Skip to content
Apply for a loan
How can we help you today?

Find the college or grad school tools
and resources you need.

Easy scholarships Financial aid Loan options Grad school
Scholarships

Scholarships for NYU students


Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.

Enter Sallie's $2,000 scholarship† Find more scholarships

Key takeaways about NYU scholarships

  • NYU offers scholarships, grants, federal and state aid, student employment opportunities, and other resources that can help make college more affordable.
  • Through the NYU Promise, NYU meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for eligible first-time, first-year students admitted to its New York campus.
  • NYU offers very few scholarships based only on merit. Most institutional scholarships consider financial need, academic achievement, or a combination of the two.
  • International first-year applicants may be considered for need-based NYU scholarships, while transfer students generally aren't eligible for NYU institutional aid.
  • Private scholarships can supplement other aid and may help reduce what students need to pay or borrow.

NYU scholarships: Where to start

If you're looking at New York University (NYU) and wondering how students actually afford it, you're definitely not alone. Tuition is only part of the picture—housing, meals, books, transportation, and everyday expenses can all factor into your college budget.

Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship†

No essay | Apply in 2 minutes or less
Enter $2,000 scholarship

The good news is that scholarships and financial aid can make a meaningful difference. In fact, Sallie’s “How America Pays for College 2026” found that 76% of families using scholarships said the funding made college attendance possible.

NYU also provides substantial need-based assistance through programs such as the NYU Promise.

This guide explains how NYU scholarships and financial aid work, where private scholarships can fit into the picture, and how you can build a funding strategy to help make college more affordable.

How much does NYU cost?

What you pay to attend NYU can vary based on your school or program, enrollment, housing choices, financial aid, and other factors. NYU publishes cost-of-attendance estimates, but the published cost isn't necessarily the amount an individual student will ultimately pay after scholarships and financial aid.

To explore estimated costs, financial aid information, admissions information, and other details about attending NYU, visit New York University's profile on Scout College Search. It's a helpful starting point for comparing costs and planning how you'll pay for college.

How can students afford NYU?

Students may use a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study or other employment, family resources, and outside scholarships to help pay for college.

For eligible first-time, first-year students admitted to NYU's New York campus, the NYU Promise can also significantly change the affordability picture because NYU commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need.

Does NYU offer scholarships?

Yes. NYU offers institutional scholarships and grants that generally don't need to be repaid.

NYU says it offers very few scholarships based only on merit. Most institutional scholarships are based on financial need, academic achievement, or a combination of the two. Students are automatically considered for scholarships where merit is considered through the admissions process, while consideration for need-based institutional aid requires students to submit the appropriate financial aid applications on time.

Students can review NYU's current scholarships and grants information for current requirements.

What is The NYU Promise?

The NYU Promise applies to eligible first-time, first-year undergraduate students admitted to NYU's New York campus. NYU says it meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for these students.

NYU also currently states that families with annual income below $100,000 and typical assets won't have to pay tuition. Scholarships are adjusted as tuition increases. Eligibility depends on meeting NYU's financial aid requirements and deadlines.

Transfer students aren't eligible for The NYU Promise, and some undergraduate programs have different institutional-aid policies. Students should review NYU's current financial aid information for the program they're considering.

NYU merit scholarships explained

NYU's approach to merit aid is different from schools that advertise a large list of stand-alone academic merit scholarships. NYU says very few scholarships are awarded solely on merit; most university scholarships consider financial need, academic achievement, or both.

There generally isn't a separate application for scholarships where merit is considered. NYU uses the admissions application to consider eligible students, although students seeking need-based institutional aid must submit the required financial aid applications by NYU's deadlines.

NYU also offers selective scholar and honors programs. These shouldn't all be treated as stand-alone merit scholarships, but they may provide academic enrichment, mentorship, research opportunities, or other support.

NYU merit scholarship programs

Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars Program

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars Program is a selective university leadership program for incoming first-year students with strong records of academic achievement, leadership, community engagement, and commitment to humanitarianism and social progress.

Scholars participate in academic programming, service-learning, research, and other opportunities during their NYU experience.

Presidential Honors Scholars Program

The Presidential Honors Scholars Program is an honors program for students in NYU's College of Arts and Science. Entering students may be invited to participate, and eligible CAS students can also apply after enrolling.

The program includes seminars, faculty mentorship, research opportunities, cultural activities, and other academic enrichment. Scholars may also apply for research grants through the Dean's Undergraduate Research Fund. It is an honors program rather than a general NYU merit scholarship.

NYU financial aid explained

Most students who use financial aid rely on more than one funding source. Depending on eligibility, a college funding plan may include scholarships, grants, federal or state aid, employment, outside scholarships, and loans.

Understanding how these sources work together can help you build a more realistic plan for paying for college.

Aid type Repayment required? Usually based on
NYU scholarships No Financial need, merit, or both
NYU grants No Financial need or program eligibility
Federal Pell Grant No Federal financial aid eligibility
New York State aid No State program eligibility
Federal Work-Study No Financial need and employment
Student employment No Earnings from work
Federal student loans Yes Federal eligibility
Private scholarships No Varies by award
Private student loans Yes Borrowed funds

For first-year applicants seeking NYU institutional financial aid, the CSS Profile is generally required. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible noncitizens should also submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to be considered for federal aid. Requirements differ for some students, so check NYU's current application guidance.

Scholarships and grants

Scholarships and grants are often considered the most valuable forms of financial aid because they typically don't need to be repaid. NYU offers institutional scholarships and grants that may be awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, leadership, talent, or program eligibility.

Federal aid

Eligible students may qualify for federal financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study, and federal student loans.

Student employment

Some students help cover college costs through work-study programs or other campus employment opportunities. Student employment can provide income while allowing students to gain professional experience.

Private student loans

After exploring scholarships, grants, federal aid, and work opportunities, some students choose to use private student loans to help cover remaining education expenses.

Scholarships for NYU transfer students

Transfer students should pay close attention to NYU's institutional-aid rules because they're different from those for first-year applicants.

NYU says transfer students generally aren't eligible for NYU scholarships and grants, including The NYU Promise. However, there are exceptions for certain partner or specialized programs, so students should review the policies for the specific school or program they're applying to.

Eligible transfer students may still be considered for federal financial aid and may also pursue state aid, outside scholarships, and other funding sources.

Scholarships for international students at NYU

International students applying to NYU as first-year students may be considered for need-based NYU scholarships.

NYU currently says non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents applying as first-year students should submit the CSS Profile by the applicable deadline to be considered for need-based scholarship aid. International transfer students and students seeking a second bachelor's degree aren't eligible for NYU institutional aid.

Outside funding can also be part of an international student's plan. Depending on eligibility, students can explore:

  • Country-specific scholarships
  • Academic scholarships
  • Leadership and service scholarships
  • Scholarships related to a major or career
  • Foundation-sponsored scholarships
  • Employer or professional association scholarships

Because funding rules differ based on citizenship and student status, international applicants should review NYU's current information for international applicants early in the admissions process.

Private and outside scholarships for NYU students

One of the biggest scholarship mistakes students make is assuming university scholarships are their only option.

Research from Sallie's “How America Pays for College 2026” found that 67% of families who didn’t use scholarships said the student never applied. That means many students may be missing opportunities simply because they never start the process.

Private scholarships can help cover education-related costs that remain after institutional grants and other financial aid have been applied. Students receiving outside scholarships should report them to NYU as required.

New York scholarships

Local and New York state-based scholarships can be especially valuable because they may receive fewer applications than large national programs. Students should look for opportunities offered by community foundations, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, and civic groups.

Arts and media scholarships

Students pursuing creative fields may find scholarships tied to portfolios, artistic achievement, creative projects, and future career goals.

Business scholarships

Students studying business, entrepreneurship, economics, finance, and related disciplines may find scholarships sponsored by corporations, foundations, and industry groups.

STEM scholarships

Students pursuing computer science, engineering, mathematics, data science, and other STEM fields may qualify for a wide range of STEM scholarships.

First-generation scholarships

First-generation students can explore scholarships specifically designed to support students who are among the first in their family to attend college.

Students can also look for awards offered by employers, community foundations, civic organizations, professional associations, and other local groups.

Tools like Scholly® Scholarships can help you find opportunities based on your background, interests, major, and goals.

Scholly Scholarships

Find scholarships that are right for you

Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.

Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.

Find scholarships now

How to apply for NYU scholarships

Scholarship applications can feel overwhelming at first, but they become much easier when you create a simple system.

1. Complete the required financial aid applications

If you're applying for NYU institutional aid as a first-year student, complete the CSS Profile by the applicable deadline. 

U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible noncitizens should also complete the FAFSA® for federal aid consideration. International first-year applicants seeking NYU need-based aid generally use the CSS Profile.

For step-by-step FAFSA® help, use Sallie's FAFSA® guide.

2. Meet NYU application deadlines

Financial aid requirements and deadlines vary based on your applicant type and admissions plan. Review NYU's current requirements early and make sure all requested forms are submitted on time.

3. Search for private scholarships

Don't rely solely on university funding. Private scholarships can help fill gaps and reduce future borrowing.

4. Prepare essays and recommendations

Many scholarships ask similar questions. Keeping strong essays, resumes, and recommendation materials organized can save time.

5. Track scholarship opportunities throughout the year

Create a spreadsheet or calendar to monitor deadlines, requirements, and application status.

6. Reapply when eligible

Scholarship opportunities continue throughout college, so students should keep searching and applying each year.

Tips to increase your scholarship chances

Scholarships can be competitive, but there are practical ways to make the process more manageable.

Apply to a variety of scholarship types

Build a mix of university, local, national, major-specific, career-related, employer, and community scholarships. You don't have to rely on one large award.

Use your strongest materials more than once

Many scholarship applications cover similar themes. Save strong essays and short answers, then adapt them to fit each prompt rather than starting completely from scratch.

Don't rule yourself out too early

Many students skip scholarships because they assume they won't win. If you meet the requirements and can submit a strong application, it's often worth applying.

Keep applying throughout college

Scholarships aren't limited to incoming first-year students. Current college students, transfer students, and graduate students can all find private scholarship opportunities.

Can scholarships reduce student loan borrowing?

Yes. Scholarships can help reduce the amount students and families need to cover through savings, income, payment plans, or student loans.

Because scholarships generally don't need to be repaid, even several smaller awards can add up and make a difference.

Scholarship stacking can help lower costs

Scholarship stacking means combining multiple scholarships from different sources instead of relying on one award.

Here's a hypothetical example. These amounts are only meant to show how stacking can work and aren't typical NYU scholarship amounts.

Example scholarship Example award amount
Local scholarship $1,000
Private scholarship $2,500
Major-specific scholarship $1,500
Total example scholarship funding $5,000
Potential impact Up to $5,000 less to pay or borrow

A few smaller awards may not seem huge individually, but together they can help lower your overall college costs.

Scholarships for graduate students at NYU

Graduate funding at NYU varies significantly by school and degree program. NYU directs graduate students to their individual school or program for information about university scholarships and other program-specific funding.

Depending on the program, graduate students may find funding through fellowships, assistantships, departmental scholarships, student employment, employer education benefits, or private scholarships.

Fellowships

Some NYU schools and programs offer fellowships that can provide tuition support, research funding, or other assistance. Availability varies by program.

Assistantships

Some graduate programs offer teaching, research, or other assistantships. Funding and responsibilities vary by school and department.

Professional school funding

Students pursuing graduate and professional degrees should review funding opportunities directly through their NYU school or program. Scholarship availability can differ substantially across areas of study.

Private scholarships for graduate students

You can also search for outside graduate student scholarships based on your degree program, career goals, professional interests, employer affiliations, or research interests.

Save time with Sallie scholarship resources

Finding legit scholarships can take time. Scholarship matching tools such as Scholly® Scholarships can help simplify the process by surfacing opportunities that align with your background, interests, and goals.

Simplified applications can also help you keep momentum. Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships† lets you apply to multiple scholarships with one quick application.

You can also enter Sallie's $2,000 No Essay Scholarship† in 2 minutes or less, and graduate students can apply to Sallie's $5,000 Grad No Essay Scholarship†.

Additional scholarship resources

These resources can help you find opportunities based on your major, background, education level, and personal experiences.

Your next steps

Many students reduce college costs by combining university aid, grants, private scholarships, and other funding sources over time. The key is getting started, staying organized, and continuing to apply throughout college.

Begin by reviewing NYU's current scholarships and financial aid requirements. You can also use New York University's Scout College Search profile to explore estimated costs, financial aid information, admissions information, and other college-planning details.

Then expand your scholarship search to local awards, major-specific opportunities, employer and professional scholarships, and tools such as Scholly® Scholarships. Every application gives you another opportunity to find funding that could help lower your college costs.

FAQs about NYU scholarships

Does NYU offer full ride scholarships?

NYU doesn't advertise a general full-ride scholarship available to all applicants. Instead, the NYU Promise meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for eligible first-time, first-year students admitted to the New York campus. The amount of aid a student receives depends on their financial circumstances and eligibility.

Is NYU free for low-income students?

For some eligible students, tuition may be fully covered. NYU currently states that first-time, first-year students admitted to its New York campus whose families have annual income below $100,000 and typical assets won't have to pay tuition under The NYU Promise.

What GPA do I need for NYU scholarships?

There isn't one GPA requirement for all NYU scholarships. NYU offers very few scholarships based solely on merit, and requirements vary by program. Private scholarships may set their own academic criteria.

Does NYU give merit scholarships?

Yes, but NYU says very few scholarships are based only on merit. Most institutional scholarships consider financial need, academic achievement, or a combination of the two.

Are there scholarships for international students at NYU?

Yes. International students may be considered for financial aid and scholarship opportunities at NYU. Students must indicate that they are applying for financial aid when they submit their application for admission, and funding is limited. International students can also pursue private scholarships, country-specific scholarships, and other outside funding sources.

Does NYU offer scholarships for transfer students?

Generally, no. NYU says transfer students aren't eligible for NYU scholarships or grants, including The NYU Promise, aside from certain partner or specialized programs. Eligible transfer students may still pursue federal or state aid and outside scholarships.

What types of financial aid does NYU offer?

Depending on eligibility, NYU students may use institutional scholarships and grants, federal and state aid, Federal Work-Study, other student employment, student loans, and outside scholarships.

Can scholarships cover housing at NYU?

Possibly. Whether a scholarship can be used for housing or other education-related expenses depends on the award's rules and how the funding is applied. Check the scholarship's terms and report outside awards to NYU as required.

How competitive are NYU scholarships?

Some NYU scholarships and scholar programs can be competitive. Because NYU offers very few scholarships based solely on merit, students should also explore need-based aid and outside scholarship opportunities.

What scholarships are available for arts students at NYU?

Arts students can look for program-specific NYU funding as well as outside scholarships connected to fields such as film, theater, music, journalism, communications, dance, and other creative areas. Availability and requirements vary by program.

Does NYU automatically consider students for scholarships?

NYU automatically considers entering students for scholarships where merit is considered through the admissions application. Students seeking need-based institutional aid must submit the financial aid applications required for their applicant type by the applicable deadlines.

What is the best scholarship search tool for NYU students?

Scholarship search tools such as Scholly® Scholarships can help students find opportunities based on their background, interests, and goals.

Need more money for college?

Private student loans can help you cover additional eligible school-certified expenses.
Learn more

SLM Education Services, LLC does not provide, and these materials are not meant to convey, financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your own financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney about your specific circumstances.

The school referenced on this page is not affiliated with Sallie Mae and does not endorse Sallie Mae loans.

FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.