The New SchoolFine Arts (MFA)
Total Cost of Attendance: $85,906/yr · Federal Loan Cap: $20,500/yr
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which takes effect July 1, 2026, graduate students at The New School studying Fine Arts (MFA) face a maximum federal Direct Loan cap of $20,500 per year.
With a total cost of attendance of $85,906/yr, that leaves a $65,406 annual funding gap — $130,812 over 2 years. Students will need to cover this shortfall through private loans, institutional aid, scholarships, or personal funds.
Cost of Attendance Summary
| Annual Cost of Attendance | $85,906 |
| Federal Loan Cap (Graduate) | $20,500 |
| Annual Funding Gap | $65,406 |
| Total Funding Gap (2 years) | $130,812 |
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These numbers assume…
- × Full-time enrollment
- × No scholarships or grants
- × No prior federal student debt
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Your situation is different. Scholarships, residency, prior debt, and part-time enrollment all change your numbers.
Recalculate for The New School →Need to Cover This Gap?
The New School Fine Arts (MFA) students typically need $130,812 in private loans over 2 years to bridge the gap between federal aid and cost of attendance.
| Lender | Est. Rate Range | Loan Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lender A | 4.99% – 12.78% APR | Variable & Fixed | Coming Soon |
| Lender B | 5.24% – 14.49% APR | Fixed | Coming Soon |
| Lender C | 4.49% – 13.99% APR | Variable & Fixed | Coming Soon |
Rates shown are illustrative ranges and not a guarantee of any specific rate. Actual rates depend on creditworthiness, cosigner status, and loan terms. Check with individual lenders for current rates. Advertising disclosure applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal loan limit for The New School Fine Arts (MFA) students?
Under the OBBBA (effective July 1, 2026), The New School Fine Arts (MFA) students can borrow up to $20,500 per year in federal Direct Loans. This is the graduate annual cap. The aggregate lifetime limit is $100,000 for graduate students.
Can I still get a Grad PLUS loan for The New School?
No. Starting July 1, 2026, the Grad PLUS loan program is eliminated under the OBBBA. All graduate and professional students are subject to fixed annual borrowing caps ($20,500/year for graduate programs). Students who need additional funding beyond the cap must use private loans, institutional aid, scholarships, or personal funds.
How much does The New School Fine Arts (MFA) cost per year?
The total cost of attendance for The New School Fine Arts (MFA) is $85,906 per year. Over the full 2-year program, the total cost is $171,812.
What is the funding gap for The New School Fine Arts (MFA)?
The annual funding gap is $65,406, calculated as the difference between the total cost of attendance ($85,906) and the federal loan cap ($20,500). Over the full 2-year program, the total gap is $130,812. This is above the national median of $31,446 for Arts (MFA) programs.