Navigating Scholarships at Parsons School of Design: A Comprehensive Guide
Parsons School of Design, a renowned institution for art and design education, attracts students from across the globe. Understanding the landscape of scholarships and financial aid is crucial for prospective students. This article provides a detailed overview of the various scholarship opportunities available at Parsons, with a special focus on international students and transfer applicants.
Financial Assistance Overview
Parsons School of Design offers a variety of financial assistance options to support students in their academic pursuits. These options include institutional tuition scholarships and need-based financial aid, available to applicants of the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students (BPATS), including international students.
New School Tuition Scholarships
All new students admitted to the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students for the 2025-2026 academic year are eligible for an adult completion scholarship and will not have to pay the full cost of tuition.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Need-based financial aid is a significant resource for students who require financial assistance. Students can apply for need-based financial aid before they receive an admission decision. Need-based financial aid will be evaluated and awarded if the student is admitted. To begin the financial aid process, citizens and eligible non-citizen students should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Need-based scholarships are also available and awarded depending on a student's demonstrated financial need. Need-based financial aid may come in the form of federal and/or state loans, grants, and work study.
FAFSA Requirement
Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is mandatory for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens applying for need-based aid. International students are exempt from the FAFSA requirement.
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Automatic Scholarship Consideration
Students are automatically considered for several scholarships during the regular application process, based on their eligibility. Need-based aid applications may also be used in awarding these scholarships.
University Scholars Program
The University Scholars Program is a need-based initiative designed to recruit and retain a diverse student body. The FAFSA is a key component of the application process for this program.
Scholarships for Community College Students
The New School offers two scholarships specifically for applicants to the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students who have attended community college. Both are renewable annually, provided the recipients maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships
Members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), an honor society recognizing academic achievement at community colleges, are eligible for the PTK scholarship. PTK students who are offered admission will automatically be awarded the PTK scholarship, in addition to any other scholarships they are eligible for.
Community College Transfer Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded each year to community college transfer students who demonstrate qualities that The New School believes contribute to the strength and diversity of its student body.
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External Scholarships
Students can also research external scholarships in their home country that support students studying abroad. These could provide additional financial resources to help cover tuition at Parsons.
Specific Scholarship Opportunities
Several specific scholarships are available, each with its own criteria and requirements. Current BPATS students as well as those who are admitted for the fall 2025 entering class are eligible to apply. Parsons, Lang, and College of Performing Arts students are not eligible for these scholarships.
The Joan Howard Kersner Memorial Scholarship in Theater and Performing Arts
The Kersner Scholarship is dedicated to helping students focused on careers in the performing arts. This award is open to both full- and part-time students of any age who plan to attend classes on the NYC campus or online. Coursework must indicate a strong interest in theater and performing arts.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be planning a career in theater and performing arts-intending to act, dance, perform, or compose music. Those intending to use the arts or work as art therapists using drama, dance, and music to treat patients may also apply.
- The applicant must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- The applicant must submit two letters of recommendation in PDF, DOC, or DOCX format. At least one recommendation must be from a New School faculty member.
The Jacobson/Newcombe Scholarship
The Jacobson/Newcombe Scholarship is for mature students aged 25 and older who are returning to college to complete their degree after a hiatus from a previous institution. Students must take the majority of their courses on campus.
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Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must have overcome serious financial hardships to continue their education.
- The applicant must have completed a minimum of 60 credits toward their degree at The New School or a previous institution.
- The applicant must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5.
The Osher Reentry Scholarship Program
The Osher Reentry Scholarship targets high achieving, mature undergraduate students who have returned to finish their degree after a break of five years or more. This award is open to both full- and part-time students. Students must take the majority of their courses on the NYC campus.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must have a gap in education of five or more years from a four-year institution. The gap can be cumulative and not continuous. Community college attendance counts towards the gap period.
- The applicant must have earned a minimum of 30 credits in the liberal arts from an accredited university or college.
- Applicants should be planning towards workforce participation for a significant period of time after graduation.
Maximizing Scholarship Chances for International Students
Parsons School of Design offers several scholarships for both domestic and international students, and these are primarily based on academic performance and demonstrated financial need. One key scholarship for international students is the Dean's Scholarship, which provides around 10-30% of tuition fees and is renewable for all four years of study, subject to maintaining a good academic record.
Key Strategies
To maximize your chances of securing a scholarship, international students should focus on the following:
- Demonstrating Academic Excellence: Parsons highly values academic achievement, so focusing on maintaining a high GPA and showcasing any design-related achievements in your application can be beneficial.
- Building a Strong Portfolio: As a design school, Parsons places a strong emphasis on the portfolio. It's crucial to submit your best and most original work to showcase your design skills and ability.
- Filling Out The Financial Aid Forms: Make sure to fill out the necessary financial aid forms properly. This helps Parsons understand your financial situation and thus, determine your eligibility for need-based scholarships.
- International Students’ Financial Aid Application: Do remember to complete this form specifically designed for international students. This form is used by Parsons to assess the financial need of international students specifically.
Merit-Based Funding
Merit-based scholarships are awarded during the admission process and are based on the strength of an application and, if applicable, an audition or portfolio. No additional application components are required for merit-based scholarships. Recipients of these scholarships are usually notified in their letters of acceptance; decisions are final at the time of admission. Typically, institutional scholarship or grant awards are calculated on the basis of the number of credits a student is registered for at the end of the add/drop period. Registration activity occurring after the add/drop period ends may affect a student’s institutional aid. The Financial Aid Office will review each case to determine if an adjustment to the aid offer is necessary.
Part-time Scholarship Proration
Most institutional merit- and need-based scholarships are prorated for students who enroll part-time (less than 12 credits).
| Undergraduate Student Enrollment Level | Proration |
|---|---|
| 12 or more credits | 100% |
| 9-11 credits | 75% |
| 6-8 credits | 50% |
| 1-5 credits | 25% |
| Graduate Student Enrollment Level | Proration |
|---|---|
| 9 or more credits | 100% |
| 7-8 credits | 75% |
| 4.5-6 credits | 50% |
| 1-4 credits | 25% |
*Graduate students who are receiving a percentage-based scholarship will continue to receive the same percentage discount at any enrollment level.
Additional Information
Funds awarded from these scholarships will be applied only toward tuition expenses. The award does not cover costs of books, child-care, transportation, etc. Financial Aid Services will review applications. Eligible students who applied before and those who previously received one of these scholarships may apply again. Selections are expected to be announced in July 2025.
Important Dates
Selections are expected to be announced in July 2025.
Tuition Guarantee Plans
Tuition at time of first enrollment guaranteed only to students making advance payment.
Appeal for Additional Funding
The university does offer limited grant funding for current students who have experienced changes in their financial circumstances during their enrollment. The university is still accepting appeals from students who have experienced extreme circumstances; however, please note that funding is very limited. Appeals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Students who wish to request an exception to the registration or tuition refund policy can go through the university's appeals process. If you have any questions about your financial aid offer, please speak to a financial aid counselor.
Veteran Benefits
The New School has a long history of welcoming veterans to its various courses and degree programs, recognizing the unique life experience and exceptional potential only those who have served can claim.
Sources and Kinds of Aid
Some aid comes from the university (such as New School scholarships, campus jobs, or Parsons research grants); some comes from the government (such as federal Pell Grants or loans and New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program); and still other kinds come from private sources (including awards from organizations/corporations or loans). Some aid is a gift (such as scholarships or grants); some aid is in exchange for work (including Federal Work Study jobs or research assistantships); and some aid comes in the form of student loans to be repaid. One kind of aid is based on merit (scholarships for academic or artistic ability) and another is based on need (scholarships as documented on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA). The aid you can receive depends on factors including whether you are applying as a domestic student or an international student, an undergraduate program applicant or a graduate program applicant, or other considerations, such as military service. The New School’s Scholarship Advising staff are also on hand with workshops, one-on-one support, and other services to help you research scholarships and grant aid.
Financial Aid Statistics
- Students Receiving Financial Aid: 27.59%
- Average Aid Package: $32,423
Aid Package Details
- Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: $14,039
- Need-Based Loan Amount: $3,977
- Non-Need-Based Aid: $13,316
- Debt at Graduation: $36,436
Next Steps
If you have any questions about your financial aid offer, please speak to a financial aid counselor. The New School considers all applicants, including international and undergraduate transfer students, for merit scholarships on the basis of artistic and/or academic ability. There is no need to fill out a separate application - we automatically evaluate you when reviewing your materials for admission to Parsons. If you have related questions, review our FAQs. We’re here to help.
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