Graduate Education
Grants and Loans
Federal aid, state programs, and private loan options to help fund your graduate degree at Manhattan University.
Graduate students at Manhattan University have access to a range of funding sources designed to make advanced study more affordable. From federal loans and need-based grants to state-sponsored teaching incentives and private lender options, our financial aid pathways are built to support students at every stage of their graduate journey. Manhattan University recommends starting with federal financial aid, which typically offers the most favorable repayment terms, and then exploring additional grants, scholarships, and private loans to bridge any remaining gap.
Federal Loans
While the opportunities differ from undergraduate study, graduate students have meaningful options to secure federal financial aid through loan programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
Independent graduate students may borrow funds through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program. The U.S. Department of Education assigns borrowed loans to an affiliated servicer for repayment.
Federal and State Grants
Grants provide financial assistance that does not need to be repaid when eligibility requirements are met. The following programs are available to qualifying graduate students. Please note that students in certificate programs are not eligible for these grants.
TEACH Grant
The TEACH Grant is a federal program that supports students preparing to teach in high-need fields at K-12 low-income schools.
- Provides up to $4,000 per year for students in qualifying programs, with a maximum of $8,000 total across a graduate program
- Requires full-time teaching service in a high-need field at a low-income school after graduation
- Service must be completed within eight years of graduating or leaving the qualifying program, or the grant converts to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan with interest that must be repaid in full
- Teachers are responsible for securing qualifying employment independently; no formal placement assistance is provided by Manhattan University
- This is a conditional, non-need-based grant for eligible students; it is not a loan
- Part-time students receive prorated awards
- Limits apply across all institutions attended combined
New York State Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program
This NYS program supports students pursuing careers as secondary math and science teachers in grades 7-12. Awards are made in exchange for five years of full-time employment as a secondary math or science teacher in New York State.
Eligibility requirements:
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Attending a college located in New York State
- Matriculated full-time in an approved undergraduate or graduate program at a degree-granting NYS institution, leading to a career as a secondary math or science teacher
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Signed service contract agreeing to five years of full-time secondary math or science teaching in NYS
- Not in default on any NYS or federal education loan, or in repayment of any NYS award
- In compliance with the terms of any service condition imposed by a NYS award
My Brother's Keeper (MBK) Grant Program
New York State's My Brother's Keeper initiative encourages school districts, colleges, universities, and community groups to collaborate on programs that improve life outcomes for boys and young men of color. Grant opportunities support the development of strategies that help boys and young men of color, along with all students, reach their full potential.
Graduate Scholarships
Mayor's Graduate Scholarship
The Mayor's Graduate Scholarship is available to full-time New York City government employees pursuing graduate study at Manhattan University.
- One student per graduate degree program is accepted each Manhattan University fiscal year (July 1 to June 30)
- Provides a one-credit reduction per course for up to six courses, with a maximum of three courses per fiscal year
- Applicants must be admitted to a Manhattan University graduate degree program and include a letter expressing interest in the scholarship
Private Loans
Manhattan University recommends pursuing federal financial aid first, as federal loans generally offer the most favorable repayment terms. When federal aid does not fully cover the cost of attendance, private loans can help bridge the remaining gap. Both degree-seeking and non-matriculated graduate students may qualify for private loan options.
Recommended Private Lenders
The following lenders are open to applicants nationwide and offer products designed for graduate students:
- RISLA — Rhode Island Student Loan Authority (open to all nationwide applicants)
- KHEAA — Advantage Education Loan (open to all nationwide applicants)
- Sallie Mae — Graduate Student Loan (open to all nationwide applicants)
Additional information about private loans can be found on Manhattan University's Financial Aid website.
Prepare for the Real World
At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help.