FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS

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

Ready, Set, Fund: Financial Preparation for New Graduate Students

This informative session will address key financial aid topics to promote fiscal responsibility as you begin your graduate school journey. You'll learn about financial aid options, federal and alternative loans, payment plans, and strategies for managing tuition expenses.

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

9:30 AM until 10:30 AM EDT

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

6:00 PM until 7:00 PM EDT

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 >

"The funds I received through the Dean's Scholar's program really made a difference in the way I was able to finance my education."

Beginning in Spring 2025, the Distinguished Scholars Award is available to new graduate students beginning in the Spring or Fall semesters.

This merit-based scholarship is awarded based on the application for admission; no additional application or FAFSA is required. Domestic and international applicants to all SPS master's programs will be considered.

Scholarship amounts range from $7,000 to $11,000 over two years (two Spring and two Fall terms).

Scholarship funding availability may be limited. To guarantee consideration, apply by the first round application deadline. Students must register for a minimum of 6 credits in a given term to be eligible for their award.

The Dean’s Scholars Program recognizes outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who are currently enrolled and have completed at least one semester at NYU with a non-renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 (or $5,000 per semester). All degree bearing students at NYUSPS are encouraged to apply (domestic and international, in-person and online). Dean’s Scholars agree to service commitments and responsibilities, including serving as an NYUSPS peer mentor to incoming students. Applications for 2025/2026 will open February 25, 2025 and close on March 24, 2025. The application can be accessed HERE. For more inquiries, please email sps.deansscholars@nyu.edu.

2023-2024 Dean's Scholars

2022-2023 Dean's Scholars

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.

We always encourage our students to explore external scholarship opportunities. Scholarship search engines to consider include:

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.

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.

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.

The NYU SPS Grant is available to continuing graduate students whose first term at SPS was Fall 2024 or earlier. This grant is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, based on need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The grant amount is based on enrollment:

Registered for 9+ credits/semester = $2,500
Registered for 6 credits/semester = $1,000

You must complete the annual FAFSA to qualify for the NYU SPS Grant, and you must enroll in a minimum of 6 credits per semester. The NYU SPS Grant is not awarded during summer semesters.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes! Our Distinguished Scholars Award is a merit-based scholarship that is awarded based on the application for admission; no additional application or FAFSA is required. Domestic and international applicants to all SPS master’s degree programs will be considered. More information can be found here.

Unfortunately, we do not offer need-based scholarships for graduate students.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is needed for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-citizens to be reviewed for federal financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed on studentaid.gov.

I applied for financial aid. Where is my award?

NYU students who apply for financial aid in accordance with our priority deadlines are evaluated for financial aid and notified about the specific types and amounts of aid offered.An email with the appropriate link will be sent to you once your financial aid award package is available. Information about how to secure your aid will be provided in your financial aid award package and on your NYU Albert To-Do List. All communication regarding your financial aid will be available to you on NYU Albert.

Use our to Tuition Lookup Tool

We understand that coming to NYU SPS is an investment. Scholarship search engines such as Fast Web and Scholarships.com have also been used by many of our students to find scholarships based on their demographics and program. Additionally, we would highly encourage you to utilize the scholarship search tool at iGrad. You will log-in using your NYU credentials (no need to create a new account). Then search for scholarships and you will find the scholarship search tool.

There are a few differences between Unsubsidized loans and Grad Plus loans. Unsubsidized Loans have a lower interest rate, but the amount is capped at 20,500 for the academic year (Fall/Spring). Graduate Plus Loans have a higher interest rate, but you can be awarded up your Cost of Attendance. Please note that you must apply and have a credit-check run for your Graduate Plus loan. For more information on Federal Loans, please visit Federal Student Aid.

Once you accept your loans on NYU Albert, sign your MPN, and complete Entrance Counseling, credit is then posted to your account. The credit is provisional and does not change to real credit until 10 days before the start of the loan period.

You have the right to cancel all or part of any disbursement of a federal Direct Loan without being charged interest and other loan fees as long as the cancellation is processed within 120 days of the original disbursement date. The disbursement date is the date the funds were applied to your NYU Bursar bill during any given semester. To request a cancellation, they must make the request through the NYU Bursar’s Office by completing a Request to Return Loan Funds Form and submitting it to the Bursar as instructed on the form.

Applicants for federal student aid may be required to provide appropriate tax records if they are selected by the U.S. Department of Education for income and asset verification. You will be notified if this is necessary. The verification process may result in an adjustment to your financial aid award; verification can occur at any time throughout the year. If you do not provide tax documents when requested, your financial aid may be revoked.

We understand that investing in an NYUSPS education often requires a great financial commitment from our students and their families. NYU SPS has offered the best package that we can in the initial financial aid offer based on our resources. Unfortunately, there is not an additional appeal process.

Most of our faculty are active practitioners in the field and are not focused as much on research. As a result, graduate assistantships are not available. We also encourage our students to explore internship opportunities and provide assistance with obtaining internships through both the academic department and the Wasserman Center for Career Development. Once you are enrolled in coursework, you will have access to the NYU Handshake platform to find employment and internship opportunities.

Please email our team at sps.financialaid@nyu.edu for support including your areas of concern and your availability for a phone call or Zoom appointment.

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.

"My employer offered tuition reimbursement benefits that helped me pay for a portion of my graduate degree. I financed the rest through private 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). More information about these loan programs including interest rates and repayment plans can be found here.

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.

The NYU Office of the Bursar provides several payment plans to assist students with their tuition payments.

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.

Learn More

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 $12,500 Yellow Ribbon award which is matched by the VA for an annual award maximum of $25,000.

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!

NEED SOME GUIDANCE?

Not sure where to begin, want more information, have questions
related to the best approach to financial aid for you?

Review our comprehensive Financial Aid Guidelines and reach out to our team with any questions.

sps.financialaid@nyu.edu

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FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS

Explore your options

Ready, Set, Fund: Financial Preparation for New Graduate Students

Distinguished Scholars Award

Dean's Scholars Program

Academic Department Scholarships

External Scholarships

Peace Corps Coverdell Fellowship

AmeriCorps Matching Scholarship

NYC Mayor's Graduate Scholarship

NYU School of Professional Studies Grant

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does SPS offer any merit based scholarships for graduate students?

Does SPS offer any need- based scholarships for graduate students?

How do I apply for financial aid?

I applied for financial aid. Where is my award?

How much is tuition?

Do you know of any external scholarship opportunities that I can apply for?

What are the differences between the loans I am offered?

How/when do my Direct Loans get posted to my tuition account?

How/when do my Direct Loans get posted to my tuition account?

I have been flagged for verification, what is that?

Can I appeal for additional aid?

Does NYU SPS offer graduate assistantships or teaching assistant roles?

How can I speak to someone about my financial aid concerns?

Federal Loans

Private Loans

Payment Plans

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

MILITARY VETERANS & ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY

NEED SOME GUIDANCE?