Graduate Financial Aid

Furthering your education means expanding your career. We’ll help you get there.

Pace University offers our graduate students a variety of options to help finance their education. In addition to scholarships and student loans, Pace also contributes with work-study programs, graduate assistantships and teaching assistantships.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships are available to students who have shown academic accomplishment, skills, and related experience.  Full, part-time, and quarter-time assistantships (in research and/or administrative positions) are available to qualified students. Assistantship recipients receive Tuition Reimbursement and a stipend. Amounts awarded depend on which assistantship is offered (full or part-time) assistant.  Assistantships are given on a per-semester basis.

To be considered, students should file the Graduate Assistantship application, which is available in the application for admission or directly with the school they belong to. Assistantships are awarded by the academic department through which the student is admitted. Due to the limited number of positions available, assistantships are very competitive.  Students must meet QPA as well as enrollment requirements to be eligible.  Once selected, students complete the paperless process by accepting their Graduate Assistantship position and completing new hire paperwork with Human Resources (if required).  Students cannot have a graduate scholarship and graduate assistantship.

Federal Work-Study

Federal Work Study (FWS) is a program that allows students to earn money for educational expenses by working part-time.  FWS eligibility is based on financial need and availability of funding.

Students receiving Federal Work Study awards may be employed on campus by Pace University. Most of the students approved for Federal Work Study can be placed in jobs, but it is the student’s responsibility to research job openings and to successfully obtain a position. Students interested in on-campus employment should visit Pace University’s Human Resources Department’s Careers at Pace site on the web for links to the application system and instructions.

A student’s work hours are based on financial need, class schedule and the needs of the hiring department.  Students are paid at least the current federal minimum wage.

Student Loans

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Graduate students may borrow Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans while they complete their program of study. Interest accumulates upon disbursement.  If possible, students should pay this interest while they are in school. Students may receive unsubsidized loans regardless of financial need.

Graduate students may borrow a maximum of $20,500 per academic year in unsubsidized loans. Students are given up to or more than 10 years to pay back all loans.

Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits to be eligible for federal loans. For more information about interest rates and Direct loans, visit https://studentaid.gov.

Graduate/Direct PLUS Loan

Borrowers on or after July 1, 2026

Effective July 1, 2026, federal law eliminates eligibility for the Graduate PLUS Loan.

  • Students enrolling in a new graduate or professional program on or after July 1, 2026 - including those in a graduate program without prior Federal Direct Loan borrowing before that date - are not eligible for Graduate PLUS Loans.
  • Graduate students who are not eligible for the Graduate PLUS Loan may still be eligible for other federal student aid programs, including the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, subject to applicable annual and aggregate limits

Legacy Borrowers (Before July 1, 2026)

Students who were enrolled in a graduate program before July 1, 2026, and received a Graduate PLUS Loan or Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan prior to July 1, 2026, may continue borrowing under the legacy borrower provision:

  • Borrowing may continue for up to three additional academic years or until the student completes the current program, whichever occurs first.
  • Eligible legacy borrowers may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus other estimated financial assistance.
  • A break in continuous enrollment or exhaustion of the legacy eligibility period may result in loss of eligibility under the legacy provision (including a Leave of Absence).

Additional requirements and conditions:

  • Students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete the Graduate PLUS Loan application at studentaid.gov.
  • Applicants must not have an adverse credit history.
  • May not be in default on a federal student loan or owe repayment on a federal grant
  • Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment (fewer than six credits), with repayment terms generally ranging from 10 to 30 years.
  • Loan eligibility is based on enrollment. Changes in enrollment may require adjustments to remaining loan disbursements.

​Please visit www.pace.edu/OBBBA for additional information regarding loan changes regarding the One Big Beautiful Bill

Alternative Loans

For students who do not qualify for federal financial aid or who need additional assistance covering the cost of their education, alternative (private) loans offer a flexible solution. These loans are most often in the student’s name and, depending on creditworthiness, may require a co-signer. Students may borrow up to their Cost of Attendance (COA) minus any other accepted aid. We strongly advise students to apply for these loans at least 30 days prior to the billing due date. For additional information on Alternative loans you may utilize Pace University's ELM Select page to review a historical list of lender options available at http://elmselect.com

Pace University does not endorse any particular lender. Be sure to read all financial terms before signing for a private loan.  

Student Solutions Center

The Solution Centers, located on the New York City, Pleasantville, and White Plains (Law) campuses at the locations below, provide students with a single, centralized place to go for all questions about Financial Aid, and Student Billing. Appointments are required and can be scheduled using our QLess system.  

Financial Aid Solution Center Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Pace University Financial Aid Office

New York City Campus
161 William Street - 8th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Phone: (877) 672-1830
Fax: (212) 346-1750

Westchester Campus
861 Bedford Road
Administration Building
Pleasantville, NY 10560
Phone: (877) 672-1830
Fax: (914) 989-8471

White Plains (Law) Campus
78 North Broadway
Aloysia Hall, First Floor
White Plains, NY 10603
(877) 672-1830
(914) 989-8776

Pace University is committed to achieving full equal opportunity in all aspects of University life. Pursuant to this commitment, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or veteran status.

Scholarships

Graduate President’s and Dean’s Scholarship Awards

Available to: Full- and part-time, matriculated students demonstrating exceptional scholastic ability. Full-time students awarded the scholarship must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credits each fall and spring semester. Part-time students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits each fall and spring semester to be considered eligible. International students must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 credits each fall and spring semester for eligibility.

Award amount: Awards range from $1,600 - $13,000 per academic year depending on college, program, and academic standing.

Application Process: An application for the President's and Dean's scholarship is not required. Your application for admission serves as your application for the scholarship. Applicants are notified of their award in their acceptance packet.