New York University (NYU) is one of the most sought-after institutions in the world, known for its rigorous academics, prime location in New York City, and a vast array of graduate programs across various disciplines. From law and business to the arts and social sciences, NYU offers graduate students opportunities to study with top-tier faculty and tap into a global alumni network. However, one important aspect that every prospective student needs to consider early in the application process is the cost—specifically, the application fee.
The application fee might seem like a minor expense compared to tuition, housing, and other graduate school costs. But for many students applying to multiple programs, these fees can add up quickly. Understanding the NYU grad school application fee, how it’s structured, and how to potentially waive it can help you budget more effectively and make informed decisions.
In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at NYU’s application fee structure, including specific costs by program, payment procedures, fee waiver options, and tips for managing the financial aspect of applying.
How Much Is the NYU Grad School Application Fee?
The application fee for NYU graduate programs varies depending on the school or department to which you are applying. As a general rule, you can expect fees to range between $75 and $150 per application.
Here’s a breakdown of some common application fees by school:
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Stern School of Business (MBA): $250
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Tisch School of the Arts: $75–$110 (depending on the program and additional portfolio requirements)
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Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development: $75
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School of Law (LLM and JD programs): $85–$100
In most cases, the fee covers the cost of processing and reviewing your application. These fees help maintain the resources required to evaluate thousands of applications each year, especially for programs with highly competitive admissions.
Keep in mind that if you’re applying to multiple programs within NYU, you may need to pay multiple application fees. Each school and department typically requires a separate application and fee.
How to Pay the Application Fee
Paying the NYU grad school application fee is straightforward and usually completed as part of the online application submission process. NYU primarily accepts major credit and debit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Some schools may also accept payment through third-party platforms like Flywire for international applicants.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of the typical payment process:
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Complete the online application for your desired program through NYU’s application portal or a centralized platform like LSAC for law or CASPA for physician assistant programs.
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Before submission, you’ll be prompted to pay the application fee.
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Input your payment information via the secure online form.
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After successful payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email or receipt, which you should save for your records.
Note that your application is not considered complete or reviewable until the fee has been paid or a fee waiver has been approved. Be sure to plan ahead so you don’t miss critical submission deadlines.
Some programs may allow you to return and complete your payment if you’re unable to pay immediately, but always check the specific policies of the school you’re applying to.
Fee Waivers: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
NYU recognizes that the application fee may pose a financial burden to some applicants and offers fee waivers to eligible individuals. Each graduate school within NYU may have slightly different criteria and processes for requesting a waiver, so it’s important to consult the school’s specific admissions page. However, there are common eligibility categories across most schools:
Common Criteria for Fee Waivers
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Financial hardship: Applicants from low-income backgrounds or with demonstrated financial need.
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U.S. military veterans or active duty service members.
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Participants in certain pipeline or preparatory programs, such as:
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Peace Corps or AmeriCorps alumni
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Public service workers or community organizers
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International students facing currency restrictions or significant economic instability may also be considered in some cases.
How to Apply for a Fee Waiver
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Start your online application and navigate to the payment section.
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Look for a “Request Fee Waiver” option or contact the admissions office directly.
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Provide supporting documents such as:
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Tax returns or proof of income
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A personal statement outlining financial hardship
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Letters from school officials or program coordinators confirming your eligibility
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Submit the waiver request well in advance of the application deadline to allow time for review.
For example, the NYU GSAS fee waiver page provides a detailed breakdown of acceptable documents and the processing timeline.
It’s essential to wait for confirmation of your waiver approval before submitting your application—if you pay the fee and are later granted a waiver, refunds are generally not provided.
Are NYU Grad School Application Fees Refundable?
In most cases, NYU application fees are non-refundable, regardless of the final admission decision or personal circumstances. This is a common policy across most U.S. universities. The fee is used to cover the administrative cost of processing applications, which includes faculty review, system management, and support staff.
There are only a few rare exceptions where a refund might be considered, such as:
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Duplicate payments made in error
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Technical errors in the application system
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Application withdrawal before review and only under special circumstances
If you believe you qualify for a refund due to an error, you should reach out to the specific graduate program’s admissions office with supporting documentation as soon as possible.
However, you should assume that once paid, the fee is final. This makes it even more important to verify your eligibility for a fee waiver before submitting payment.
Tips to Manage or Reduce Application Costs
Applying to graduate school can be an expensive endeavor, especially if you’re considering multiple programs at NYU or other universities. While the application fee is just one piece of the puzzle, managing it strategically can make the process more affordable and less stressful.
Here are some practical tips to reduce or offset the cost of NYU grad school application fees:
Apply for Fee Waivers Early
One of the most effective ways to avoid paying the application fee is to apply for a fee waiver early in the process. Each graduate school within NYU has its own timeline for reviewing waiver requests, and approvals aren’t always instant. By applying early, you give yourself a better chance of getting the waiver approved before the application deadline.
Additionally, some schools may have limited waiver budgets, meaning they offer fee waivers on a rolling basis until funding runs out. Submitting your request early can help you secure your spot before this happens.
Research Waiver-Eligible Programs and Events
NYU, like many universities, occasionally offers application fee waivers as part of recruitment events, open houses, or partnerships with certain organizations. These opportunities are often targeted at underrepresented groups in higher education or attendees of specific graduate school prep programs.
Here are a few examples where fee waivers may be available:
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Diversity recruitment fairs (e.g., Big Ten+ Graduate School Expo, Idealist Grad Fairs)
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Virtual information sessions hosted by individual NYU schools
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Participation in programs like the National Name Exchange, GEM Fellowship, or POSSE Foundation
Always check with the NYU department you’re interested in to see if they are offering event-based waivers or have existing partnerships that provide discounts.
Limit the Number of Applications
While it’s tempting to apply to many graduate programs to increase your chances of admission, it’s often more strategic—and cost-effective—to narrow your choices to a smaller number of schools that are the best fit for your goals.
Use the following criteria to create a focused list:
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Programs that align closely with your academic and career interests
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Schools where your academic profile matches or exceeds average admitted students
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Institutions that offer financial aid or scholarships for admitted students
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Locations where you’d be willing and able to live
Fewer, more targeted applications not only save you money but also allow you to put more effort into tailoring each submission.
Use Centralized Application Systems
Some NYU programs participate in centralized application systems, which allow you to apply to multiple schools or programs using one application form. These systems can reduce the burden of filling out multiple applications and may offer bundled fees or reduced rates.
Examples include:
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Common Application (primarily for undergrad, but useful for dual-degree programs)
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SOPHAS for public health programs
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LSAC for law schools
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CASPA for physician assistant programs
While each application may still carry its own fee, these platforms sometimes offer fee waivers or discount codes, especially for applicants from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Leverage Employer or Educational Institution Support
If you’re currently working or recently graduated from an undergraduate institution, check whether your employer or school offers financial support for graduate school applications. Some companies reimburse employees for application costs as part of their professional development benefits.
Similarly, many universities have career centers or graduate prep advisors who can help connect you with application support resources, fee waiver documentation, or institutional grants that offset your expenses.
Track and Plan Your Application Budget
Keep a spreadsheet of all your target schools, their respective application deadlines, and associated fees. This not only helps with organization but also gives you a realistic sense of your total budget.
Be sure to include:
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Application fee amounts
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Costs for standardized tests (e.g., GRE, GMAT, TOEFL)
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Transcript fees
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Postage or mailing fees (for programs requiring paper documents)
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Any costs related to interviews or portfolio submissions
Planning in advance will help you identify areas where you can cut costs or apply for support.
Conclusion
Applying to graduate school is an exciting milestone, and for many students, NYU represents the pinnacle of academic and professional ambition. But along with that prestige comes certain costs—like the application fee—that need to be navigated with care and strategy.
To recap:
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NYU’s graduate school application fees typically range between $75 and $250, depending on the program.
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You must submit the application fee online before your application is considered complete.
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NYU offers fee waivers for students who meet specific eligibility requirements, including financial hardship, veteran status, and participation in recognized preparatory programs.
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Fees are non-refundable in most cases, so it’s crucial to confirm waiver eligibility before paying.
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By strategically managing your application process, taking advantage of waiver opportunities, and applying to programs that truly fit your goals, you can reduce your costs and maximize your chances of success.
Graduate school is an investment in your future—and every dollar counts. Being informed about fees, waivers, and smart application strategies helps you avoid unnecessary expenses and focus on what really matters: choosing the right program for your personal and professional journey.
If you’re planning to apply to NYU or other top-tier graduate schools, take some time to research each program’s specific requirements. For NYU, start by exploring the graduate admissions pages for the school you’re interested in:
And remember—fees are just one part of the equation. With proper planning and the right support, you can navigate the application process with confidence and clarity.
Good luck on your grad school journey!
