Types of Aid
Manhattanville University has a long history of rewarding students for their academic accomplishments regardless of their financial needs. At the time an acceptance decision is rendered, students will be notified of merit award honors and additional scholarship opportunities for which they may qualify.
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All incoming full-time, first-year, and transfer, undergraduate admitted students will automatically be considered for one of the merit awards listed below. Annual renewal of all merit awards is based on students maintaining a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and enrolling in a minimum of 12 credits each fall and spring semester.
- Chairperson’s Scholarship
- Board of Trustees’ Scholarship
- President's Scholarship
- Provost's Award
- Dean's Award
- Valiant Recognition Award
Castle Scholars Honors Program
Entry into the Castle Scholars Honors Program is highly competitive. At the time an
acceptance decision to the University is received, eligible students will be offered
an annual merit scholarship of $3,000 and a spot in the program.
Fine and Performing Arts Scholarship
Manhattanville supports students with an interest in pursuing a career in the fine
and performing arts. Merit scholarship opportunities are available for students pursuing
Dance, Musical Theatre, Studio Art, and Theatre. Award amounts vary based on the portfolio or audition.
Community College Honors Scholarship
Transfer Students that have been active members of a two-year college honors program
or honors society at a two-year institution, such as Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Beta
Gamma, will be offered an annual merit scholarship of $2,000.
Our opportunity award programs champion students who want to lead and serve.
Sister Mary T. Clark Community Service Award Program
Participants in the Sister Mary T. Clark Community Service Award Program participate
in 30 hours of service-learning each semester and give a presentation highlighting
their service-learning experiences. Students who elect to participate in this program
will receive an annual scholarship of $2,000.
First-Generation Award
Manhattanville University identifies a first-generation student as someone whose parents
did not complete a four-year college degree. These first-year, first-time college
students are awarded an annual scholarship of $2,000.
Manhattanville Achievement Program (MAP)
Please note: MAP is not accepting new students
The Manhattanville Achievement Program offers an opportunity for students of minimal
economic means to reside on the Manhattanville University campus and enroll for full-time,
degree-seeking status without a significant financial burden. This scholarship program
ensures the minimal cost of attendance and includes a broad range of services including
academic, personal, and career counseling. Students must meet specific financial criteria
in order to be considered for entry. This is a highly selective program and is only
available to first-time, first-year students.
Manhattanville University is thrilled to partner with organizations and institutions to create opportunities that assist students with making college affordable.
Westchester Community College Half Tuition Scholarship Program
Transfer students who complete an Associate’s degree from Westchester Community College
will automatically be offered a half-tuition scholarship to enroll at Manhattanville.
Professional Development Schools
Student who graduate from a school that is affiliated with the Manhattanville School
of Education will be offered merit awards that will cover at least half tuition of
the year they enroll. Students must be in good academic standing and attending high
school in one of the following listed school districts at the time of applying: Bedford,
Elmsford, New Rochelle, Ossining, or White Plains.
Manhattanville student employees gain resume-building work experience, grow their interpersonal skills, and develop an excellent work ethic as they provide important services throughout the school community.
Manhattanville University Alumni Discount (beginning with Fall 2025 applicants)
Manhattanville students that complete an undergraduate degree, and have not been following an accelerated or 4+1 bachelor's to master's degree track, will be offered a 20% discount on Master's degree programs in the School of Arts and Sciences (excluding MFA Creative Writing) and the School of Education (excluding Doctoral).
School of Education Award Opportunities
You may be considered for scholarship opportunities during the application process.There is no separate application to be considered. You will be notified about any scholarships at the time of your acceptance. At this time, the only potential opportunities for scholarship reside within the School of Education programs. You must be enrolled in 6 credits each term in order to receive your scholarship.
PE + Scholar Program
- Masters in Physical Education applicants who have at least a 3.25 GPA and experience as instructional support staff in PreK-12 settings.
Internship pathway, Transitional B pathway or Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
- Masters of Professional Studies candidates who begin an accelerated teaching pathway in NY State shortage areas (Science, Math, ESL, Foreign Language).
META (Manhattanville Excellence in Teaching Academy)
- Qualified candidates must be seeking a Master of Professional Studies in Childhood and Special Ed.
School of Education Professional Development School Network
If you are a full-time employee of one of our PDS schools, you may be entitled to a preferred partner tuition rate.
School of Education Partner Affiliations
If you are a full-time employee or a member of one of our School of Education partners, you may be entitled to a preferred partner tuition rate. You will be prompted to select your partner affiliation (if one exists) in the application.
Manhattanville offers a limited number of Graduate Assistantships to students enrolled in one of the in-person graduate or doctoral programs. Graduate Assistants gain resume-building work experience, grow their interpersonal skills, and develop an excellent work ethic as they provide important services throughout the school community.
Eligibility Requirements
Our general eligibility requirements include that you have financial need, are a U.S.
citizen or eligible noncitizen, and are enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate
program at your college or career school. There are more eligibility requirements you must meet to qualify for federal student aid. Manhattanville's federal school
code is 002760.
Federal Pell Grant
A Federal Pell Grant (Pell) does not have to be repaid. Pell is awarded only to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. The U.S. Department of Education uses federal methodology to determine eligibility. Pell amounts will fluctuate from year to year based on an applicant’s demonstrated need and the Federal Pell Grant Payment Disbursement Schedules published annually by Congress.
Pell Grant Changes
Several changes to Federal Pell Grant eligibility take effect beginning with the 2026-27 award year.
Cost of Attendance Limitation
Students whose scholarships, grants, and other assistance equal or exceed their cost of attendance may no longer qualify for a Pell Grant.
In some situations, institutional aid may need to be adjusted to preserve Pell Grant eligibility.
Student Aid Index (SAI) Threshold
Students whose Student Aid Index exceeds a federally established threshold may become ineligible for Pell Grant funding.
Foreign Earned Income
Foreign earned income excluded from taxation may be added back into federal aid calculations and could affect Pell Grant eligibility.
Federal TEACH Grant
The Federal TEACH Grant (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) is a financial aid program designed to support students pursuing a career in teaching. This grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students who agree to teach in a high-need field at a low-income elementary or secondary school for at least four years within eight years of completing their degree. High-need fields include subjects like mathematics, science, foreign language, bilingual education, special education, and reading specialist roles. To qualify, students must be enrolled in an eligible program, meet academic achievement requirements, and sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve. It is important to note that if the service obligation is not fulfilled, the grant converts into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, which must be repaid with interest. This grant is a great opportunity for aspiring teachers committed to making a difference in underserved communities.
Learn More and Apply for the Federal TEACH Grant
Federal Direct Loans
Federal Direct Student loans are funds borrowed from the federal government for educational costs. They must be repaid starting six (6) months from the date in which the student completes a degree, ceases to be enrolled, or drops below half-time status. The loan is made to the student, and the student is directly responsible for the repayment of this debt. Eligibility is contingent upon completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submission of all required supporting documentation.
Manhattanville University requires that all U.S citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to determine eligibility for funding. The application is available online at studentaid.gov.
Undergraduate Student Loan Eligibility and Enrollment Proration
Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, federal regulations require schools to adjust annual Direct Loan eligibility based on a student's actual enrollment during the academic year. Students enrolled less than full-time may receive a reduced federal loan amount.
Minimum Enrollment Requirement
Undergraduate students must be enrolled at least half-time to receive federal student loans.
- Full-time enrollment: 12 or more credits per semester
- Half-time enrollment: 6 credits per semester
- Students enrolled in fewer than 6 credits are not eligible for federal Direct Loans.
How Loan Proration Works
A student's annual Direct Loan eligibility will be determined based on the total number of credits enrolled during the academic year compared to the number of credits considered full-time.
Federal Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are subject to these calculations. Parent PLUS Loans are not affected by enrollment-based proration requirements.
Important Things to Know
- Students enrolled less than full-time may receive less than the standard annual federal loan amount.
- Enrollment changes after a loan has been disbursed may affect future loan disbursements within the same academic year.
- Dropping courses may reduce remaining loan eligibility even if prior disbursements do not have to be returned.
- Summer enrollment may be included when determining annual enrollment for loan eligibility calculations, depending on the student's loan period and academic year.
Example
A dependent first-year student normally eligible for $5,500 in annual Direct Loan funding who enrolls half-time for the entire academic year may receive approximately 50% of the standard annual loan limit.
Actual eligibility will vary based on enrollment and federal loan limits.
Example of a Mid-Year Enrollment Change
A student begins the academic year enrolled full-time and receives the first half of their annual loan.
After the fall semester, the student drops credits and completes the term below full-time status. When eligibility is recalculated using total annual enrollment, the student's remaining spring loan eligibility may be reduced.
As a result, the student could receive less loan funding in the spring semester than originally anticipated.
Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan
If a student demonstrates need – as defined by the federal government based on the information provided on the FAFSA – a portion of the Federal Direct Student Loan may be subsidized. In this case, the federal government pays the interest as it accrues, until the end of the student’s six (6) month grace period. All applicants who complete the FAFSA are automatically eligible for an unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loan, on which interest accrues while the student is in school. Federal loan limits are determined by the year in school.
Repayment of the subsidized and unsubsidized loans can be made over 10 or more years. The federal government charges an origination fee for each student loan. These fees are deducted from each semester’s check to the school. The fixed interest rate, set each year on July 1st, is based on the 91-day Treasury bill, plus a 3.1% allowance, not to exceed 8.25%
Graduate Student Loan Eligibility and Enrollment Proration
Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, graduate student borrowers enrolled less than full-time will also be subject to federal loan proration rules. Loan eligibility will be based on total enrollment during the academic year rather than assuming full annual eligibility.
Minimum Enrollment Requirement
Graduate students must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for federal student loans.
- Full-time enrollment: 9 or more credits per semester
- Half-time enrollment: 4.5 credits per semester
- Students enrolled below half-time are not eligible for federal student loans.
Which Loans Are Affected?
The following federal loan programs may be subject to enrollment-based proration:
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Graduate PLUS Loans available through an approved legacy provision, if applicable
How Proration Is Calculated
Federal regulations require schools to compare a student's actual enrollment to full-time enrollment for the academic year.
The percentage of enrollment is then applied to the student's annual borrowing limit.
As enrollment decreases, annual loan eligibility may also decrease.
Why This Matters for Graduate Students
For many graduate students, federal loans are a primary source of educational funding. A reduction in enrollment may have a significant impact on available borrowing capacity.
Students who:
- Reduce course loads,
- Withdraw from courses,
- Delay coursework to a later term, or
- Attend part-time throughout the academic year
may qualify for less federal loan funding than they originally expected.
Example
A graduate student who enrolls in 6 credits during the fall semester and 6 credits during the spring semester would be attending at approximately two-thirds of full-time enrollment.
Because annual loan eligibility must be prorated, the student would generally be eligible for approximately two-thirds of the standard annual loan amount rather than the full loan limit.
Example: Reducing Enrollment After Disbursement
Consider a graduate student who begins the academic year enrolled full-time and receives a fall loan disbursement based on full-time status.
After the loan is disbursed, the student drops from 9 credits to 6 credits. The initial fall disbursement may not need to be adjusted immediately. However, federal regulations require the institution to recalculate annual eligibility based on the student's actual enrollment.
When spring eligibility is reviewed:
- The student's annual enrollment percentage may be lower than originally projected.
- The student's annual loan limit may be reduced.
- The remaining spring disbursement may therefore be smaller than originally awarded.
Graduate students should carefully consider the financial impact of reducing enrollment, as changes made during one semester may affect available loan funding in subsequent terms.
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is a program whereby credit-worthy parents may borrow up to their child’s cost of attendance, minus any financial aid already awarded. The Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013 sets the annual fixed interest rate on Direct PLUS Loans at the rate on high-yield 10-year Treasury notes plus 4.6%, but caps that rate at 10.5%.
To apply for a PLUS Loan, eligible parents and caregivers must visit studentaid.gov and complete the application, as well as the PLUS MPN for Parents of a Dependent Undergraduate Student.
If an applicant is denied, they may appeal the credit decision or seek out an endorser. Otherwise, the student is then entitled to additional unsubsidized loan funds up to the independent limit determined by their year in school.
Parent PLUS Loan Changes
Beginning July 1, 2026, Parent PLUS Loans will be subject to new federal borrowing limits.
New Borrowing Limits
Parents may borrow:
- Up to $20,000 per student, per academic year
- Up to $65,000 total for a student's educational program
These limits are established by federal law and apply regardless of the student's cost of attendance.
Important Legacy Borrower Provision
Some families may continue to qualify for the current Parent PLUS borrowing structure if:
- The student was enrolled in the same academic program before July 1, 2026, and
- A Parent PLUS Loan was previously disbursed before that date.
Continued eligibility under this provision is limited and subject to federal requirements regarding enrollment and program continuity.
Additional guidance from the Department of Education is expected regarding implementation details.
Important Clarification
Unlike certain federal student loan changes that include grandfathering provisions for existing borrowers, there is no broad exception that allows all current Parent PLUS borrowers to continue borrowing under the previous unlimited structure. Eligibility for any legacy provision is determined by federal regulations and specific borrower circumstances.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS (Grad PLUS) Loan program will be discontinued for
new borrowers beginning July 1, 2026.
Students who receive a Federal Direct Loan disbursement prior to July 1, 2026, and
who remain enrolled in the same graduate or professional program, may continue to
borrow Grad PLUS Loans for up to three additional academic years or until completion
of their program, whichever occurs first.
Important: To qualify under this grandfathering provision, the loan must be fully disbursed (not merely certified) prior to July 1, 2026. Students who begin a new graduate or professional program on or after July 1, 2026, will not be eligible to borrow Grad PLUS Loans.
Graduate Student Loan Changes
Reduction in Loan Eligibility for Less Than Full-Time Enrollment
Graduate students enrolled less than full-time will also have annual loan eligibility prorated based on enrollment.
Students must remain enrolled at least half-time to receive federal student loans.
Loans Affected
These changes may affect:
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Graduate PLUS Loans available through applicable legacy provisions
Students who reduce enrollment after receiving loan funds may see future disbursements reduced during the same academic year.
Graduate PLUS Loan Elimination
The federal Graduate PLUS Loan program will no longer be available to new borrowers beginning July 1, 2026.
Legacy Borrowers
Students who borrowed federal graduate loans before July 1, 2026 and remain continuously enrolled in the same academic program may continue to access Graduate PLUS Loans for a limited period under federal grandfathering provisions.
Additional federal guidance is expected regarding implementation and eligibility.
New Graduate Borrowing Limits
Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year:
- New graduate student borrowers may borrow up to $20,500 annually through the Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program.
- A $100,000 aggregate lifetime limit will apply for new borrowers.
Students who qualify under federal legacy provisions may remain subject to previous aggregate borrowing limits.
Federal Loan Repayment Changes
Beginning July 1, 2026, federal loan repayment options will change significantly for new borrowers.
Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP)
The new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) will serve as the primary income-based repayment option.
Key features include:
- Monthly payments based on income and family size
- A minimum monthly payment requirement
- Separate income calculations for married borrowers who file taxes separately
- A repayment period of up to 30 years
Standard Repayment Plan
Borrowers may also choose a standard repayment plan with fixed monthly payments. Repayment terms will vary based on total loan debt.
Current Borrowers
Borrowers who received all federal loans before July 1, 2026 may continue to have access to certain existing repayment plans, subject to federal transition requirements.
Borrowers currently enrolled in SAVE, PAYE, or ICR plans will eventually be required to transition into another eligible repayment option.
Disclaimer
The information provided above is based on federal legislation currently scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026. Implementation guidance from the U.S. Department of Education is still being released, and federal requirements may change. Students and families should review this page periodically for updates and consult the Financial Aid Office with questions regarding their individual circumstances.
NY state residents may be eligible for NYS State aid. NYS residents are eligible to apply for state financial aid which includes TAP, ETA and Dreamer. NYS Higher Education Services Corporation - Home.
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
Undergraduate students- full time matriculated students in a baccalaureate degree
are eligible for NYS TAP. TAP is a grant and does not have to be paid back. You must
be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits and have a minimum GPA of among other requirements. NYS Higher Education Services Corporation - NYS TAP
Students and families can contact HESC directly for assistance at 1-888-NYSHESC (1-888-697-4372) Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (excluding holidays).
Enhanced Tuition Awards Program (ETA)
The Enhanced Tuition Awards (ETA) program provides tuition awards to students who
are New York State residents attending a participating private college located in
New York State. Recipients will receive $6,000 through a combination of their TAP award, ETA award
and a match from their private college. Please note this award is paid out at the end of the academic year. NYS Higher Education Services Corporation - Enhanced Tuition Awards
Dream Act
The Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act gives undocumented and other students
access to New York State‐administered grants and scholarships that support their higher
education costs. The DREAM Act opens the doors of higher education to thousands of
students, providing access to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Enhanced Tuition Awards Program (ETA) as well as
other state‐administered scholarships that were not previously available to them.
The World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship (WTC)
The World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship (WTC) provides access to a college education
for children, spouses, and financial dependents of innocent victims who died or were
severely and permanently disabled as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist
attacks on the United States of America - at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon,
and on airline flights 11, 77, 93, and 175 - and the resulting rescue and recovery
efforts. NYS Higher Education Services Corporation - NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship
NYS Math & Science Teaching Incentive Program
The NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program is designed to support full-time undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers as math or science teachers in secondary education (grades 7-12). This program provides scholarships that cover the cost of tuition, up to the cost of tuition at a state-operated SUNY college. Potential awards can reach up to $7,070 annually, depending on the institution's tuition costs.
To qualify, students must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, legal residents of New York State, and enrolled in an approved program leading to a teaching career in math or science. Recipients must agree to teach full-time in a New York State secondary school for five years after completing their degree. If the service obligation is not fulfilled, the scholarship converts to a 10-year student loan with interest.
The application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year is August 5, 2024. The selection of recipients is based on the availability of funds, with priority given to returning recipients. Applicants must maintain good academic standing and meet specific GPA requirements.
For more information, visit the NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program page (HESC.ny.gov).
After considering all the resources available through the Office of Financial Aid, some families need further assistance and choose a private loan product. We strongly encourage students to discuss their financial situation with a financial aid professional prior to taking out any private education loan. We also recommend comparing the rates and payment plans of federal loans to those of private lenders – as well as between various lenders. If you choose to pursue a private loan, please apply to one private loan program only. Learn more about the difference between federal loans and private loans.
Manhattanville has a policy of refraining from an exclusive partnership with a single lender. We do not endorse or recommend any particular lenders. ELM Select, a platform for loan selections, is a good place for you to start comparing loans and lenders. Lenders are added or removed based upon feedback from prior borrowers and the annual review of lender attributes by Manhattanville staff.
In addition to federal, state, and institutional aid, students are encouraged to apply for outside scholarships. Below is a list of links to scholarship websites and search engines you may find helpful.
- Cappex Scholarship Search
- Chegg Scholarship Search
- College Board Scholarship Search
- FastWeb
- Scholly® Scholarships by Sallie
- Scholarships360
- Scholarships for High-School Seniors
Important Reminder
You must report all outside scholarships, grants, fellowships, and other types of aid to the Office of Financial Aid.
