Financial Aid
Thinking of earning a graduate degree?
Let us help you do it affordably.
Earning a master's degree can help you to qualify for jobs that specifically require an advanced level credential. Doing so can also help you to advance in your current career and increase your salary. At NYU SPS, we know that committing to earning a graduate degree requires careful financial planning. Our goal is to help you make well informed decisions by ensuring that you are aware of all of your options and putting together a plan that works best for you.
Explore Your Options
Scholarships and Grants
Grants and scholarships are kinds of financial aid that you don’t have to pay back. While scholarships can be merit or need-based, most grants are based on your specific financial circumstances. Below are scholarships and grants offered through NYU SPS. Substantial academic departmental awards also are available.
NYU School of Professional Studies Grant
The NYUSPS Grant is available to graduate students who have a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. This grant is based upon need and enrollment each semester as follows:
- 9+ credits = $2,500
- 6 credits = $1,000
You must complete the FAFSA annually to be qualified for the NYUSPS Grant, and you must enroll in a minimum of 6 credits per semester. The NYUSPS Grant is not awarded during summer semesters.
Dean's Scholars Program
The Dean’s Scholars Program recognizes outstanding graduate students with a scholarship of $5,000 per semester. All NYUSPS graduate students are encouraged to apply (domestic and international). Applicants must have completed at least 9 credits at NYUSPS prior to applying, must be enrolled at least part-time (6 credits), and must have a minimum GPA of 3.7. Dean’s Scholars agree to service commitments and responsibilities, such as serving as an NYUSPS ambassador, attending meetings with the dean, participating in student organizations, and completing community service. Applications for the upcoming year are available in early spring. For more information, please email sps.deansscholars@nyu.edu.
Academic Department Scholarships
Some NYUSPS graduate programs offer departmental scholarships based upon financial need and/or academic merit. The majority of departmental awards are open to continuing students after a set number of credits are completed and academic merit in the program is established. Requirements and award amounts vary. Detailed information can be found on the Graduate Scholarships page or by contacting your academic department.
External Scholarships
We always encourage our students to explore external scholarship opportunities. Scholarship search engines to consider include:
Peace Corps Coverdell Fellowship
The NYU Peace Corps Coverdell Fellowship, for returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs), consists of a 50 percent tuition scholarship and participation in leadership development programming overseen by the NYU Leadership Initiative. The Coverdell Fellowship award at NYUSPS also includes a book stipend. All NYU Coverdell Fellows must complete an internship at an organization assisting an underserved community in the greater New York City metropolitan area. RPCVs also receive a waived admissions application fee. Participating programs include: MS in Global Affairs, MS in Real Estate, MS in Professional Writing, MS in Hospitality Industry Studies and the MS in Tourism Management.
AmeriCorps Matching Scholarship
New York University (NYU) has a long-standing commitment to public service in local and global communities. We recognize and applaud the contributions of AmeriCorps volunteers. The NYU School of Professional Studies will waive the admissions application fee for AmeriCorps alumni and is proud to offer a 100% match to the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for up to five AmeriCorps alumni each year.
NYC Mayor's Graduate Scholarship
The Mayor's Graduate Scholarship Program (MGSP) is an opportunity for full-time New York City local government employees (employed by a City agency) to pursue graduate education. NYUSPS provides Scholarship awards from $1,000-$3,500 each semester to awardees for the duration of their graduate program. Interested applicants should contact their Human Resources department for additional information
Loans and Payment Plans
Federal and private loans are available to help you pay for your graduate education. Federal loans require you filing a FAFSA. Payment plans offered through the NYU Bursar also available. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement, so if you are working, be sure to check with your HR department.
Federal Loans
Federal student loan programs offer low-interest student loan options for US citizens and permanent residents. Federal loan options for graduate students include:
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Graduate Plus Loans
You must first file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using NYUs school code (002785). See Student Loan Repayment for more information about these loan programs including interest rates and repayment plans.
Private Loans
A variety of additional, private (non-federal) alternative loans also are available from lending institutions. Please think carefully about your obligations as a borrower prior to pursuing any educational loan. Consider your educational investment at NYU, as well as your long-term financial commitments when borrowing.
Payment Plans
The NYU Office of the Bursar provides several payment plans to assist students with their tuition payments.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
If your employer provides tuition assistance or reimbursement, we are happy to accommodate such plans. Students who receive employer tuition reimbursement must complete and submit paperwork and documentation prior to the start of each term.
International Students
More than 50% of students attending NYU SPS are international. While US federal aid is not available to international students who seek to earn a graduate degree, other options are available including:
- Funding Options in Home Countries
- Departmental Scholarships
- Private Loans
- External Scholarships, which can be found through website that compile this information including: Foundation Center, Institute of International Education, International Education Financial Aid, Peterson's Education Center, and Education USA.
Military Veterans & Active Duty Military
Active duty members of the military and their family members qualify for a range of military benefits and additional financial aid and scholarships. If you are in the military now, your unit may pay for your tuition if you attend college in your off-duty time. Tuition assistance for military spouses and other family members also is available.
Once you have an understanding of your benefits, we can help you to plan the financial path best for you.
Military veterans and their family members qualify for a range of military benefits and additional financial aid and scholarships. NYUSPS is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, which provides scholarship assistance from the University and the US Department of Veterans Affairs. NYUSPS currently provides a $10,000 Yellow Ribbon award which is matched by the VA for an annual award total of $20,000.
To qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Enhancement, you must apply to the VA. The VA will determine your eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and issue you a Certificate of Eligibility. You may then contact the VA Certifications Team at certifications@nyu.edu. We appreciate your service!