I'm English, just got a place at NYU - money seems impossible, any suggestions?

Question

Hi

I'm from London, have always wanted to study in New York, so while I'm on my gap year (and have a place for next year secured at a London university) I thought I'd try my hand at applying to NYU.

To my surprise and delight I've just found out I got in - now actually have to seriously consider how I would ever pay approximately £100,000 for four years study. I'm aware that scholarships for international students are very limited - how do people ever afford this?? I'm just from a normal middle class family... is this basically going to be impossible? Where do I even start?

Would be interested to hear any thoughts! Thanks :)

Answer 1

It will be extremely hard- NYU is infamous for being stingy in scholarships and financial aid and coupled with being in NYC, everything is expensive and most graduates leave with around $40,000 debt. In fact one student couldnt afford housing and he was living in the library.

You could try to argue to administration for financial aid, saying something special arose, but it is usually impossible.

I would try a hand at internships, they make money and further your education, or try a seach engine for all different possible scholarships- many organizations give them. Good Luck!!

Answer 2

First, let me say congratulations!

As a former international student from a middle class family, I understand your concerns. Start by looking for scholarships - this may help: http://www.macquil.com/scholarships.php

Contact the financial aid office at NYU and see what kind of financial aid package is available for British citizens.

Contact the British Council, the UK Department of Education or a government-sponsored scholarship organization and see what kind of help you could get to attend school in the USA. You may be eligible for loans or grants.

Talk to everyone in your family, extended family and friends and see if you can get some help in the form of gifts or loans.

Apply for international student loans.

Once you arrive in the US, get an on-campus job. You cannot work off-campus in the US as an international student. Once you are eligible for a paid internship (usually after being in the states for 9 months), apply for paid internships that may help you pay for your room and board.

There is always a solution...you just need to look for it. Congratulations once again and contact me should you need further advice.

Good luck! :)