# Financial Planning

**Source**: https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/financial-planning.html?challenge=d06e90d7-4d8f-4b88-9d8c-10b73beb60f1

Understand your options when it comes to financing a graduate degree

A graduate or professional degree is an investment in your future, and it’s never too early to establish a foundation of knowledge about that investment. As you consider NYU, it’s important to understand that tuition costs as well as financial aid, scholarships, fellowships, and other types of funding vary across schools and programs. You can learn a little bit about these opportunities below, but for a more comprehensive understanding, and to learn about important financial aid deadlines, you should reach out directly to the school or program you’re interested in—or **contact NYU’s [Office of Financial Aid](https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-and-scholarships/prospective-graduate-students.html) at [financial.aid@nyu.edu](mailto:financial.aid@nyu.edu)**.

**Jump to:**

[Funding Opportunities at NYU](#fundingopportunities)

[General Funding Terms](#generalfundingterms)\

[Request More Info](https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/request-more-information-about-grad-studies-at-nyu.html)

## **Funding Opportunities at NYU**

In addition to federal aid and loans, graduate and professional students have access to a wide range of funding opportunities at NYU. Many of the University’s graduate and professional schools offer merit-based, school-specific scholarships. In the majority of cases, you will be automatically reviewed for these opportunities, provided you submit all required application materials on time.

Additionally, you may have the chance to benefit from department- or program-specific assistantship and fellowship positions, including research fellowships. You may also have the opportunity to receive awards from NYU alumni groups and other organizations associated with graduate and professional studies at NYU. To learn more about specific funding opportunities that may be available to you, speak directly with your program’s admissions office.

NYU as a whole is committed to providing you with as much financial guidance and information as possible before you enroll. Visit the [Office of Financial Education](http://nyu.edu/financial-ed) for additional information and resources.

## **General Funding Terms**

- **Fellowships/Scholarships:** Awards or grants from a university, school, or outside organization that cover a broad range of academic, cocurricular, and professional opportunities, such as research, independent projects, and public service interests.

- **Teaching or Research Assistantships:** Part-time teaching or research positions in specific departments or programs through which graduate students can receive tuition remission and/or stipends.

- **Need-Based Aid:** A financial award applied directly to academic costs based on a student’s financial aid application.

- **Loans:** Financial support of a predetermined and agreed upon amount from federal or nonuniversity organizations, such as banks or credit unions.

- **Employer Contributions:** Loans or grants from an employer to help workers pursue advanced, professional, or graduate degrees.

- **Repayment/Forgiveness Programs:** Plans to help graduate students manage, and in some cases pay off early or waive, their loan repayments.

- **FAFSA:** The [Free Application for Federal Student Aid](https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa), which U.S. students must complete in order to apply for any federal or state financial aid.

- **Direct Unsubsidized Loans:** Loans from the U.S. Department of Education to U.S. students that begin to accrue interest as soon as the loan is approved. Learn more about [Direct Unsubsidized Loans](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized).

- **Direct PLUS Loans:** Loans from the U.S. Department of Education that help U.S. students pay for educational expenses up to the cost of attendance, minus all other financial aid already received. Learn more about [Direct PLUS Loans](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/grad).