Hi everyone - I am a senior preparing to apply to colleges in the fall. Of all the colleges I’ve visited, NYU is my absolute favorite. I would love to attend, preferably to study at Gallatin, but I would also consider a double major in Social Work and Applied Psych.
I know Early Decision is kind of meant for people who have a clear idea of their first choice school, so I’m considering this with NYU. (They do not have an early action program.) However, affordability is important to me, and I have a firm limit set to the amount of loan money I am willing to take out during my first year. Knowing that NYU is EXTREMELY expensive, I am doubtful that I will actually reach this threshold, even with the help of my parents, grandparents (who have said they would like to help pay for my college tuition, but haven’t quite specified to what extent), and scholarship money. Gallatin, from my understanding, has a great deal of scholarship money for its own students, some of which is given out on a solely need-based basis. But knowing how competitive the school is along with NYU as a whole, I’m not sure I will be getting much merit money.
With Early Decision, I know it’s frowned upon to have to turn down an offer. And if I can’t afford going this year, I would like to go here for grad school or maybe even transfer in, so I don’t want to hurt my reputation. I’ve also heard that Early Decision candidates do not get as much financial aid because they are already set on going to the school (although the NYU’s website states that all candidates have equal opportunity for aid).
However, I do want them to know I am very interested, and I definitely don’t want to have to wait to April to find get a decision on my acceptance.
Any advice? I’ve considered emailing a college admissions rep, but I’m not sure they’re the most trustworthy people to talk to, especially on a topic regarding money…
Have you run a net proce calculator for NYU? Do that.
If finances are a significant consideration, I would not suggest applying ED to NYU. The school does not guarantee to meet full need…and it doesn’t. In addition, the yearly cost is hovering around $70,000 a year.
Bad idea if finances are an issue. You would be much better off to apply to a lot of schools you like so you can compare aid packages. NYU almost never gives the best aid package you will be offered.
OTOH, don’t even consider a plan that involves transferring to NYU later. The aid for transfers is usually not good (at NYU and almost everywhere else).
There is nothing to email an admissions rep about. They don’t do the aid. And no aid officer will likely evaluate your cost until they get all your paperwork, otherwise it is just guessing. They also practice preferential packaging so the amount you might get also may depend on the pool of students that year. NYU is not that hard to get into that you should have to ED.
Thank you guys - This was very helpful!
thumper - I have not checked out the net price calculator yet, but that’s a good suggestion, and I definitely will. Thanks 
Yeah definitely can’t stress enough how expensive NYU is and little financial aid they give out. Do the aid calc and talk to your parents. If they can afford it and you truly want to go to NYU over any other school then go for it. If not, the acceptance rate for RD NYU isn’t that daunting and if your stats are good you shouldn’t worry too much. Good luck!!
Also, if you get in ED you will really have a hard time getting out of the acceptance- they state that it is “a binding contract” and it really is, and then you may be stuck paying full tuition.
- Gallatin is one of the most selective programs in all of the US. Everyone wants it. If you really are passionate about NYU as whole I would say apply to Silver/ Steinhart and if you really don’t like it, only after that should you transfer.