⚠ Policy change effective July 1, 2026: Grad PLUS loans eliminated for new borrowers. Read the law →

New York University vs University of Pennsylvania

Funding gap comparison

New York University

, NY

Nursing (Masters)

Annual COA
$83,400
Federal Cap
$20,500
Annual Gap
$62,900
Total Program Cost
$166,800
Total Gap
$125,800
Years
2
Classification
Graduate
Tuition
$44,928/yr
Fees
$0/yr
Living Expenses
$38,472/yr
VS

University of Pennsylvania

, PA

Nursing Doctorate (DNP)

Annual COA
$109,110
Federal Cap
$20,500
Annual Gap
$88,610
Total Program Cost
$327,330
Total Gap
$265,830
Years
3
Classification
Graduate
Tuition
$68,900/yr
Fees
$4,850/yr
Living Expenses
$35,360/yr

University of Pennsylvania has a $25,710 larger annual funding gap than New York University.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do these programs have different funding gaps?

Funding gaps depend on each program's total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, and living expenses) minus the federal loan cap. Programs classified as "professional" have a $50,000 annual cap, while graduate programs are capped at $20,500.

How are these costs calculated?

Costs include tuition, mandatory fees, and estimated living expenses (housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses). These are based on published 2025-26 rates and official cost-of-attendance budgets.

What is the OBBBA and how does it affect student loans?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (2026) eliminates Grad PLUS loans and replaces them with annual caps: $20,500 for graduate students and $50,000 for professional students. This creates a "funding gap" for programs that cost more than these caps.