<p>NYU aid is a combination of merit and need. Because NYU wants to attract top students, they generally try to offer generous FA to top students. Thus, attracting students to NYU over say, Georgetown or Cornell, etc. </p>
<p>NYU uses the same criteria when evaluating aid in the both ED and RD. However, the tiers of aid may be lowered RD or the amounts given to top performers increased. When dealing with RD, you can also compare FA packages and ask NYU to give more aid and show that X school will give your X amount.</p>