BYU Acceptance Rate By Year: A Trend You Didn't Expect
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.
Everything you need to know about Byu Acceptance Rate By Year A Trend You Didnt Expect
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.