NYU’s advocacy has been crucial to advancing higher education initiatives, expanding access to higher education through financial aid, securing resources to support the University’s research agenda, and participating in local economic development efforts.

Photo: DC Day 2013

Recent Statements and Letters of Support for Legislation


Higher Education Policy

NYU advocates and liaisons, including students and alumni, have helped legislators create better opportunities for college hopefuls everywhere to gain access to higher education. Many of these students attend NYU: federal financial aid supports approximately 57% of our undergraduate student body, while New York State aid programs support NYU undergraduate students through more than $13 million in direct financial assistance.

Immigration Policy

NYU is bound together as a community, each member valued, each member belonging here, each member deserving of the support that NYU can give. Documented or undocumented, these are our peers, colleagues, and friends. It is vital that the higher education community is able to move across borders in peaceful pursuit of one's scholarship. NYU closely follows immigration policies that will impact our community and provides regular updates.

Research Initiatives and Economic Development

As a modern research institution, NYU  advocates for continuous government investment for research initiatives that both educate our students and discover new knowledge through scholarship.  NYU received approximately $360 million in federal research funding in 2018, as well as State and City grants.   

Health Policy

As home to Colleges of Dentistry, Nursing and Social Work, NYU advocates for policies such as healthcare workforce issues, professional licensure requirements for these fields, and variety of other topics that impact our health programs.

Testimony to the Government

NYU administrators, faculty and students often provide testimony before governmental bodies—NYC Council, NYS Assembly, U.S. Congress, among others—on subjects relevant to their areas of expertise. 

Academic Affiliations

NYU collaborates with associations dedicated to expanding and strengthening the government’s investment in research, financial aid, and higher education.