 2026 admits, middle 50% GPA spans 3.86-4.00, ACT 28-32, reflecting rigor without Ivy extremes. Transfers face 54.8% rates, prioritizing GPA over tests.
"BYU's acceptance rate stabilizes in the high 60s due to its sponsored model and self-selecting pool-applicants know the Honor Code commitment upfront," notes enrollment VP Carri Jenkins on February 7, 2025.
Yield hovers at 81%, higher than peers, as aligned students rarely defer or decline.
Comparisons to Peers
| University | 2024 Rate | Trend (2015-2024) | Applicants '24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BYU-Provo | 67.8% | ↑ 48% to 68% | 11,698 |
| BYU-Idaho | ~95% | Stable high | N/A |
| UVU | ~100% | Open access | >10k |
| Utah | 79% | ↓ Slight | ~15k |
BYU outperforms regional privates in selectivity while remaining accessible versus nationals like USC (12%).
Future Projections
With applications at 13,500+ for 2024-25 and counting, experts project 65-68% rates through 2027, assuming steady enrollment. Rising LDS global membership could sustain or boost applicants, but ecclesiastical screening caps volatility.
- Optimistic: 70%+ if test reinstatement boosts qualified pool.
- Pessimistic: Sub-65% on 15k+ apps without housing expansions.
- Baseline: 67%, per decade average.
Admissions Insights
BYU's holistic review weighs GPA (50%), tests (25%), essays/recommendations (25%). "We seek students who thrive in our value-driven community," per the enrollment site.
- Gather transcripts early-foreign credits need evaluation by October 15.
- Secure bishop/stake president endorsement; non-LDS need leader interview.
- Craft application by December 15; rolling admits follow.
- Prepare for Honor Code interview if shortlisted.
- Appeal denials with new data within 30 days.
Demographically, 2026 admits skew Utah-heavy (60%), with middle 50% ACT 28-32 signaling sustained standards. Women comprise 52% of class, per historicals.
Why the Pattern Stands Out
Unlike peers tightening amid demographics, BYU's rate rose via targeted growth-adding 1,000 beds in 2019-2021. This strategic expansion, announced March 12, 2019, reversed 2015-2017 squeezes.
"Applications jumped 15% since 2023 due to BYU's reputation and post-pandemic recovery," reported Deseret News on February 7, 2025.
| Factor | 2015 Impact | 2024 Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Applicants | 13,376 (Peak) | 11,698 (Stable) |
| Capacity | Limited | Expanded |
| Rate | 48.05% | 67.8% |
For 2026, 70.2% early rate suggests resilience; watch fall updates post-June 2026.
This data, current as of May 2026, equips applicants to benchmark realistically. Track BYU's site for updates.
Key concerns and solutions for Byu Acceptance Rate By Year Why Its Changing Fast
What is BYU's acceptance rate for 2026?
Early 2026 freshman stats show 70.2% (14,067 applicants, 9,870 admits); full fall data pending June.
Has BYU's acceptance rate increased over time?
Yes, from 48.05% in 2015 to 67.8% in 2024-a 40% relative gain-despite applicant growth.
Why did rates dip in 2017?
Peak applicants (12,739) overwhelmed capacity post-mission age changes, yielding 51.18%; resolved by 2018 expansions.
Is BYU test-optional now?
No, ACT/SAT required; middle 50% 28-32 ACT for 2026 admits underscores their role.
How competitive is BYU for transfers?
54.8% for Spring/Summer 2026 (704 applicants, 386 admits), GPA-focused at 3.53-3.91.
Does BYU favor in-state applicants?
No formal quota, but 60%+ hail from West; holistic review equalizes.
What GPA secures admission?
3.86-4.00 middle 50%; below 3.8 risks denial absent extenuating strengths.
BYU Law vs. Undergrad rates?
Law: 22.8% (649 apps, 148 accepts, 2025 ABA); far selective due to JD focus.