Navigating Scholarships for NYU Tisch School of the Arts
NYU's Tisch School of the Arts is renowned for its prestigious programs in film, theater, dance, and emerging media. The cost of attendance can be a significant barrier for many aspiring artists. Fortunately, NYU Tisch offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help students pursue their artistic dreams. This article provides a detailed overview of the scholarships available at NYU Tisch, eligibility requirements, and application processes.
Understanding Financial Aid at NYU Tisch
NYU Tisch recognizes the financial challenges students face and strives to provide support through a combination of scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. It is crucial to understand the different types of aid available and how to apply for them.
Scholarships
Scholarships are a form of gift aid that does not need to be repaid. At NYU Tisch, scholarships are typically awarded based on a combination of merit and financial need. Awards can range from partial to full tuition remission, although full tuition awards are rare.
Loans
Loans are a basic part of a student’s financial package and come in several forms: subsidized and un-subsidized loans guaranteed by the federal government; parent PLUS loans; and, occasionally, private loans.
Work-Study
For students who qualify, Federal Work-Study provides the opportunity to work part-time and earn money to help cover living expenses.
Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide
Scholarships for Graduate Students
Automatic Consideration
Admitted master's degree students are automatically considered for Tisch scholarships if they responded "yes" to the question on the application asking if they would like to be considered for financial aid. There is no separate form or application you need to complete to be considered for scholarships. You'll be notified of your scholarship award at the same time or shortly after receiving your offer of admission.
Discretionary Funds
Scholarship awards are discretionary funds issued directly by the academic department on the basis of both application merit and demonstrated financial need. These are tuition-only awards which can range from partial to full tuition remission, but full tuition awards are rare. *NYU scholarships are not available for our MA Media Producing or MPS Virtual Production programs.
Departmental Scholarships
Several departments within NYU Tisch offer specific scholarships to their students. For example, the Department of Design for Stage and Film automatically considers all students for academic merit-based and financial need-based scholarships after they apply for admission and financial aid. The Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP) provides departmental scholarships funded by the Tisch School of the Arts on the basis of financial need, educational excellence and professional promise.
External Scholarships and Fellowships
Graduate film students often receive limited scholarships, and funding typically comes from their home governments, foundations, and/or private agencies.
Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
Need-Based Financial Aid
Undergraduates can receive need-based financial aid. GPA and class rank do not impact the financial aid offered by NYU Tisch. To qualify for scholarships, fill out the FAFSA and create your CSS profile. Applications received past the deadline are not considered. Incoming transfer students are not eligible for NYU Tisch need-based aid.
Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships
Merit-Based Scholarships
Undergraduates can receive merit-based financial aid.
Study Abroad Scholarships
All admitted undergraduate students applying for financial aid to study abroad are automatically evaluated for an additional need-based award. The Global Pathways Scholarship provides up to $4,000 per semester (depending on demonstrated need) to cover the additional costs of international study. Students will receive an award notification beginning in June (for Fall semester) and in November (for Spring semester). You must follow the regular Office of Financial Aid process for applying for need-based aid. The Office of Global Programs hosts in-person and virtual info sessions throughout each semester.
Specific Scholarship Programs
The Point Foundation
The Point Foundation offers scholarships between $1,000 and $10,000 to LGBTQ+ students.
Yellow Ribbon GI Project
Veterans may receive additional funding through the Yellow Ribbon GI Project.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Benjamin A. undergraduate students who are currently receiving a Pell Grant as part of their tuition package are eligible for this scholarship.
Read also: Scholarship Guide
Spring Study Abroad Scholarship
A spring study abroad scholarship has been established by a generous donor to support high-need, high-performing Tisch undergraduate students pursuing a Tisch study abroad track in the 2025-2026 academic year.
NYC Mayor’s Graduate Scholarship Program
ITP is participating in the NYC Mayor’s Graduate Scholarship Program to provide an opportunity for full-time New York City government employees, with undergraduate degrees, to pursue graduate studies at ITP! We will offer up to 2 full tuition scholarships to cover up to 60 credits for NYC government employees. Applicants must apply both to ITP and also to the Mayor’s graduate scholarship program at the link above. applicants are strongly urged to complete the FAFSA by February 1.
Department Specific Scholarships at ITP
The Red Burns Scholarship Fund
The Red Burns Scholarship Fund was established in 2009 at the time of the ITP 30th anniversary celebration of the department. The Fund was made possible by the donations of generous ITP alumni and leadership grants by members of the ITP extended family. The Fund is named in honor of Red Burns, one of the founders of ITP and chair for over 28 years.
The Wasserman Foundation Scholarship
Since 1985, the Wasserman Foundation has partnered with Tisch School of the Arts to honor Edie & Lew R. Lew, former President and Chairman of MCA Universal, was an industry great. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contribution to the motion picture industry, specifically for his lead role in MCA’s acquisition of Universal Studios. While at the helm, Lew was also responsible for releasing time-tested blockbusters such as E.T., Jaws, and American Graffiti. His wife, Edie, was known as the first lady of Hollywood. A born philanthropist and supporter of the Motion Picture and Television Fund, she shared a love of education and the arts with her husband. Their grandson Casey Wasserman, Chairman and CEO of Wasserman Media Group, sits on the Tisch Dean’s Council.
The Elena K Parker Scholarship
This scholarship was founded in honor of alumnus Elena K Parker by her friends and family after she passed away in 2015. A 2013 graduate of Tisch’s Interactive Telecommunications Program, Parker became a Creative Technologist and Manager of Interactive Development at Campfire agency. Here, she earned a reputation for specializing in storytelling systems, inspiring the creation of her digital novel Base Pair, which was selected for the Banff Centre’s first Digital Narratives Residency.
The Michael Rooney Scholarship
Michael Rooney, a 1993 graduate of Tisch’s Interactive Telecommunications Program, partnered with the school in celebration of ITP’s 40th anniversary to establish this annual scholarship that he hopes will provide a similarly impactful education to ITP students in the years to come. Rooney credits Tisch and ITP for his receipt of a transformative educational experience. He currently serves as the Director of Media Convergence for Yonkers Raceway.
The De Woody and Family Foundation Scholarship
The Family Foundation is a stalwart supporter of education, the arts, and organizations at the intersection of both. The current President, Beth De Woody, holds seats on other prestigious boards such as the Whitney Museum of Art, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and The New School Parsons.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA: U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Create CSS Profile: To qualify for scholarships, fill out the FAFSA and create your CSS profile.
Indicate Interest: Admitted master's degree students are automatically considered for Tisch scholarships if they responded "yes" to the question on the application asking if they would like to be considered for financial aid.
Deadlines: Applications received past the deadline are not considered.
Additional Financial Aid Options
Federal Work-Study
Film students who qualify for Federal Work-Study are eligible for scholarships and loans. The program allows participants to work 15-20 hours weekly; payment is delivered biweekly. NYU recommends putting these funds towards books, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.
Production Associate (PA) Positions
PA positions are available in all areas of production - carpentry, electrics, painting, props, costume construction and graphic design. Professional skills, recommendations, maturity, and the ability to work collaboratively are some of the factors that are most highly considered. Students who hold PA positions receive an hourly wage and are required to work approximately 20 hours per week.
Student Employment at ITP
ITP offers a substantial amount of on-campus, part-time student employment on the floor every semester. Students can work up to 20 hours a week, though most work for an average of 10 hours a week to balance out with their schoolwork. These student employees work in our equipment room, fabrication shop, help our IT staff, the social media team, the special events team, Equitable Working Group, documentation lab, departmental library project, Coding Lab and Design Lab and as graduate assistants to help support our IMA undergraduate courses and much more.
Important Considerations for International Students
Fellowships, scholarships, and PA positions may be awarded to International Students in the Department of Design for Stage and Film.
Each semester, F-1 and J-1 students are automatically enrolled in and billed for the NYU-sponsored student health insurance comprehensive plan.
Study Abroad Funding
Don't limit yourself to just study abroad scholarships.
IIEPassport is an excellent resource for study abroad funding opportunities. It is an online database of various scholarships, awards and grants for study abroad. and 2.1 million of their recent grants. Department of Labor.
NYU does not offer scholarships to visiting students, but non-NYU students who receive financial aid from their home school are able to apply some or all of their financial aid toward studying abroad through NYU. To initiate the transfer process, visit the financial aid office at your home institution ASAP and ask to have a consortium agreement established with NYU. The Office of Financial Aid of your home institution should fax the form to our Financial Aid office at (212) 995-4661.
Additional Tips for Funding Your Education
Explore External Scholarships: Research and apply for scholarships from outside organizations and foundations. FilmSchool.org's Application Database also provides actual scholarship amounts awarded to our members.
Consider Part-Time Enrollment: ITP is a 2-year, full-time program. NYU charges a bulk fee for full-time status which is anywhere between 12-18 credits. Students are allowed to attend part-time in their final semester to reach the required minimum of 60 credits to graduate. Any amount of credits under 12 credits is considered part-time and tuition is then charged per credit instead of the bulk rate. In some cases, students can save up to $20K in the final semester by attending part-time if possible.
Budget Wisely: Create a budget and track your expenses to make the most of your financial aid.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Contact the NYU Tisch financial aid office for guidance and support.
Health Insurance
All students registering for 6-plus credits in a semester are charged the Basic Student Health Insurance Plan.
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