As we prepare for the 2026–2027 academic year, Pace University’s Financial Aid Office is sharing several important reminders for families of continuing students, including FAFSA filing information, financial aid requirements, academic progress policies, and upcoming federal aid changes. As a reminder, students should continue checking their Pace email regularly for important updates and notifications.

Complete Financial Aid Requirements Early

As the new academic year approaches, families are encouraged to remind their students to log in to the Pace Portal and complete any outstanding 2026–2027 financial aid requirements as soon as possible. Financial aid cannot be finalized until all required documents have been submitted and reviewed.

Completing requirements and resolving balances early can help students avoid late fees and ensure a smoother start to the semester.

It’s Not Too Late to File the FAFSA

Continuing students who have not yet filed the 2026–2027 FAFSA still have time to do so. When filing for FAFSA, students should use the appropriate Pace University school code:

• New York City Campus: 002791
• Pleasantville Campus: 002792

Understanding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To remain eligible for federal and institutional financial aid, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), which includes both QPA and course completion requirements.

Pace reviews SAP at the end of each spring semester. Students who are not meeting SAP standards may be at risk of losing financial aid beginning in Summer 2026, including merit scholarships, Pace grants, Federal Direct Loans, and other aid programs.

Students who may need to improve their QPA are encouraged to consider Summer 2026 coursework at Pace University. Please note that summer courses must be taken at Pace in order to count toward a student’s Pace QPA.

Families looking for additional information can visit Pace’s SAP webpage to learn more about the policy and appeal process.

Stay Informed About Upcoming Federal Financial Aid Changes

Beginning July 1, 2026, new federal financial aid regulations tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted on July 4, 2025, will take effect.

These updates may impact student eligibility, borrowing limits, and financial aid processing. Families are encouraged to stay informed by reviewing Pace University’s OBBBA website and the Federal Student Aid changes chart (PDF) as additional guidance becomes available.

A Reminder for Families of Graduating Students

For families celebrating a graduating senior in the Class of 2026, congratulations!

Students who borrowed Federal Direct Student Loans during their time at Pace University are required to complete Loan Exit Counseling before graduation.

We’re Here to Help

The Financial Aid Office is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is here to support students and families throughout the financial aid process. Contact us by phone at (877) 672-1830, or encourage your student to submit a Help Desk ticket or schedule an appointment.

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University ranked #2 among the top 20 law schools sending the most students into careers in government, according to employment data (Class of 2025) reported by Law.com.

This recognition reflects the Law School’s longstanding commitment to public service, access to justice, and experiential learning through its extensive partnerships across the public sector. Among the most significant of these are its longstanding relationships with District Attorney offices across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island—partnerships that provide a substantial number of Pace Haub Law students with hands-on courtroom experience and direct exposure to public service litigation.

In addition to placements throughout government organizations, these opportunities help prepare students for impactful careers serving their communities through prosecution, government service, and the broader public sector.

View the List

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Daniel Khieninson ’26 has distinguished himself as an exceptional student leader during his time at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, earning recognition for his exemplary academic achievement and his commitment to the Law School community. In recognition of his accomplishments, Dan will deliver the student address at the 2026 Commencement.

Before attending Pace Haub Law, Dan earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Fordham University and spent a year volunteering at a biological station in Costa Rica. His longstanding interest in environmental issues and public service naturally led him to Pace Haub Law, where he became deeply involved in the environmental and land use community.

During his time at the Law School, Dan served as a Research and Writing Editor for the Pace Environmental Law Review and as a 3L Land Use Scholar with the Land Use Law Center. He also participated in the Environmental Law Society, the Garden Club, and the Federal Judicial Honors Program (FJHP), an experience he describes as one of the most meaningful parts of his legal education. “One of my favorite experiences was participating in FJHP and getting to see the inner workings of the court system,” Dan shared.

Another particularly rewarding experience came through his work mentoring junior associates on Law Review. “I really enjoyed helping guide junior associates through the drafting process and working with them to produce their best work,” he said.

Throughout law school, Dan gained a variety of legal experiences across environmental, land use, and public interest law. He interned with Save the Sound, where he researched and drafted memoranda and briefs involving environmental litigation and administrative law matters. As a judicial intern in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, he gained firsthand exposure to federal litigation and courtroom proceedings. Dan also worked as a Summer Legal Researcher with Pace Haub Law’s Land Use Law Center, conducting research focused on local land use and zoning initiatives, with a focus on public health in the context of climate change.

Since January, Dan has served as a part-time Law Clerk with Snyder & Snyder, LLP. Following graduation and successful completion of the bar examination, he will join the firm as an associate, where he will continue working on land use, zoning, permitting, renewable energy, and environmental matters.

Reflecting on his time at Pace Haub Law, Dan emphasized the relationships he built along the way.

“My time at the Law School was both challenging and intellectually engaging,” he said. “While the courses were fascinating and the professors were exceptional, I am most grateful for the incredible people I met along the way. I am glad I chose Pace Haub Law, proud of my fellow classmates, and excited to see what we all accomplish moving forward.”

Briana Noriega

Class of 2026
Pronouns: She/Her
Currently Studying: BBA in Global Marketing Management
Member (Clubs): Advertising Club, American Marketing Association and Lubin Society

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Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

I chose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business because I wanted a business program that would provide both strong academics and real-world opportunities. As a transfer student with an associate degree in Business Administration, I knew I wanted to complete my bachelor’s degree in an environment that would help me grow professionally while also allowing me to build meaningful relationships.

What stood out to me most were the smaller class sizes and the accessibility of professors, which made it easier to connect with faculty and receive personalized support. Being located in New York City also provides incredible opportunities for students. The city itself feels like an extension of the classroom because there are constant opportunities to learn, network, and gain exposure to different career paths in business and marketing.

I knew I wanted to complete my bachelor’s degree in an environment that would help me grow professionally while also allowing me to build meaningful relationships.

Tell us about how your work with the various on-campus communities has shaped your career outlook.

My involvement with on-campus communities completely changed the way I view my future career. During my first semester at Pace, I joined the American Marketing Association, where I was later invited to help co-create the Lubin Society, an organization focused on charity events, networking opportunities, and galas. Through these experiences, I discovered how much I enjoy leadership, relationship-building, and creating opportunities for others.

One of the areas where I’ve grown the most is networking. People often ask me, “How do you know everyone?” and the answer is that I made it a priority to introduce myself to faculty members, professionals, and students whenever I had the opportunity. Those conversations helped me become more confident and showed me the importance of building genuine relationships in business. My experiences at Pace reinforced my interest in marketing and business development because I realized how much impact strong communication and networking can have on career growth.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

As a transfer student, joining clubs early on helped me feel connected and involved on campus. Being a member of the American Marketing Association gave me opportunities to network with professionals, collaborate with students who shared similar career goals, and develop leadership skills outside the classroom.

My involvement with the Lubin Society allowed me to take on even more responsibility by helping organize charity events and campus initiatives. Through these organizations, I gained hands-on experience in event planning, marketing, communication, and teamwork.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

One of the highlights of my experience at the American Marketing Association conference in New Orleans was competing in the JBL marketing case competition, where my team placed second among thousands of students. Working alongside other students under pressure challenged me to think creatively, communicate effectively, and apply real marketing strategy in a competitive environment.

Earning second place made the experience even more rewarding because it showed me how much I’ve grown in collaboration, presentation skills, and strategic thinking through my time at Pace University.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

My biggest advice for other Lubin students is to get involved and not be afraid to put yourself out there. Opportunities do not simply come to you—you have to go get them. Join clubs, attend networking events and job fairs, and introduce yourself to your advisor, professors, department chair, and deans. Step outside your comfort zone.

Some of the best opportunities I’ve had started from simply showing up and starting a conversation.

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Camila Valenzuela Gonzalez, a Pace University student preparing to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain, during the Fall 2026 semester, has been awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, a nationally competitive award that supports students with financial need pursuing international education opportunities.

Camila will study at La Salle Campus Barcelona, a founding member of the Universitat Ramon Llull, where she looks forward to immersing herself in a new culture while continuing her academic journey abroad.

“I’ve always loved traveling, and I knew Pace had a great study abroad program, so I started looking into it pretty early and attended the study abroad fair to explore all the possible opportunities, but fell in love with the idea of Barcelona,” said Camila. “I was highly encouraged at the fair to apply for the scholarship and by Liz Pizzuti from the study abroad department.”

The Gilman Scholarship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, encourages students from diverse backgrounds to study or intern abroad and develop the skills needed for success in today’s interconnected world.

“I’ve always loved traveling, and I knew Pace had a great study abroad program, so I started looking into it pretty early and attended the study abroad fair to explore all the possible opportunities, but fell in love with the idea of Barcelona."

For Camila, the experience represents far more than academics.

“Studying abroad was always super important to me because I wanted an opportunity to immerse myself in a new environment with different cultures and perspectives to learn and grow from them,” she said. “Education to me is so much more than a degree. It’s about gaining cultural experiences, making new connections, and developing a deeper understanding of the world. I know it will help me grow so much, not just academically, but personally.”

Camila credits Pace University’s Education Abroad Office with helping make the process approachable and achievable.

“The first time I showed up to a Study Abroad 101 info session, Liz was super helpful, and all the steps were easy to follow,” she said. “Pace made it so easy to happen with their great advisors, info sessions, and a lot of straightforward information on how to apply.”

Receiving the scholarship is also an opportunity for Camila to inspire fellow students to pursue international experiences of their own.

“Receiving the Gilman Scholarship is a great honor, and I’m very happy to represent Pace as a student abroad,” she said. “I hope to encourage others to take this amazing opportunity as well and get to use studying abroad to see more of the world. Even if anyone is scared because it might be ‘too expensive,’ scholarships and opportunities like the Gilman Program can help make this happen.”

Think studying abroad might be for you? Learn more about study abroad at Pace.

Pace University has received a 2026 U.S. Department of Energy Better Project Award in recognition of the University’s transformative energy retrofit initiatives at One Pace Plaza, its flagship campus building in Lower Manhattan.

The award recognizes Pace’s comprehensive modernization of the historic mixed-use academic building, One Pace Plaza East, which serves as the home of the Sands College of Performing Arts and Pace’s residential community. The project combined innovative sustainability strategies with major infrastructure improvements to dramatically reduce energy consumption while enhancing the student experience and long-term operational reliability.

“This project demonstrates how universities can modernize aging infrastructure and improve campus life, while significantly reducing the environmental impact of our operations at the same time.”

As part of the renovation, Pace replaced aging steam absorption chillers with a high-efficiency heat pump plant, installed advanced insulation to improve the building envelope, upgraded HVAC systems, and implemented energy-efficient LED lighting with advanced controls. Together, the retrofits are projected to reduce district steam consumption by 75 percent and electricity consumption by 32 percent annually.

“One Pace Plaza East is an exemplar in deep energy retrofits and decarbonization for urban institutions,” said Ryan McEnany, director of Energy and Resiliency at Pace. “This project demonstrates how universities can modernize aging infrastructure and improve campus life, while significantly reducing the environmental impact of our operations at the same time.”

The initiative was developed as part of Pace University’s broader sustainability and energy-reduction strategy, while also positioning the institution to comply with New York City’s ambitious building emissions requirements under Local Law 97. University leaders identified One Pace Plaza as the campus’s most energy-intensive building and an ideal candidate for a next-generation retrofit model.

Beyond energy savings, the modernization delivers substantial benefits for students, faculty, and staff. The upgraded systems provide more precise climate control for performance venues, studios, classrooms, and residence hall spaces, while improving system reliability and reducing long-term maintenance costs. Students living in Maria’s Tower will also benefit from individualized heating and cooling controls for the first time.

Pace University’s award-winning project now stands as a national model for how dense urban campuses can achieve deep energy reductions through comprehensive, system-wide modernization.

The Millennium Campus Network has appointed Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems Professor John Cronin to its Civic Learning Council. The leadership body advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by supporting student-led projects on 290 campuses across 47 countries.

Cronin has spent nearly four decades at Pace working at the intersection of environmental advocacy, education, and public service. The appointment recognizes Cronin’s longstanding commitment to civic engagement and his work mentoring students through the Millennium Fellowship program at Pace University’s Seidenberg School.

Real-World Impact for Students

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As executive director of the Gale Epstein Center for Technology Policy and Innovation at Seidenberg, Cronin has helped guide 26 Pace students to become Millennium Fellows over the past three years. Pace’s Fellowship applicants under his mentorship have achieved a 100 percent acceptance rate—an extraordinary accomplishment in a program where only 6 percent of applicants worldwide are selected.

For Cronin, the recognition reflects something larger than individual achievement: the ability for students to contribute meaningfully to global challenges while still in college. “Seidenberg students have a unique role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said. “One-quarter of the way through the 21st century, with 8 billion cellphones worldwide, we envision a global water network that will provide both a warning and information system regarding water quality and availability.”

A Lifetime of Dedication

A lifelong environmental advocate, Cronin’s connection to Pace dates back to 1986, when he co-founded the Environmental Litigation Clinic at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University while serving as Hudson Riverkeeper. His work on the Hudson River and his partnership with Pace in advancing environmental justice ultimately earned him an honorary JD from the University.

In 1999, he became Pace’s first Resident Scholar in Environmental Studies at Dyson College of Arts and Sciences. While at Dyson, he co-founded the Environmental Policy Clinic (today’s Animal Advocacy Clinic) with Professor Michelle Land.

His next step at Pace was at the Seidenberg School, where Pace’s Assistant Provost for Wellness Sue Maxam introduced him to the Millennium Fellowship program. The opportunity to involve Pace students to a larger international stage was hard to decline, so Cronin jumped at this chance to connect our students with a movement focused on social impact and sustainability.

It is ever rewarding to our students that Pace’s resolute commitment to social good and civic engagement provides a home to imagine, and someday achieve, such an ambitious vision.

Impact on a Global Level

Over the last several years, those student teams have launched ambitious projects with real-world implications as Millennium Fellows, including the world’s first “Right-to-Know H2O” campaign focused on water transparency and accessibility.

Cronin also helped lead a joint program between Pace University and HAMK Häme University of Applied Sciences in Finland that brought together 19 Millennium Fellows representing 16 nations. Together, the students drafted a petition to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres calling for the establishment of right-to-know water quality information as a fundamental human right. Pace students are expected to present the petition at the United Nations later this year.

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For Cronin, projects like these represent the evolving role of technology students in addressing some of the world’s most urgent problems. He added that “it is ever rewarding to our students that Pace’s resolute commitment to social good and civic engagement provides a home to imagine, and someday achieve, such an ambitious vision.”

Through initiatives like the Millennium Fellowship, Pace students are gaining hands-on experience with global collaboration and emerging technology, while also helping shape conversations around sustainability, public health, and human rights on an international stage.