Thinking of earning a graduate degree?
Let us help you do it affordably.
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.
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.
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). Dean’s Scholars agree to service commitments and responsibilities, such as serving as an NYUSPS peer mentor, participating in student organizations, and completing community service. Applications for 2024/2025 are no longer being accepted. The application will reopen March, 2025. For more inquiries, please email sps.deansscholars@nyu.edu.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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 $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!
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.