CUNY SPS Debt Forgiveness Program

The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) Debt Forgiveness program has been established to provide eligible undergraduate students with past due balances additional temporary financial assistance so they have an opportunity to get back on track to complete their Bachelor's degree. In order to participate in the Debt Forgiveness Program, a student must have successfully completed at least 12 credits or two semesters at CUNY SPS and be in good academic standing. Do note only balances from the two most recent past due semesters will be considered.  Please refer to the application for eligible semesters.

Students are eligible for one time forgiveness grant up to $1,000.00 during their CUNY SPS college tenure, based on financial need and good academic standing. In other words, students previously awarded are not eligible to apply at this time.

**Debt Forgiveness awards are subject to fund availability.

Eligibility requirements for Debt Forgiveness Grant:

• Completed a minimum of 12 credits towards your current degree at CUNY SPS
• Enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits for awarded semester
• Enrolled in a Bachelor degree program
• Minimum 2.0 GPA
• Must demonstrate financial need
• Have a past due tuition balance

**Awards are limited and subject to fund availability. Applying for Debt Forgiveness does not guarantee an award. Completion of all program requirements is required for the awarded funds to be permanently credited to a student’s account.

If selected for a grant under the Debt Forgiveness Program, a student must:

1. Meet with a representative from the Office of the Bursar to discuss a payment arrangement for the semester forgiven balance (if applicable) and current semester. Funds from the Debt Forgiveness Program may not be used towards current tuition obligation.
2. Enrolled in a minimum of six credits for the awarded semester 

How to Apply for a Debt Forgiveness Grant:

Please review and prepare the following before submitting your online application:

• A statement explaining the reason for your past due balance and why you believe you would be a good candidate for this program
• We strongly recommend that you submit documentation to support your statement. Do note the Office of Scholarships may request additional documentation once your application is submitted.

Below are some examples of supporting documentation:

• Medical bills
• Proof of unemployment
• Childcare bills
• Federal/State assistance

Upon review of the applications, eligible applicants will be notified of the status of their application within two weeks of submission. As you await the decision of your grant application, we strongly advise that you reach out to the Office of the Bursar at Bursar@sps.cuny.edu and/or the Office of Financial Aid at Financialaid@sps.cuny.edu to discuss alternative payment arrangements. 

Apply Now