For transfer students, how are they paying? Does anyone have any luck with appealing for more aid? Are our people mostly on scholarships? I’m planning on taking out loans since I’m low-income. Any and all advice is appreciated
Paying for education as a transfer student at NYU involves navigating a complex financial landscape, primarily relying on federal and state aid, as institutional scholarships are largely unavailable.
Funding Sources
- Federal and State Aid: Transfer students can access federal grants like Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, and federal loans by submitting the FAFSA. New York residents may also apply for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
- Limited Institutional Scholarships: Most NYU scholarships are not available to transfer students, with exceptions like the Community College Transfer Opportunity Program (CCTOP) and specific awards from the School of Professional Studies.
- External Scholarships: Many students seek private scholarships from various organizations to supplement their funding.
- Loans: Due to limited free aid, many transfer students end up with loan-heavy financial aid packages.
Appealing for additional financial aid can be challenging at NYU. While some students have successfully received increases of $3,000–$5,000, this typically requires a significant change in financial circumstances. Minor adjustments are more common, often yielding only $1,000–$2,000.
Advice for Low-Income Students
- Submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile early to maximize aid opportunities.
- Consider NYU Payment Plans to manage costs effectively.
- Explore Federal Work-Study options to help cover personal expenses without increasing debt.
- Utilize scholarship search engines to find external funding opportunities.