NYU Financial Aid 2026–2027: Your Complete Guide to Affording New York University

NYU Financial aid combines money you don’t have to repay with funds you do. The system includes grants and scholarships first, then work-study opportunities, and finally federal and private loans.

Most undergraduate students who qualify will need to submit two main forms: the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the CSS Profile. The FAFSA connects you to federal and state programs, while the CSS Profile helps NYU calculate how much institutional aid you might receive.

Here’s what you need to know about the application timeline:

The FAFSA opens on October 1, 2025, for the 2026–2027 academic year. You can submit it anytime between October 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027, though earlier is always better. Many state aid programs have much earlier deadlines, some as early as October 2025.

NYU uses both forms to build your aid package, which is what most families want to know when they ask whether aid at the university is sufficient for their needs. For some students with very low incomes, packages can be strong. For many middle-income families, packages often include significant loans alongside grants.

What NYU Costs and How Aid Reduces That Price

Before you can evaluate any aid offer, you need to understand the full cost of attendance. This includes tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. NYU’s total cost is among the highest in the country.

Think of three key numbers when planning:

1. Sticker price – the full cost before any aid
2. Grants and scholarships – free money you don’t repay
3. Net price – what you actually pay after grants (not counting loans)

Undergraduate Costs for 2026–2027

Here’s what students can expect to pay at NYU’s New York campus for the 2026–2027 academic year:

Expense Category	Amount (Per Year)
Tuition (College of Arts & Sciences)	$65,622
Tuition (Stern School of Business)	$67,430
Tuition (Tisch School of the Arts)	$72,082
Housing and Meals	$20,000 – $25,000
Books and Supplies	$1,000 – $1,500
Personal Expenses	$2,000 – $3,000
Transportation	$1,000 – $2,000

Note: These are estimates based on Fall 2025 tuition rates, as 2026–2027 rates will be finalized in July 2026.

Your actual cost will depend on your specific school within NYU, whether you live on or off campus, and your personal spending habits. Many families focus on the net price after scholarships and grants rather than the sticker price when deciding if NYU fits their budget.

Types of Aid Available at NYU

NYU Grants and Scholarships

The most valuable aid comes in the form of grants and scholarships because you never have to repay them. NYU offers institutional grants based on financial need, along with some school-specific scholarships and limited merit awards.

The university uses your FAFSA and CSS Profile to determine need-based aid. They look at income, assets, and family circumstances to decide how much grant money to offer on top of federal and state programs.

The NYU Promise is the university’s commitment to first-time, first-year undergraduate students admitted to the New York campus. Under this policy, NYU meets 100% of demonstrated need, and families with income less than $100,000 and typical assets won’t have to pay tuition. However, “demonstrated need” is calculated using NYU’s institutional formula, which may differ from what families expect.

Outside scholarships can stack with NYU aid, though they sometimes reduce loan amounts rather than university grants. Always report outside scholarships to the financial aid office so they can adjust your package properly.

Federal and State Aid Programs

Filing the FAFSA opens access to several federal programs:

• Pell Grants: Up to $7,395 for the 2025–2026 year (amounts for 2026–2027 will be announced later)
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): Additional grants for students with exceptional need
• Federal Work-Study: Part-time jobs on or near campus
• Direct Subsidized Loans: For students with demonstrated need; the government pays interest while you’re in school
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Available regardless of need; interest accrues from disbursement
• Parent PLUS Loans: Federal loans for parents of dependent undergraduate students

New York State residents may also qualify for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other state grants. These programs are automatically layered into your aid package, so you see one combined award letter.

Work-Study and Student Employment

Federal Work-Study provides part-time employment opportunities, typically 10-15 hours per week during the academic year. Students earn at least minimum wage and use their paychecks to cover personal expenses rather than applying earnings directly to tuition.

Even if you don’t qualify for Work-Study, NYU offers many other on-campus employment opportunities through individual departments and offices.

Private Loans and Payment Plans

After exhausting grants, work-study, and federal loans, some students turn to private loans to close remaining gaps. These carry higher interest rates than federal loans and fewer borrower protections.

NYU offers tuition payment plans that let families spread costs over the semester without taking additional loans. This can be particularly helpful for families who can afford to pay but need more time to manage cash flow.

Who Qualifies for Aid at NYU

Undergraduate Students

Most degree-seeking undergraduate students at NYU can apply for aid, though eligibility and award amounts vary significantly. Students on the New York campus who submit both FAFSA and CSS Profile by the deadlines are considered for institutional grants, federal aid, and state programs.

Eligibility factors include:

• Family income and assets
• Household size
• Number of family members in college
• Unusual expenses (medical costs, care for elderly relatives)
• Special circumstances (job loss, divorce, death of a parent)

Transfer Students

Transfer students can receive aid, but packages may be smaller than first-year awards. The same application requirements apply: file the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the transfer deadlines.

Transfer students should be realistic about aid expectations. While aid is available, it’s often more loan-heavy than packages offered to incoming first-year students. Some transfers find that staying at their current institution or choosing a different transfer destination offers better aid opportunities.

Graduate and Professional Students

Graduate aid works differently from undergraduate aid. Most graduate students rely primarily on federal unsubsidized loans and Graduate PLUS loans. Some programs offer scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships, but these are typically competitive and limited.

Graduate aid by the school:

• Law School: Heavy loan-based with some merit scholarships and need-based grants
• College of Dentistry: Primarily loans with limited institutional aid
• Business School (Stern): Mix of merit scholarships and loans
• Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS): Fellowships and assistantships for PhD students; primarily loans for master’s students
• School of Professional Studies: Limited aid, often requires outside funding or employer support

Graduate students should contact their specific school’s financial aid office for detailed information about available funding.

International Students

International students have more limited aid options. Federal aid programs are restricted to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens, so international students typically rely on:

• NYU institutional grants and scholarships
• Outside scholarships from home countries or private organizations
• Family funding
• Sponsor support

Aid availability varies significantly by campus. NYU Abu Dhabi often offers more generous need-based packages to international students compared to the New York campus. International applicants should not assume NYU will meet their full need and should have a clear plan for covering costs before accepting admission.

How to Apply for Financial Aid at NYU

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

The FAFSA is your gateway to federal and most state aid. Here’s how to complete it:

1. Create an FSA ID at StudentAid.gov if you don’t already have one (both student and parent need separate FSA IDs)
2. Gather your documents: Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, tax returns, W-2s, investment records
3. Complete the online form at fafsa.gov starting October 1, 2025
4. List NYU using school code 002785
5. Submit and save your confirmation number

The FAFSA uses income information from 2024 for the 2026–2027 academic year (prior-prior year tax information). Make sure all names, Social Security numbers, and financial data match your tax returns exactly to avoid delays.

Step 2: Complete the CSS Profile

Many NYU undergraduate students must also submit the CSS Profile, which goes deeper into family finances than the FAFSA. This form is required for most institutional aid.

1. Create a College Board account at cssprofile.collegeboard.org
2. Complete the CSS Profile starting October 1, 2025
3. Add NYU to your list of schools
4. Pay the fee (waivers available for eligible families)
5. Submit and save your confirmation

The CSS Profile asks about non-custodial parents, home equity, retirement accounts, and other assets. While it can feel intrusive, it’s essential for receiving NYU’s own grant funds.

Step 3: Track Your Application

Once you submit both forms, track your status through the NYU Financial Aid Portal. Log in with your university credentials to see:

• Missing documents or forms
• Verification requirements
• Award details will be released once
• Messages from the financial aid office

You may need to submit additional documentation for verification or special circumstances. Check the portal regularly until your file shows as complete. This is also where you’ll accept or decline parts of your aid package.

NYU Financial Aid Important Deadlines for 2026–2027

Missing a deadline can cost you thousands of dollars. Here are the key dates to remember:

FAFSA Deadlines

• October 1, 2025: FAFSA opens for 2026–2027
• June 30, 2027: Final FAFSA deadline
• State deadlines: Vary by state; some as early as October 2025

CSS Profile Deadlines

NYU’s CSS Profile deadlines depend on your application type:

• Early Decision I: Check NYU’s admissions website for the exact date (typically early November 2025)
• Early Decision II: Check NYU’s admissions website (typically early January 2026)
• Regular Decision: Check NYU’s admissions website (generally early February 2026)
• Transfer Students: Varies by term; check with admissions

Submit both forms at least a few weeks before the deadline to allow time for corrections.

When Award Letters Are Released

New undergraduate students typically receive aid packages around the same time as admission decisions:

• Early Decision I: Mid-December 2025
• Early Decision II: Mid-February 2026
• Regular Decision: Late March or early April 2026

Returning students usually see updated awards in late spring or early summer for the following academic year.

Disbursement Timing

Aid is scheduled for disbursement shortly before classes begin each semester. Funds are applied to your student account to cover tuition and fees first. If your total aid exceeds charges, you’ll receive a refund after disbursement.

Financial Aid by the NYU School and Program

College of Arts and Sciences, Gallatin, Liberal Studies, Steinhardt

These schools follow standard undergraduate aid policies. Students submit FAFSA and CSS Profile and receive a combination of grants, loans, and work-study based on demonstrated need.

Stern School of Business

Stern follows the same application process as other undergraduate schools, but has slightly higher tuition. Aid packages are structured similarly, though the higher cost of attendance means students may need to borrow more even with generous grants.

Tisch School of the Arts

Tisch has the highest undergraduate tuition at NYU. Students should be particularly careful about borrowing, as many arts careers have lower starting salaries compared to business or engineering fields.

NYU Law School

Law students face costs of around $83,952 per year for tuition alone. Aid is heavily loan-driven, with some merit scholarships and need-based grants available. NYU Law also offers Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP) for graduates pursuing public interest careers.

Contact the law school’s financial aid office directly at the numbers listed on their website for detailed information about scholarships and repayment assistance.

College of Dentistry

Dental students can expect costs of over $106,962 per year. Aid primarily consists of federal loans and some health professions loans, with limited institutional grants. Long-term borrowing is common, so graduates need solid repayment plans.

School of Professional Studies

SPS serves many part-time, professional, and online students. Aid packages may include federal loans and limited grants. Many SPS students work while enrolled and may have access to employer tuition reimbursement.

If you’re studying during summer or January term, check with SPS about how aid applies to these sessions. Not all aid automatically covers summer enrollment.

Graduate Schools (GSAS, Langone, others)

Most academic master’s programs at GSAS rely primarily on loans plus any departmental aid. PhD students may receive fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships that cover tuition and provide stipends.

Business school students typically use federal and private loans alongside merit scholarships. Medical students have similar financing patterns, with significant borrowing being the norm.

Each graduate program has unique aid structures, so contact your specific school’s financial aid office for details.

NYU Financial Aid for International and Transfer Students

International Student Aid

Many prospective international students ask whether NYU provides aid to non-U.S. citizens. The answer is yes, but options are limited compared to domestic students.

International students cannot access federal aid programs like Pell Grants or federal loans. Instead, they may receive:

• NYU institutional grants or scholarships
• Merit-based awards from academic departments
• Outside scholarships from home countries or international organizations
• Family or sponsor funding

Aid generosity varies dramatically by campus. NYU Abu Dhabi has historically offered stronger need-based packages to international students, sometimes covering most or all of tuition, housing, and travel costs.

International students applying to the New York campus should have a realistic funding plan that doesn’t rely solely on NYU aid. Many international students fund their education through a combination of family resources, government scholarships, and outside awards.

Transfer Student Aid

Transfer students do receive aid, but packages are often different from first-year awards. The same application requirements apply: submit FAFSA and CSS Profile by the transfer deadlines.

Key considerations for transfers:

• Aid may rely more heavily on loans than grants
• The amount of institutional grant aid may be smaller
• Some merit scholarships are reserved for first-year students only
• Your financial aid package at your previous school may have been more generous

If you’re considering transferring to NYU, carefully compare the net cost after aid at both institutions. Sometimes staying put or transferring to a different school offers better value.

Reading and Understanding Your Aid Package

What Your Award Letter Shows

Your aid package will list:

• Total cost of attendance
• Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or Student Aid Index (SAI)
• Grants and scholarships (free money)
• Work-study eligibility
• Federal student loans
• Parent PLUS loans (if applicable)

The most important number is your net cost after grants, not the total “aid” figure. A package showing $60,000 in “aid” might include $35,000 in loans, meaning you’re still borrowing significant amounts.

What Makes a “Good” Financial Aid Package?

There’s no universal answer to whether NYU’s aid is good. It depends entirely on your specific situation.

Signs of a strong package:

• High percentage of grants relative to loans
• Net cost is comparable to or lower than in-state public options
• Total four-year borrowing is manageable relative to the expected starting salary
• The family can afford the remaining cost without severe financial strain

Warning signs:

• Loans make up more than 50% of the package
• Net cost requires large Parent PLUS loans
• Total four-year debt exceeds your expected first-year salary
• Family would need to liquidate retirement accounts or take home equity loans

Compare your NYU offer with aid packages from other schools. Don’t let prestige alone drive your decision if the financial burden is unsustainable.

Sample Package Comparison

Let’s look at two hypothetical students:

Student A – Low Income:

• Family income: $45,000
• NYU Grant: $58,000
• Pell Grant: $7,395
• Work-Study: $3,000
• Federal Subsidized Loan: $3,500
• Net Cost: ~$18,000
• Family contribution + small loan covers the remaining cost

Student B – Middle Income:

• Family income: $120,000
• NYU Grant: $15,000
• Federal Unsubsidized Loan: $5,500
• Net Cost: ~$70,000
• Family needs large Parent PLUS loans or significant savings

These examples show how widely aid varies. Your package depends on your specific financial circumstances.

How to Appeal Your NYU Financial Aid Package

If your aid package is significantly lower than expected or your family’s circumstances have changed, you can request a review.

Valid Reasons to Appeal

Financial aid offices are most likely to reconsider packages when:

• Job loss or significant reduction in income
• Death of a parent or wage earner
• Divorce or separation
• Major unreimbursed medical expenses
• Care expenses for elderly family members
• Support for extended family is not captured on FAFSA
• Other siblings’ college expenses are not reflected in your application
• Business losses or bankruptcy

How to Submit an Appeal

1. Write a clear letter explaining your circumstances
2. Provide documentation: updated tax returns, pay stubs, medical bills, termination notices, or other proof
3. Submit through the financial aid portal or via email to financial.aid@nyu.edu
4. Include your University ID number on all correspondence
5. Be patient: reviews can take several weeks during busy periods

Many students read through online forums looking for appeal strategies. While these can provide insights, remember that every family’s situation is unique. Success is never guaranteed, but clear communication and solid documentation give you the best chance.

A financial aid counselor can walk you through the process and timeline. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Contacting the NYU Financial Aid Office

If you have questions about your aid package or need help with your application, several contact methods are available.

Contact Information

New York Campus:

• Email: financial.aid@nyu.edu
• Phone: 212-998-4444
• Fax: 212-995-4661

Office Locations:

Washington Square Office 383 Lafayette Street, 1st Floor New York, NY 10003

MetroTech Center Office 5 MetroTech Center, Dibner Building, Room 201 Brooklyn, NY 11201

Office Hours

• In-person or Zoom visits: See the StudentLink Center website for current hours
• Phone support: Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Note: Offices close at 4:00 PM on the business day before holidays

Best times to call:

• Tuesday or Thursday between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM
• Tuesday or Thursday between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM

Busy periods to avoid:

• April 1 through May 15
• July 1 through August 15
• During registration periods

You can also check general information about your award or application status through NYU Albert. Email is often faster than calling during busy seasons.

International Campus Contacts

Students applying to NYU’s international campuses should contact those offices directly:

• NYU Abu Dhabi: Visit the Abu Dhabi campus website for aid information
• NYU Shanghai: Visit the Shanghai campus website for aid information

These campuses have separate aid policies and often more generous packages for international students.

NYU Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Making NYU Affordable

Getting into NYU is exciting, but making it affordable requires careful planning. Here are key takeaways:

1. Apply for aid early: Submit FAFSA and CSS Profile as soon as possible after October 1, 2025
2. Understand your net price: Focus on what you pay after grants, not total “aid” including loans
3. Compare all offers: Don’t commit until you’ve seen packages from other schools
4. Consider career outcomes: Make sure your debt level is manageable for your expected starting salary
5. Appeal if circumstances warrant: Job loss or other changes may qualify you for more aid
6. Explore all options: Outside scholarships, work-study, and payment plans can help close gaps

Financial aid at NYU can make the difference between attending and having to choose another path. Take time to understand your package, ask questions, and make an informed decision that works for your family’s financial reality.

The financial aid office is there to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions at financial.aid@nyu.edu or 212-998-4444.