CREFC Graduate Scholarship for NYU Schack
Institute of Real Estate Students
The Commercial Real Estate Finance Council (CREFC) and the NYUSPS Schack Institute of Real Estate formed the CREFC Center for Real Estate Finance at the Schack Institute in 2020. The Center, which is supported by a CREFC endowment to NYU, serves as a hub for industry collaboration on novel programming and student engagement.
CREFC is proud to support the next generation of
leaders in Commercial Real Estate Finance through the
CREFC Scholars Program. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding students who demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing a career in the financing of commercial real estate.
About CREFC
CREFC is the leading trade association for the commercial real estate finance industry, representing more than 400 companies and 20,000+ professionals across lending, investment, private equity, loan servicing, the issuance, rating and investment of securitizations, such as Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) and Commercial Real Estate Collateralized Loan Obligations (CLOs).
Some 300+ CREFC member companies play a vital role in financing office buildings, multifamily housing, industrial properties, retail centers, hotels, and other commercial real estate assets.
CREFC fosters education and development of market standards, advocates in Washington, D.C. with regulators and legislators for the industry, and generally serves this $4.2 trillion industry in promoting liquidity, transparency, and efficiency in commercial real estate finance.
Who Should Apply?
Graduate applicants “must be students pursuing a MS in Real Estate Development or Real Estate Finance. This scholarship is designed for students at the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate who aspire to pursue careers in commercial real estate finance, particularly in areas such as:
- Balance sheet and securitized lending
- Loan and bond investment
- Private equity and alternative lending
- Mortgage servicing and securitization
- Real estate capital markets and structured finance
Ideal applicants are highly motivated, demonstrate leadership potential, and share CREFC’s commitment to innovation, market transparency, and best practices in commercial real estate finance.
Scholarship Benefits
- Financial assistance toward tuition ($20,000 scholarship, with half disbursed in the fall semester and half in the spring semester)
- Access to CREFC’s robust network of industry professionals, including mentorship opportunities
- Complimentary passes to CREFC events, seminars, conferences and networking opportunities
- Exposure to cutting-edge research and market insights
Application Requirements
- Current enrollment at the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate
- A demonstrated interest in commercial real estate finance
- A resume highlighting relevant coursework, internships, and experience
- A short essay (500-750 words) on specific career aspirations in commercial real estate finance and how the scholarship will support those goals
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Recommendation letter sent directly from the individual who is making the recommendation to the CREFC Scholarship selection committee at Schack.Scholarships@nyu.edu
- A FAFSA form is optional. However, financial need will be assessed as a factor in acceptance decisions if the form is included
- For final round applicants: An interview with the CREFC Endowment Committee will be scheduled
Through this scholarship, CREFC continues its commitment to cultivating the next generation of commercial real estate finance professionals. We look forward to supporting students who will shape the future of the industry.
If you have questions regarding the application process or your candidacy, please email
Schack.Scholarships@nyu.edu or
Professor Tim Savage, Faculty Director of the CREFC Center.