NYU's published cost of attendance reaches $79,121 per year, including $60,438 in tuition, $22,786 for room and board, and $1,494 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $35,035 after financial aid, representing savings of $44,086 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $84,374 |
| Tuition and Fees | $62,796 |
| Room and Board | $23,530 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,442 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$47,324 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $37,050 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $16,977 |
| $30–48k | $14,017 |
| $48–75k | $16,862 |
| $75–110k | $32,766 |
| $110k+ | $66,876 |
NYU's published cost of attendance reaches $79,121 per year, including $60,438 in tuition, $22,786 for room and board, and $1,494 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $35,035 after financial aid, representing savings of $44,086 from the sticker price. This net price of $35,035 sits slightly above the peer median of $33,531 by $1,504, positioning NYU at a modest premium compared to similar institutions.
The institution's affordability index ranks at the 7.4th percentile with modestly below average performance, reflecting higher costs relative to peer institutions and limited financial aid reach. Net prices vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $16,816 for families earning under $30,000 to $59,931 for those earning over $110,000. This $43,115 gap between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates substantial aid targeting toward lower-income families, though middle and upper-middle-income families face significant costs.
NYU's financial aid profile reflects its position as a selective private institution serving both high-need and affluent populations. With 18.6% of students receiving Pell grants—above the typical level for highly selective private colleges—the university demonstrates meaningful commitment to economic access.
The average financial aid savings of $44,086 indicates substantial institutional investment in need-based aid, though this support concentrates heavily on students from lower-income backgrounds. The net price progression across income tiers shows that families earning under $48,000 receive aid packages that reduce costs to under $19,000 annually, while middle-income families face costs exceeding $30,000.
This aid distribution pattern reflects federal and institutional aid formulas that provide maximum support to lowest-income students while creating affordability challenges for middle-class families. The 21.5% first-generation student enrollment suggests that many aid recipients are navigating both the academic and financial aspects of college for the first time, requiring comprehensive support beyond pure financial assistance.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
NYU graduates carry median debt of $20,500, which compares favorably to the peer median of $23,168, representing $2,668 less borrowing than similar institutions. Debt ranges from $11,000 at the 25th percentile to $29,450 at the 75th percentile, indicating meaningful variation in borrowing patterns across students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 falls within manageable territory, suggesting that typical graduates can handle loan payments relative to their earning capacity. Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $59,494 with monthly payments of $783, indicating that many families supplement student borrowing with parent loans to bridge affordability gaps.
The combination of controlled student debt levels and substantial parent borrowing suggests that NYU's aid strategy keeps student loan burdens reasonable while expecting family contributions through parent borrowing. Compared to the 66th percentile ranking for debt levels, NYU maintains moderate borrowing relative to national averages.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
NYU presents a mixed investment profile that balances strong absolute earnings with premium pricing and modest earnings uplift. Graduates earn $82,509 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 94.0th percentile nationally and $5,938 above the peer median.
However, they earn $18,133 below expectations given their academic credentials, suggesting that students pay a premium for access to competitive fields and institutional prestige. The manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25, combined with debt levels below peer institutions, supports long-term financial sustainability.
Net prices above peer medians indicate that families pay premium rates, though strong absolute earnings help justify the investment over time. The combination of top 5% earnings performance with controlled debt levels creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability, even as the earnings premium reflects student credentials more than institutional value-add.
