College is one of the most important investments a family can make, but very few families are able to cover 100% of the costs of tuition and living expenses on their own. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help. The vast majority of our students rely on at least one form of financial aid, whether it’s a scholarship, grant, loan or payment plan.
types of financial aid
New York Conservatory Scholarships & Grants
The New York Conservatory awards over $2 million dollars a year in direct aid to students. We offer four types of institutional aid.
Federal & State Grants
The New York Conservatory participates in the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IV Federal Student Assistance Programs and grant programs.
Outside Scholarships
There are thousands of companies and foundations that offer private scholarships based on a variety of criteria. Search for online for scholarships.
Federal & Private Loans
Federally-subsidized and private loans can help families close the gap between scholarships and grants, and the total cost of attendance.
Veterans' Benefits
Veterans and their families can access school funding to help pay for attending The New York Conservatory. Several veteran's programs are available.
Payment Plans
When scholarships, grants and loans leave a remaining balance, The New York Conservatory may offer payment plans to ease the burden of payment.
scholarships & grants
For each student, we package together the following scholarships:
— Scholarships based on academic achievement ($1000-$7000)
— Scholarships based on talent, as observed in your audition ($1000-$7000)
— Scholarships awarded at Thespian competitions and events (up to $10,000 total) Please note: Event scholarships cannot be combined with academic or talent-based scholarships, but can be combined with needs-based grants.
— Once you complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), we will also be able to offer additional grants to help close the gap between your financial ability and the school tuition and housing costs.
federal and state grants
Our students are able to leverage Federal and State aid, including:
This grant provides assistance to students who demonstrate financial need according to federal guidelines. Awards range from $598 per year to a maximum of $5,815 per year.
This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by NYCDA to provide assistance to students with exceptional financial need. All students who qualify are automatically considered for this grant. Awards range from $350 to $700 per year.
This grant provides assistance to students who have either attended at least two semesters of high school in New York or have been New York State residents for at least 12 consecutive months before the term for which they are seeking assistance. Awards range from $500 to $5,165. The NYCDA TAP code is 7816. In order to qualify you must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or apply here.
outside scholarships
You can search for opportunities through these websites:
You must notify our financial aid office if you receive funds from outside sources. The Financial Aid office can be reached at (212) 645-0030 or via email at [email protected]
veteran benefits
Veterans and their families are eligible for a variety of benefits:
The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. It can help pay for up to 100% of a student’s out-of-pocket tuition and education-related expenses that exceed the Post-9/11 GI Bill® tuition benefit. NYCDA is offering up to 50 of these awards in 2019-2020, which can reach up to $16,000 per student.
All students seeking the Post-9/11 GI Bill® should complete VA Form 22-1990 and submitting it to the Department of Veterans Affairs for processing. Click here for more information.
This program covers up to 36 months of education benefits for degree or certificate programs, payable for up to 10 years after active duty release. Click here for more information.
This program also covers up to 36 months of education benefits, payable for up to 10 years after active duty release from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard Reserves. Click here for more information.
This program covers up to 36 months of education benefits for members of the Selected Reserves, Individual Ready Reserve, and National Guard who have been called into active service. The amount of each award is based on a percentage of the Montgomery GI Bill® award and the number of continual days served on active duty. Click here for more information.
Veterans who saw active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 may find additional assistance in this program. Click here for more information.
There are also education benefits specifically designated for the eligible spouses and children of veterans who are permanently disabled, deceased, missing in action, detained, or interned in the line of duty. Click here for more information.
Active duty National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers are eligible for assistance through this program. Click here for more information.
If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, Veteran Readiness and Employment can help.
Click here for more information: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/
If you’ve served on active duty after September 10, 2001, you may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). Find out if you can get this education benefit.
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/
Tuition Rates:
Film and Television = $1,200 per credit
Musical Theater = $1,078 per credit
New Media = $1,181 per credit
Notice Regarding Fees
Card Payments
Authorize.net, an independent third-party contractor that processes payments for NYCDA student accounts, will charge a non-refundable convenience fee based on the amount charged. All credit and debit card payments will incur a non-refundable convenience fee of 2.3%, which is assessed by Authorize.net and not NYCDA. NYCDA does not receive any of this fee.
Application and Deposit Fee Payments
Slate Payments, an independent third-party contractor that processes payments for NYCDA student accounts when paying through our Application Status Portal, will charge a non-refundable convenience fee based on the amount charged. All credit card and bank account payments will incur a non-refundable variable convenience fee of 2.3%-3%, which is assessed by Slate Payments and not NYCDA. NYCDA does not receive any of this fee.
Please Note:
Cash, Check, and ACH payments made directly to NYCDA are not subject to convenience fees. Educational Loans are not subject to convenience fees.
For more information or to learn about payment methods, you may contact a representative by email at [email protected].
payment plans
When a student’s financial awards leave a remaining balance, The New York Conservatory can set up payment plans to spread the balance across several months.
If you have been accepted to the school, visit your Student Portal to see your current awards and balances. In the hamburger menu, choose My Info > Billing Statement.
Standard Payment Plans
If you have a college savings but can’t pay your balance in one chunk, our standard payment plan offers the opportunity to make payments that clear your tuition balance prior to enrollment for each semester. Log in to your Student Portal. On the top left hamburger menu, select My Info > Billing Statement. No need to select a date range, just click Submit.
Extended Payment Plans
We offer extended payment plans for those who need a little more time to pay for school. Please be advised, there is a $150 administrative fee for using an extended payment plan.
If you have any questions on making payments, or requesting an Extended Payment Plan, reach out to our Bursar to discuss what options are available.