New York University Arts and Science Arts and Sciences

Financing Graduate Education
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The financial aid program of the Graduate School of Arts and Science seeks to ensure that all academically qualified students have enough financial support to enable them to work toward their degree. Awards include support for tuition and modest living expenses in the form of fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, and loans. Graduate Enrollment Services at the Graduate School and the NYU Office of Financial Aid offer additional financial options. The staff in each of these offices work closely with students to develop reasonable financial plans for completing a degree.

Instructions for Financial Aid Applicants

The application for admission is also the application for all Graduate School fellowships for new students. No additional forms are required.

An application must be received by the specified deadline date to be eligible for Graduate School and departmental fellowships and assistantships. Refer to the departmental deadline dates in the GSAS Application Appendix.

For many departments, the application deadline for admission and funding is January 4. However, several departments have a December 15 final deadline date, and others have a December 15 recommended date along with the January 4 final deadline date. To allow these departments adequate time to review applications for admission and financial aid, applicants should endeavor to have all materials submitted to the Graduate School no later than December 15.

Guidelines for continuing students are available from departmental advisers in advance of the established deadline.

The Graduate School encourages all U.S. citizens and permanent residents to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for all forms of federal and state aid, including the Federal Work-Study Program and the various federal and private loan programs. NYU prefers that the FAFSA be submitted online by linking to www.fafsa.ed.gov (paper FAFSAs are available in January from the University Office of Financial Aid). The FAFSA should be filed after January 1, 2006, but preferably before March 1, 2006, for fall 2006 enrollment. Students should give permission for application data to be sent to New York University (enter institution code 002785 in the "Title IV Code" space).

Graduate School Fellowships, Assistantships, Prizes, and Research Awards

The Graduate School of Arts and Science offers an extensive program of full-funding support. Funding decisions, based solely on merit, are made by the departments with review by the dean.

In addition, the school encourages students to apply for assistance through the many external organizations that provide funding for graduate study. GIGS (Grants in Graduate Study) is an online database of grants and fellowship opportunities that is available to graduate students through the NYU Web site at www.nyu.edu/gsas/OASL/GrantsAwards/GIGS.html. For questions about GIGS, contact the Office of Academic and Student Life.

Some of the sources of funding available through the University and the Graduate School are listed below.

  • Henry M. MacCracken Program
  • Teaching and Research AssistantshipsGraduate School's Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
  • Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships
  • Penfield Fellowships for Studies in Diplomacy, International Affairs, and Belles Lettres
  • Dean's Dissertation Fellowships
  • Louis Lerner Memorial Scholarship
  • A. Ogden Butler Fellowship
  • The Elaine Brody Fellowship in the Humanities
  • Margaret and Herman Sokol Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Sciences
  • June Frier Esserman Fellowship
  • Douglas and Katharine Fryer Thesis Fellowship Awards
  • Lane Cooper Fellowships
  • Patricia Dunn Lehrman Fellowship
  • James Arthur Dissertation Fellowship
  • Shortell-Holzer Fellowship
  • New York University German Academic Exchange Scholarship (DAAD)
  • New York University-Freie Universität Berlin Grant
  • William and Pearl C. Helbein Scholarship
  • Engberg Fellowships
  • President's Service Awards
  • New York University Opportunity Fellowship Program
  • Dean's Predoctoral Summer Fellowships
  • Dean's Student Travel Awards
  • Dean's Outstanding Dissertation Awards
  • Dean's Outstanding Student Teaching Awards
  • Key Pin Award

In addition to the substantial fellowship support available through the University, the Graduate School of Arts and Science, and the range of external organizations committed to academic teaching and research, many departments offer assistance to their students from departmental funds.

A comprehensive list of University, Graduate School, and departmental fellowships, prizes, and awards appears in the Financing Graduate Education section of the GSAS Application for Admission and Financial Aid.

Alternative Funding Sources

FUNDING FOR MASTER'S PROGRAMS

Financial aid is available for certain departments and programs. Interested applicants should submit the application form by the financial aid deadline date. In addition, master’s students are eligible for awards through the Graduate School's Tuition Incentive Program (TIP). For more specific information regarding eligibility and the availability of fellowships, applicants should call the director of graduate studies in the department or program, or contact Graduate Enrollment Services.

FUNDING FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

To secure a visa, international students must demonstrate that they have sufficient funding to complete the degree. International students who apply by the specified deadline date and are admitted to the Graduate School are automatically considered for Graduate School fellowships and scholarships as well as for teaching and research assistantships. Most loan programs are restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. However, New York University works with a variety of lenders to provide loan programs specifically tailored to the needs of international students. Visit our Web site frequently for the latest news on international student financing opportunities; the address is www.nyu.edu/financial.aid/international.html.

Many international students obtain support for their educational expenses from their government, a foundation, or a private agency. In many cases, these students are eligible to receive matching tuition funds through the Graduate School's Tuition Incentive Program. Applicants should contact Graduate Enrollment Services for specific details.

RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANTSHIPS

The Department of Residential Education annually offers a limited number of resident assistant (RA) and community education assistant (CEA) positions to students who wish to work with residential undergraduate and graduate students to promote interpersonal connections, community, and academic enhancements within our residence halls. The RA position is open to both undergraduate and graduate students while the CEA position is limited to graduate students. Students in these positions serve as peers who assess, organize, and implement social and educational activities within and around the residence halls. In addition, as representatives of the Department of Residential Education, RAs and CEAs are sources of information, support, and referral and enforce housing and residential educational policy.

Both positions offer academic-year housing and a meal plan; the CEA position also includes a stipend. Candidates must be matriculated, full-time students by the semester in which they begin their assistantship. They must also be in good academic and behavioral standing and possess qualities that encourage the social and intellectual development of the students whom they serve. The selection process—which may require a candidate's physical presence in New York during the fall and/or spring semesters—begins each fall semester for the following academic year.

For information, contact the Department of Residential Education, New York University, 33 Washington Square West, New York, NY 10011-9154; 212-998-4311; e-mail: ResEd.RA.Selection@nyu.edu (RAs) or ResEd.CEA.Selection@nyu.edu (CEAs). You may find detailed information at www.nyu.edu/residential.education.

Other Financial Aid—Federal, State, and Private Programs

ELIGIBILITY

To be considered for financial aid, students must be officially admitted to NYU or matriculated in a degree program and making satisfactory academic progress toward degree requirements. Generally, University-administered federal and state financial aid programs are awarded to full-time students. Half-time students (fewer than 12 but at least 6 points of credit per semester) may be eligible for a federal Stafford Student Loan, but they must also maintain satisfactory academic progress. A full description of the NYU academic progress requirements is available at www.nyu.edu/financial.aid/progress_grad.html.

University-administered federal and state awards are not automatically renewed each year. Continuing students must submit a Renewal FAFSA each year by the NYU deadline. Renewal depends on the annual reevaluation of a student's need, the availability of funds, the successful completion of the previous year, and satisfactory progress toward the completion of degree requirements.

In order to be eligible for aid from federal and state government sources, students must be classified either as U.S. citizens or as eligible noncitizens (as defined by the U.S. Department of Education).

It is the student's responsibility to supply true, accurate and complete information on the FAFSA and to notify the Office of Financial Aid immediately of any changes or corrections in his or her housing status or financial situation, including tuition remission benefits or outside grants, once the application has been made. Determination of financial need is also based on the number of courses for which the student registers. A change in registration therefore may necessitate an adjustment in financial aid.

NEW YORK STATE TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)

Legal residents of the state of New York who are enrolled in a full-time degree program of at least 12 credit points a term, or the equivalent, may be eligible for awards under this program. The Graduate School requires all eligible financial aid applicants to apply for this grant. The TAP award replaces a portion of the tuition fellowship amount for students who receive full tuition grants. Students applying for TAP must do so via a FAFSA application.

VETERANS BENEFITS

Various Department of Veterans Affairs programs provide educational benefits for sons, daughters, and spouses of deceased or permanently disabled veterans as well as for veterans and in-service personnel who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces after January 1, 1955. In these programs, the amount of benefits varies.

Since interpretation of regulations governing veterans benefits is subject to change, veterans and their dependents should keep in touch with the Department of Veterans Affairs. For additional information and assistance in completing the necessary forms, contact the Office of the University Registrar, 25 West Fourth Street, 1st Floor; 212-998-4800.

FEDERAL LOANS

Subsidized Stafford Student Loan (SSL) Program

The subsidized federal Stafford Student Loan Program provides low-interest student loans using the capital of lending institutions and the administrative facilities of state agencies. These loans are made by independent banks or lending institutions and are generally insured by both the state and federal governments.

A graduate student may borrow up to a maximum of $8,500 per year with a total aggregate borrowing limit (including undergraduate loans) of $65,500. Within these limits, students may borrow up to the difference between the cost of education, the family contribution, and the total of all financial aid awards. For graduate students, family contribution is based on the incomes of the student and spouse (if married).

The subsidized Stafford Student Loan interest rate for all students is variable with a cap of 8.25 percent. Interest does not accrue, however, nor does repayment begin, until six months after the borrower ceases to enroll at least half time. An insurance premium of up to 1 percent as well as an origination fee of up to 3 percent will generally be deducted from the loan funds.

Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loan Program

The unsubsidized federal Stafford Student Loan Program provides additional loan eligibility beyond any subsidized Stafford amounts. Students must first apply for the regular (subsidized) Stafford program, and if they meet eligibility criteria they will be automatically considered for the unsubsidized program. Terms and conditions are essentially the same as for the regular Stafford loan, except the federal government does not pay the interest on the unsubsidized loan while the student is in school. Students must begin to repay interest and principal 60 days after the first loan funds are issued. Payment of the principal may be deferred if the student is enrolled at least half time for the period of the loan. Also, the interest can be "capitalized" (added to the principal) if desired.

Graduate students may borrow up to a total of $18,500 in combined subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans each academic year, although no more than $8,500 of the $18,500 can be in the form of a subsidized loan. The total amount of unsubsidized Stafford loan in any academic year may not exceed the cost of education minus the total family contribution and minus all other financial aid (including subsidized Stafford loans) received that year.

PRIVATE LOANS

A variety of private student loan programs are available to both U.S. and international students attending NYU. Created to supplement federal and institutional aid, they feature attractive terms and interest rates, and all creditworthy families facing college expenses are eligible. There are no maximum income limits. Loans are made through banks, savings and loan organizations, and other lenders. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid or visit their Web site.

EMPLOYEE EDUCATION PLANS

Many companies pay all or part of the tuition of their employees under tuition refund plans. Employed students attending the University should ask their personnel officers or training directors about the existence of a company tuition plan. Students who receive tuition reimbursement and NYU employees who receive tuition remission from NYU must notify the Office of Financial Aid if they receive this benefit.

EMPLOYMENT

Students considering employment that would require a significant portion of their time should discuss their plans with a Graduate Enrollment Services counselor. Students on full-funding support must obtain the permission of a departmental representative and the dean of the Graduate School if they wish to secure employment beyond the requirements of their financial aid award.

Students who study at the Graduate School on temporary visas should fully understand the regulations concerning permissible employment under those visas. Before making plans for employment in the United States, international students should consult with the Office for International Students and Scholars, New York University, 561 La Guardia Place, New York, NY 10012-1402; 212-998-4720; e-mail: intl.students.scholars@nyu.edu.

For more information about University-wide graduate assistantships, including job posting information, visit the NYU Human Resources Web site at www.nyu.edu/hr. Note: A graduate assistantship may affect eligibility for some forms of financial aid. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid if your award letter does not indicate your assistantship.

Federal Work-Study Program

Funded by the U.S. government and the University, this program supports a limited number of teaching assistantships. In addition, the Federal Work-Study Program supports a range of research and administrative employment opportunities within the University. Eligible students are U.S. citizens or permanent residents who show need for funding. To be eligible, a student must complete a FAFSA and must demonstrate financial need.

Federal Work-Study jobs are secured through the University's Student Employment and Internship Center, 5 Washington Place, 2nd Floor; 212-998-4757.

New York City

One of the nation's largest urban areas, the city offers a wide variety of opportunities for part-time work. Many students gain significant experience in fields related to their research and study while they meet a portion of their educational expenses.

Tuition and Fees

The Graduate School of Arts and Science charges tuition on a per-point basis. For 2005-2006 the rate is $1,024 per point. A student must complete 72 points for the Ph.D. degree and 32-40 points for the master's degree, depending on the program. A full-time course load is 12 points per semester, 24 points per year.

 The Board of Trustees of New York University reserves the right to alter this schedule of fees without notice. All fees must be paid per term at the time of registration in the Office of the Bursar, located at 25 West Fourth Street. Checks and drafts should be drawn to the order of New York University in the exact amount of tuition and fees required. In the case of overpayment, the balance is refunded upon request by filing a refund application in the Office of the Bursar.

A fee will be charged if payment is not made by the due date indicated on the student's statement. The unpaid balance of a student’s account is also subject to an interest charge of 12 percent per annum from the first day of class until payment is received.

Holders of New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards will be allowed credit toward their tuition fees in the amount of their entitlement, provided they are New York State residents enrolled full time and they attach the Award Certificate for the applicable term to their Statement of Account—Tuition and Fees.

Students who receive awards after registration will receive a check from the University after the New York State payment has been received by the Office of the Bursar, and the Office of the University Registrar has confirmed eligibility.

Charges for full-time study for the 2005-2006 academic year are as follows:

Tuition for 24 points $24,576.00
Nonreturnable registration and services fee, 24 points 1,773.00
Tuition per point per term  1,024.00
Fall Term 2005 Fees
Nonreturnable registration and services fee, first point 297.00
Nonreturnable registration and services fee, per point after first point 53.00
Spring Term 2006 Fees
Nonreturnable registration and services fee, first point 310.00
Nonreturnable registration and services fee, per point after first point 53.00
Draper Interdisciplinary Master's Program
Tuition and registration and services fees, flat rate per term
    3 to 5 points 4,660.00
    6 to 8 points  7,865.00
    9 to 12 points  12,295.00

Mandatory Student Health Insurance Benefit Plan (2005-2006 academic year rates). Refer to the Student Health Insurance Handbook for selection criteria. Waiver option is available.

    Fall term  868.00
    Spring term (coverage for spring and summer terms) 1,298.00

Stu-Dent Plan (dental service through NYU's College of Dentistry)

Initial enrollment—academic year  195.00
Renewal—academic year 160.00
Maintenance of matriculation, per term 425.00
    Nonreturnable registration and services fee
        Fall term 244.00
        Spring term
257.00
International student fee (if in F1 or J1 status), per term  65.00
Miscellaneous and One-Time Fees
Application fee (nonrefundable)
    Online application 80.00
    Paper application 90.00
Admission deposit (nonrefundable; applied toward tuition and fees upon registration) 250.00
Late registration fee
    Starting the second week of classes 25.00
    Starting the fifth week of classes 50.00
Foreign Language Proficiency Examination (per exam)  25.00
Dissertation microfilming and binding 100.00
Copyright of dissertation (optional) 45.00

DEFERRED PAYMENT TUITION PLAN

The Graduate School of Arts and Science offers a deferred payment tuition plan to students who register during the fall and spring semesters either by mail or in person. The plan is based on a 50-50 fee schedule: 50 percent of the net amount due for the initial payment and the 50 percent balance for the second payment. The 50 percent deferred balance plus interest is due in two equal installments. In the 2005-2006 academic year, those deadlines are October 17 and November 9 during the fall semester and March 1 and April 3 in the spring semester. Interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum (1 percent per month) on the unpaid balance will be charged from the first day of class. While there is no prepayment penalty, a $25 penalty fee will be charged on any late payment. A separate application and agreement is required each time this plan is used. A student is eligible if he or she

meets the following conditions: not in arrears for any University charge or loan, without a previously unsatisfactory University credit record, and matriculated and registering for 6 or more points.

DIPLOMA ARREARS POLICY

Diplomas of students in arrears will be held until their financial obligations to the University are fulfilled and they have been cleared by the Bursar. Graduates with a diploma hold may contact the Office of the Bursar at 212-998-2806 to clear arrears or to discuss their financial status at the University.

WITHDRAWAL AND REFUND OF TUITION

A refund of tuition will be made by the Office of the Bursar after presentation of a withdrawal (Change of Program) form signed by a departmental adviser and approved for refund by the dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Science through Graduate Enrollment Services, provided such withdrawal is filed within the scheduled refund period for the term, which is stated below. Withdrawal does not necessarily entitle the student to a refund of tuition paid or a cancellation of tuition still due.

An application for refund may be filed in person or by mail and must be made in writing on the Change of Program form, obtainable in the departmental offices of the school. An official withdrawal must be filed if a course has been canceled and, in this case, the student is entitled to a refund of tuition and fees.

Ceasing to attend a class does not constitute official withdrawal, nor does notification to the instructor. A stop payment of a check presented for tuition does not constitute withdrawal, and it does not reduce the financial obligation to the University. The nonreturnable registration fee and a penalty fee of $10.00 for a stopped payment will be charged in addition to any tuition not canceled.

The date on which the Change of Program form is filed, not the last date of attendance in class, is considered the official date of the student's withdrawal. It is this date that serves as the basis for computing any refund granted the student.

The refund period (see schedule below) is defined as the first four calendar weeks of the term for which the application for withdrawal is filed. No application filed after the fourth week will be considered. The processing of refunds takes approximately two weeks.

Refund Schedule for Fall and Spring Terms

This schedule is based on the total applicable charge for tuition excluding nonreturnable fees and deposits.
Withdrawal before the official opening date of the term             
(100% of tuition and fees)*
100%
Withdrawal within the first calendar week from the opening date of the term                            
(100% of tuition only)
100%

The first calendar week consists of the first seven (7) calendar days beginning with the official opening date of the term. (Note: not the first day of the class meeting.)

Withdrawal within the second calendar week from the opening date of the term 70%
Withdrawal within the third calendar week from the opening date of the term 55%
Withdrawal within the fourth calendar week from the opening date of the term 25%
Withdrawal after completion of the fourth calendar week of the term NONE

  *After the official opening date of the term, the registration and services fee is not returnable.

Note: A student may not withdraw from a class the last three weeks of the fall or spring semester or the last three days of each summer session.

It should be noted that the registration and services fee is not returnable.

Exceptions to the published refund schedule may be appealed in writing to the dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Science through Graduate Enrollment Services and should be supported by appropriate documentation regarding the circumstances that warrant consideration of an exception, including approval by the departmental director of graduate studies.

Students who withdraw should review the Refunds page on the Office of the Bursar Web site at www.nyu .edu/bursar.

Federal regulations require adjustments reducing financial aid if a student withdraws even after the NYU refund period. Financial aid amounts will be adjusted for students who withdraw through the ninth week of the semester and have received any federal grants or loans. This adjustment may result in the student's bill not being fully paid. NYU will bill the student for this difference. The student will be responsible for payment of this bill before returning to NYU and will remain responsible for payment even if he or she does not return to NYU.

Any semester during which a student is charged even a single dollar in tuition will be taken into account when calculating the student's progress toward his or her degree. This may require the student to make up credits before receiving any further aid. Students should review the "satisfactory academic progress" standard for their program so they do not jeopardize future semesters of aid (www.nyu.edu/financial.aid/progress_grad.html).

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