Financial Aid

Attending graduate school is an investment in your future and a serious commitment of time and money. The Steinhardt School at NYU is committed to assisting graduate applicants in the process of financing their education. One way we do this is by offering partial tuition scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships that are based on merit and financial need. Such types of aid, combined with loans, college work-study, and student employment help both full-time and part-time students complete their advanced degrees.

Apply NOW Online - Graduate Programs

Each year, we award $2 million in scholarships to new students and in effect reward previous hard work by offering the larger scholarships to those candidates who have the strongest credentials and the greatest financial need.

Early application is crucial for the fullest consideration. Please read this section to explore the possibilities. Do not let the perceived high cost of graduate education dissuade you from considering the Steinhardt School. Because of our scholarship award process, attending NYU may be well within your reach.

General Application Procedures

  • Required Form -- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available from the Office of Financial Aid, New York University, 25West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012-1119; 212-998-4444. NYU recommends that you apply for financial aid using FAFSA on the Web at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. The University's institution code is 002785.
  • Supplemental Applications -- Several scholarship programs require a separate application. Please see the program descriptions listed below for details and deadlines.
  • Eligibility -- Master's and advanced certificate applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and eligible for federal financial aid may receive consideration for school based financial aid. Citizens of Canada and Mexico should review the detailed information below for special scholarship and loan opportunities. Citizens of other countries may be eligible for specifically developed loan programs and non-NYU sources of funding. More information may be found at www.nyu.edu/financial.aid/international.php.

    Full-time doctoral applicants who submit completed applications for admission by the December 15 deadline, regardless of country of citizenship, will receive consideration for scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.
  • Deadlines -- Submit the FAFSA by February 1 for fall enrollment or November 1 for spring enrollment.
  • Timing -- Apply for financial aid on time and do not wait to be accepted for admission. Applying after a deadline will delay the processing of student loans and may result in loss of consideration for scholarships. Official award letters are mailed beginning in late March for summer/fall and in late November for spring.

Back to top

New for 2008-09 Academic Year

NYU Steinhardt proudly announces the establishment of the NYU Energy Watch Fellowship. The goal of the NYU Energy Watch Fellowship is to support highly talented graduate students in New York University's Environmental Conservation Education Program (ENYC) whose studies are directed toward improving the environment and who demonstrate the potential for leadership in their field. Applicants are required to have strong leadership skills and a vision of how they will apply their academic training towards the solution of environmental problems. Academic achievement and evidence of past leadership and/or volunteer experience with environmental organizations will be considered in the selection process. Candidates will be selected during the regular Admissions process.

Scholarships for Math Education and Science Education

The Teach New York: NYC Partnership for Teacher Excellence Scholarship is a unique opportunity that encourages students to pursue a teaching career in a high-need area particularly at the middle-school level. High-need areas are currently identified as mathematics and science education. This competitive scholarship program seeks academically strong applicants who possess a commitment to teaching in the New York City public school system.

The NYU Gateway Math Education Program offers a variety of financial and academic support to help students become a certified mathematics teacher. Types of support include: Generous scholarships; Intensive summer math institutes; Best practices seminars; Paid internships as math tutors; Student teaching placements in a neighborhood network of middle schools and high schools close to campus; Close support from NYU faculty and from faculty in the schools; Membership in a community of mathematicians and educators that keeps on supporting you even after you graduate; and Job placement in New York City.

The Jewish Foundation for the Education of Women has provided multiyear funding to assist individual women directly while addressing teacher shortages in New York's public schools. Fellowships may be offered to new full-time master's applicants who wish to pursue the mathematics education or science education program. Fellowship recipients receive a one-time award of $15,000 in tuition assistance and agree to teach in New York City public schools after graduation. Consideration is automatically given to those who submit their application for admission and their FAFSA by February 1. No scholarship application required. All women, regardless of ethnicity or religious affiliation, are eligible, with serious consideration given to those women who show a strong interest and commitment to working in the New York City public school system and who have financial need (as evidenced by information submitted on the FAFSA).

The Math for America Fellowship Program is a unique academic and financial partnership between Math for America (MfA) and NYU Steinhardt which focuses on the shortage of adequately qualified mathematics teachers in our nation's public high schools. This fellowship program trains mathematically talented individuals to become high school math teachers and supports them in the early years of their careers. The program currently operates in New York City with the Steinhardt School serving as one of the partnership universities. Funds to support the Math for America Fellowship at NYU Steinhardt are provided in part through the NYU Gateway Math Education Program. The Math for America Fellowship Program is endorsed by the New York City Department of Education. MfA also provides the Math for America Master Teacher Fellowship, a four-year, $50,000 award available to outstanding teachers of mathematics in the New York City public high schools. The program's purpose is to recognize mathematics teachers who demonstrate solid mathematical knowledge and have outstanding performance records. For more information on either fellowship, visit the MfA Web site at http://www.mathforamerica.org/.

Back to top

Scholarships for Full-Time Students

21st Century Scholarships are offered to newly admitted Master's and Advanced Certificate applicants showing the greatest potential and who show the strongest fit with the vision and the mission of the Steinhardt School. Applicants must indicate their interest in full-time study on their admission application and meet all the general application deadlines. No scholarship application required.

Steinhardt Graduate Scholarships are offered by the Steinhardt School through the NYU Office of Financial Aid to full-time master's and doctoral students who are academically talented and show a need for financial assistance. Applicants must indicate their interest in full-time study on their admission application and meet all the general application deadlines. No scholarship application required.

The Deans Opportunity Scholarship is a competitive award for newly admitted Master's and Advanced Certificate students from underrepresented groups (African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans) who intend to pursue full-time study. A completed scholarship application, separate from the admission application and FAFSA, must be submitted by March 1 for the fall and November 1 for the spring to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Click here for the application and instructions.

The Next Step Scholarship is a competitive scholarship available only to graduates of NYU's Community College Transfer Program (CCTOP) who are enrolling in a master's program on a full-time, matriculated basis. A completed scholarship application, separate from the admission application and FAFSA, must be submitted by March 1 for the fall and November 1 for the spring to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Click here for the application and instructions.

The Peace Corps Returnee Scholarship is a competitive scholarship open to returned Peace Corps volunteers who are enrolling in a master's program on a full-time, matriculated basis. A completed scholarship application, separate from the admission application and FAFSA, must be submitted by March 1 for the fall and November 1 for the spring to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Click here for the application and instructions.

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU),Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges Scholarship, offered on a competitive basis, is designed for graduates of HBCUs, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges who wish to pursue graduate study on a full-time basis. A completed application, separate from the admission application and FAFSA, must be submitted by March 1 for the fall and November 1 for the spring to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Click here for the application and instructions.

The Health Professions Opportunity Scholarship is designed to assist applicants from historically underrepresented groups (African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans) who desire to enroll as full-time, matriculated master's students in any of the following health-related areas: physical or occupational therapy, community and international health, health education, nutrition, and speech pathology. A completed scholarship application, separate from the admission application and FAFSA, must be submitted by March 1 for the fall and November 1 for the spring to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Click here for the application and instructions.

The New York University Opportunity Fellowship is awarded on a highly competitive basis to new students from underrepresented groups (African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans) who exhibit strong academic ability. Several scholarships (some with stipend awards) are offered each fall to those intending to pursue full-time study in any degree program at the Steinhardt School. A completed scholarship application, separate from the admission application and FAFSA, must be submitted by March 1 (only available for the fall semester) to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Click here for the application and instructions.

The Graduate Education Scholarship for North American Scholars is a unique partial scholarship program for citizens of Canada or Mexico who wish to pursue graduate study at the Steinhardt School. Several awards are offered each fall semester on a competitive basis. A completed scholarship application, separate from the admission application, must be submitted by March 1 for the fall and November 1 for the spring to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Click here for the application and instructions.

The NYU Reynolds Program in Social Entrepreneurship offers up to twenty graduate fellowships each year to students from across the University. The program is a comprehensive initiative designed to equip the next generation of visionary change makers with the skills, resources and networking opportunities needed to help solve society's most intractable problems in sustainable and scalable ways. The graduate fellowship provides up to $50,000 over two years and dedicated curricular and co-curricular activities. The program also brings a comprehensive variety of social entrepreneurial resources to the university including an annual speaker series and new classes. Please visit the Reynolds Program web site at www.nyu.edu/reynolds for more information.

The Steinhardt Fellowship for Doctoral Study is a highly competitive and prestigious award for new doctoral candidates. Founders Fellows receive full tuition assistance for up to three academic years of full-time study, a generous yearly stipend, as well as individual faculty mentoring. All full-time doctoral applicants who submit a completed application for admission by the December 15 deadline are automatically considered for this fellowship. No scholarship application required.

The Phyllis and Gerald LeBoff Doctoral Fellowship in Media Ecology is a highly competitive and prestigious fellowship for new Ph.D. students in the Media, Culture, and Communication Program. The LeBoff Fellowship is designed to train the next generation of communications professorate and provides up to three years of full tuition assistance for full-time study as well as a generous stipend and individualized faculty mentoring. All full-time Ph.D. applicants to the Media, Culture, and Communication Program (MDPH) who submit a completed application for admission by the December 15 deadline are automatically considered for this fellowship. No scholarship application required.

The Steinhardt Fellowship in Education and Jewish Studies is open to applicants for the Ph.D. Education and Jewish Studies Program who have a previous degree in Jewish education or Jewish studies. Fellows receive full tuition assistance for up to three academic years of fulltime study, along with a generous stipend and individual faculty contact and mentoring. A separate application is not required. All full-time applicants to the Program in Education and Jewish Studies (EJST) who submit a completed application by the December 15 deadline are automatically considered for this fellowship. No scholarship application required.

Graduate / Teaching / Research Assistantships (GA/TA/RA) are awarded on a competitive basis and provide up to full-time tuition support, generous living stipend and student health insurance. Twenty hours of service related to the academic and professional responsibilities of the appointment are typically expected. No special application is required for new students since all eligible full-time applicants (domestic and international) are automatically considered for such positions provided they meet all appropriate deadlines. Preference and priority for assistantships is given to PhD and MFA candidates. MA candidates are considered for assistantship awards only under very limited circumstances. Candidates meeting the requirements for available positions will be contacted directly by program or department faculty.

The NYU Expository Writing Program offers positions as instructors and consultants to students who already hold a master's degree or who have completed at least one year of a master's program at NYU. These positions provide tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for teaching or consulting. Applications and additional information may be obtained by contacting the NYU Expository Writing Program, 269 Mercer Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10003-6687; 212-998-8860; www.nyu.edu/cas/ewp.

NYU's America Reads/America Counts, the largest such program in the nation, is an excellent opportunity for graduate students to earn money while working in a rewarding job. Working under the supervision of classroom teachers, NYU students help schoolchildren acquire literacy and/or math skills. Tutors need not be enrolled in a teacher preparation program or have prior tutoring experience, but must be able to make a minimum weekly commitment of six hours in blocks of no less than two hours. Tutors must have a federal work-study allotment determined on the basis of the FAFSA. For more information, visit steinhardt.nyu.edu/americareads.

Resident Assistantships (RAs) are available to full-time, matriculated graduate students. RAs are carefully selected and trained to provide support and assistance in various University residence facilities. The application and selection process for these highly competitive leadership positions begins early. Applications are available in late October for the next academic year. Applicants interested in applying for RA positions should contact the Department of Residential Education at 33Washington Square West, New York, NY 10011-9154; www.nyu.edu/residential.education; 212-998-4311.

Scholarships for Part-Time Study

Centennial Scholarships, for new part-time master's students, are awarded on a competitive basis and recognize superior academic achievement. No special application is required. All applicants who indicate part-time study on their application for admission and meet the appropriate application deadline are automatically considered. No scholarship application required.

The Jonathan Levin Urban Education Scholarship was created in memory of Jonathan Levin - an English teacher and graduate of the Steinhardt School warmly remembered by his colleagues and the high school students he taught in the Bronx. This award provides partial financial support to teachers who have provisional or initial certification. To be considered, applicants must have at least one year of teaching experience in a New York City school and have New York State certification. As well, candidates must apply to and be accepted into a secondary education program at the Steinhardt School. A completed scholarship application, separate from the admission application and FAFSA, must be submitted by March 1 to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Click here for the application and instructions.

The Mayor's Graduate Scholarship Program (MGSP) offers up to five partial tuition scholarships for part-time study to full-time New York City employees. Admission applications must be completed and submitted by February 1. Scholarship applications are available from the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). More information can be found at www.nyc.gov/mgsp.

Back to top

External Funding Opportunities

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Educational Foundation is one of the world's largest sources of funding exclusively for graduate women. This organization supports aspiring scholars around the globe, teachers and activists in local communities, women at critical stages of their careers, and those pursuing professions where women are underrepresented. Information on fellowships, grants, and awards may be found at http://www.aauw.org/.

The Janet H. and C. Harry Knowles Foundation was established in 1999 to strengthen the quality of science and mathematics teachers teaching in grades 9-12 in United States schools. The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation supports individuals and programs designed to encourage and sustain young scientists and mathematicians as they dedicate their lives to teaching other young people and to becoming leaders in the field of education. The Foundation also supports efforts that provide insight into how to best prepare high school science and mathematics teachers. To learn more about the Foundation's Teaching Fellowships, Research Fellowships, and Conference Series visit http://www.kstf.org/.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is a private independent foundation established by Jack Kent Cooke to help young people of exceptional promise reach their full potential through education. The Foundation focuses in particular on individuals with financial need by offering four scholarship programs: Graduate; Undergraduate Transfer; Young Scholars; and September 11. Learn more by visiting http://www.jackkentcookefoundation.org/.

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the nation's largest, oldest, most successful, and most comprehensive minority higher education assistance organization. UNCF provides operating funds and technology enhancement services for 38 member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), scholarships and internships for students at almost 1,000 institutions, and faculty and administrative professional training. The UNCF Web site at http://www.uncf.org/ provides information on thousands of scholarships and grants administered by the UNCF and other organizations.

The Jacob K. Javitz Fellowship Program provides financial assistance to students who have demonstrated superior academic ability and achievement, exceptional promise, and financial need and who undertake graduate study leading to a doctoral degree or a master's degree in which the master's degree is the terminal highest degree in the selected field of study. The U.S. Department of Education awards fellowships in selected fields of study in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Panels of experts appointed by the Javits Fellowship Board select fellows according to criteria established by the board. Students must demonstrate financial need by filing the FAFSA. The selected fields of study supported by the Javits Fellowship Program are available for review on the Web site at www.ed.gov/programs/iegpsjavits. Additional information is available by contacting the U.S. Department of Education, OPE, Jacob K. Javitz Fellowship Program, 1990 K Street NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20006-8524; 202-302-7542; ope_javits_program@ed.gov.

National AMBUCS Scholarships for Therapists are available to students in a program accredited by the appropriate health therapy profession authority in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and hearing audiology. Awards are based on financial need, U.S. citizenship, commitment to local community, demonstrated academic accomplishment, character for compassion and integrity, and career objectives. Only applications completed online at http://www.ambucs.com/ are acceptable.

The National Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) offers different scholarship programs for students of various educational backgrounds. All applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents of Hispanic heritage. Deadlines are typically in early fall. For more information, contact HSF via the Web site at http://www.hsf.net/.

National Prestigious Scholarship competitions offered by nationally recognized foundations such as the Soros Foundation, Luce Foundation,Mellon Foundation, and Fulbright Foundation require the endorsement of New York University. To learn more about these awards, visit www.nyu.edu/scholarships/nps.html. If you are a current student, you should check with your school to learn more about the application and nomination process.

The New York City Department of Education Incentive and Special Programs provide opportunities for college students seeking to become teachers and for current teachers eager to develop their skills and upgrade their credentials. Scholarships are available to bilingual individuals entering special education or pupil personnel programs (school counseling, school psychology, school social work). Scholarships are also available to bilingual and monolingual individuals entering related special education programs such as speech language pathology and audiology; visually impaired; or deaf and hard of hearing. Information and application requests can be made to the Office of Incentive Programs, Scholarship Program, 65 Court Street, Room 304, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 718-935-2449; http://www.teachny.com/.

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) provides grants for full-time study to New York State residents who demonstrate financial need. After submitting the FAFSA, legal residents of New York State receive a preprinted TAP application from the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), which they must complete and return for consideration. FAFSA information may be obtained by visiting http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Additional information on TAP may be found at http://www.hesc.state.ny.us/.

Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarships are available to applicants pending the appropriation of state funds. In return for scholarship support, recipients agree to practice in New York State in the profession for which they receive their award. Applicants must qualify in one of the established priority areas and be enrolled in or accepted to a designated licensure-qualifying program. To learn more about this program and eligibility requirements, contact the Office of K-16 Initiatives and Access Programs, Scholarship Unit, Room 1078 EBA, Albany, New York 12234-0001; 518-486-1319; kiap@mail.nysed.gov; or visit www.highered.nysed.gov/kiap.

The Spencer Foundation is intended to investigate ways in which education, broadly conceived, can be improved around the world. The foundation has been dedicated to the belief that research is necessary to the improvement in education. The foundation is thus committed to supporting high-quality investigation of education through its research programs and to strengthening and renewing the educational research community through its fellowship and training programs and related activities. More information about the foundation and their programs may be found online at http://www.spencer.org/.

Back to top

Federal Work-Study and Student Employment

Most financial aid award packages include "recommended academic year earnings." This means you are eligible to participate in the Federal Work-Study Program and may earn up to the amount recommended in your award letter. Federal Work-Study jobs, generally averaging from 15 to 20 hours per week, are secured through the Wasserman Center for Career Development. Positions in various on-campus departments and organizations are readily available (though not guaranteed) and usually pay $7.50 to $8.00 or more per hour. Academic year earnings are paid out on a biweekly basis and are normally used for books, transportation, and personal expenses.

You may instead choose to seek employment in an on campus or off-campus job in which wages are paid entirely by the employer's budget and not Work-Study. NYU provides a wide range of employment opportunities for students, and all are encouraged to take advantage of the placement services (including summer jobs) offered by the Wasserman Center for Career Development, located at 133 East 13th Street. You may use the center upon payment of your tuition deposit.

Back to top

Loans

The typical financial aid package for graduate students includes a "suggested student loan" amount. Applicants who have been admitted and who have their FAFSA on file will automatically be considered for student loans. There are no additional documents that need to be submitted unless specifically requested from the NYU Office of Financial Aid. Official award letters are mailed to students beginning in late March for summer and fall enrollment and in late November for spring enrollment. Additional information on the loan application process is provided with the award letter. Students receiving award letters should very carefully read and follow the instructions included with their letter to finalize loan processing and approval. Specific questions about loans may be directed to the NYU Office of Financial Aid by telephone at 212-998-4444; e-mail at financial.aid@nyu.edu; or in person at 25 West Fourth Street, New York, NY.

The Federal Stafford Student Loan Program makes subsidized and unsubsidized loans available to students attending at least half time. Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 in combined subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans each academic year, although no more than $8,500 of the total can be in the form of a subsidized loan.

Private Loans for Graduate and Professional Students

A number of loan programs are available to graduate students and their families. For further information, please visit www.nyu.edu/financial.aid/private.loans.g.php.

Private Loans for International Students

New York University has taken the lead in working with major U.S. lending institutions to provide supplemental education financing to NYU students from around the world. We are proud to say that a large number of current NYU international students have already benefited from these programs. International students are encouraged to visit www.nyu.edu/financial.aid/international.php to learn more about loan programs as well as to research funding available outside of NYU.

Citibank's CitiAssist Global International Loan is designated for students from all countries to meet the gap between the cost of education and any other financial aid an international student may receive. While there is no minimum loan amount, there is an annual loan limit of $30,000 for graduate students. Please call 888-812-5030 (toll free), or if calling from outside the U.S., call 605-331- 0821 collect to speak with a Citibank representative.

The Nellie Mae/Sallie Mae Signature Select International Loan Program is also for NYU international students from all countries. Designed to meet the gap between the cost of education and any other financial aid an international student may receive, there is a $500 minimum loan amount. Please visit www.nelliemae.com/schools/nyu/nyu.html for more detailed information or contact Sallie Mae at 800-695-3324. If calling from outside the U.S., call 850-767-7256 collect.

The Canadian Higher Education Loan Program is an innovative program designed to increase the opportunities for Canadian citizens who wish to study at colleges and universities in the U.S. Students may apply for up to the cost of education including tuition, fees, room and board, and all costs of attending college in the U.S. less other financial aid and/or loans. The minimum amount is U.S.$1,000 per academic year. Visit iefc.com or call 888-296-4332 or 866-334-6980 for more information.

Back to top

Additional Financial Aid Resources on the Web

Many organizations, including corporations, foundations, etc., offer scholarship assistance. For additional information, please visit the following Web scholarship search services:

Back to top

Payment Plans

TuitionPay Plan TuitionPay is a payment plan administered by SallieMae. The plan is open to all NYU students with the exception of the SCPS Non-Credit division. This interest-free plan allows for all or a portion of a student's educational expenses (including tuition, fees, room and board) to be paid in monthly installments.

The traditional University billing cycle consists of one large lump sum payment due at the beginning of each semester (August - for the Fall semester), and (January - for the Spring semester). TuitionPay is a budget plan that enables a family to spread payments over the course of the academic year. By enrolling in this plan, you spread your Fall semester tuition payments over a 4-month period (June through September); and your Spring semester tuition payment over another 4-month period (November through February). With this plan, you budget the cost of your tuition and/or housing, after deducting any financial aid you will be receiving and/or any payments you have made directly to NYU. A nonrefundable enrollment fee is required when applying for the plan. For additional information, contact the Office of the Bursar, New York University, 25West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012-1119; 212-998-2806; http://www.nyu.edu/bursar/payment.info/plans.html.

The Deferred Payment Plan allows students to pay 50 percent of the net balance due for the current semester and defer the remaining 50 percent until later in the semester. This plan is available to students who are matriculated and registered for 6 or more points without a previously unsatisfactory University credit record. For additional information, contact the Office of the Bursar, New York University, 25West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012-1119; 212-998-2806; http://www.nyu.edu/bursar/payment.info/plans.html.

Back to top

For Further Information

New and prospective students can contact the Office of Graduate Admissions, Steinhardt School, New York University, 82Washington Square East, New York, NY 10003-6680; 212-998-5030; steinhardt.gradadmissions@nyu.edu.

For help in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), call 800-4-FED-AID.

For general financial aid information, including questions about the FAFSA, contact the Office of Financial Aid, New York University, 25 West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012-1119; 212-998-4444; http://www.nyu.edu/bursar/payment.info/plans.html.

Back to top