1. Comparative Literature
  2. Admissions and Aid

Admissions and Aid

Review important admissions and aid information below. Also, visit the Admissions website:

Learn more or Apply Online

Admissions Overview

Admission to the Ph.D. and M.A. programs in Comparative Literature is administered through the Graduate Center's Office of Admissions. Please visit their website to apply online. 

Application Deadline:
January 1 for fall enrollment (Ph.D. and M.A.)
(no spring enrollment)

GRE General Requirement:
Not required

Languages:
While we consider each application holistically, we expect both M.A. and Ph.D. candidates to have some degree of proficiency in two languages other than English at the time of application

Additional Requirements:
CV and 10 page writing sample required

Fellowships and Financial Aid

Institutional Aid

Every applicant to The Graduate Center’s doctoral programs will automatically be considered for five-year institutional funding packages. The aid we offer — including fellowships, tuition awards, and assistantships — is based on merit. 

Learn more about institutional aid for doctoral students »

Federal Aid

Federal aid for doctoral students includes:

New York State also provides the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for eligible graduate students who are New York State residents.

Support for Underrepresented Students

Additional funding may be available to incoming students from underrepresented populations through offerings from the Office of Educational Opportunity and Diversity, including several fellowships and the CUNY Pipeline Program for undergraduate CUNY students.

Learn more about funding opportunities from OEOD »

While The Graduate Center does not currently offer full-tuition scholarships or additional stipends for living expenses, there are funding opportunities available to master’s students that can help cover the cost of attendance, including scholarships, federal and private loans, and federal work-study.

Learn more about financial aid for master’s students »

Tuition and Fees

Tuition rates for doctoral programs at The Graduate Center are based on a student's “level,” which is determined by a combination of the number of graduate credits completed (including, in the case of transfer students, credits accepted by the student's degree program and the Registrar) and specific academic accomplishments. 

The fee structure is also affected by a student’s resident status.

See current doctoral tuition rates »

Master’s students at The Graduate Center who are residents of New York State and registered for a minimum of 12 credits per semester will pay a flat fee for tuition. Out-of-state residents and students taking less than 12 credits will be charged on a per-credit basis.

See current master’s tuition rates »

Each student will be billed for a Graduate School student activities fee, a University student senate fee, a University consolidated services fee and a technology fee. These fees are not refundable.