Grants and scholarships are financial aid that you don’t have to pay back. Most graduate scholarships are merit-based, though some may consider your financial circumstances. Below are scholarships and grants offered through NYU SPS. Academic departmental awards also are available.

NYU SPS is rarely able to meet full financial need through scholarships and grants. We encourage students to seek out both SPS-based and external funding opportunities.

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 SPS are encouraged to apply (domestic and international students). Dean’s Scholars agree to service commitments and responsibilities, such as serving as a peer mentor, participating in student organizations, and completing community service.

Applications for 2024–2025 are no longer being accepted. The application will reopen in March 2025. For more information, please email sps.deansscholars@nyu.edu.

Some SPS graduate programs offer departmental scholarships based on 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:

• College Board
• CollegeNet
• Fastweb
• NY Scholarships and Grants
• Optimal
• Sallie Mae
• Unigo
• Scholarships.com

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, as well as 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
• MS in Tourism Management

NYU has a long-standing commitment to public service in local and global communities. We recognize and applaud the contributions of AmeriCorps volunteers. NYU SPS 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. SPS 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.

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 loan amounts, interest rates, and repayment plans can be found here.

A variety of additional, private (non-federal) alternative loans are also 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 Office of the NYU Bursar provides several payment plans to assist students with their tuition payments.

More than 50% of students attending NYU SPS are international. Here are options to explore:

• Funding options in home countries
• Departmental Scholarships
• Private loans

External scholarships, which can be found through websites that compile this information, including: Foundation Center, Institute of International Education, International Education Financial Aid, Peterson's Education Center, and Education USA.

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 is also available.

Once you understand your benefits, we can help you plan the best financial path for you. Learn more here.

Military veterans and their family members qualify for a range of military benefits and additional financial aid and scholarships. NYU SPS 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. SPS currently provides a $12,500 Yellow Ribbon award which is matched by the VA for an annual award total 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!