No tuition fee for seniors at this NYC college for a year: Here’s why – Times of India



The Cooper Union, a prestigious private college in the Lower Manhattan area of New York City, has announced that all senior students will receive tuition-free education during their final year. Outgoing President Laura Sparks made the announcement during a convocation ceremony, which surprised many students.
The substantial financial relief was made possible through a generous donation of approximately $6 million from a group of esteemed alumni.According to media reports, these newly established scholarships are expected to cover the entire tuition for seniors graduating within the next four years.
Current seniors will first benefit from Cooper Union’s funds for their fall semester tuition but will not be required to pay for the spring term. Scholarships will also support the senior year tuition for current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.
On the first day of the new semester, Cooper Union’s students received exciting news that set them apart from their peers: their senior-year tuition will be fully covered. This marks a significant turnaround for the college, which a decade ago faced severe financial difficulties and was forced to start charging tuition – a move that led to protests and a lawsuit from students and alumni.
During this period of financial strain, the New York State Attorney General intervened, leading to a 2018 agreement aimed at restoring the college’s financial stability. The plan included a goal to reinstate free undergraduate tuition within ten years.
As a result of the recent donation, as well as previous cost-cutting and fundraising efforts, the school intends to cover tuition for the next three graduating classes. If the financial plan remains on track, all undergraduates will receive full scholarships by 2028.
Students who had already paid their tuition for this year will receive refunds. However, it’s important to note that the scholarships do not extend to other significant college expenses such as room, board, and supplies, which are estimated at approximately $25,000 annually for those living on campus.
Over the past year, the college has been progressively reducing tuition fees for most students, with each of the approximately 900 undergraduates receiving at least a half-tuition scholarship valued at over $22,000, as per reports.
What are some of the popular courses at Cooper Union and their average fees?
The Cooper Union in New York City is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in engineering, architecture, and art. Although the institution itself does not charge tuition, students should be aware of additional expenses related to their attendance.
For those pursuing a degree in engineering, such as Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Civil Engineering, or for students enrolled in the Bachelor or Master of Architecture programs, there are various costs to consider. Art students, including those studying Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or Industrial Design, also face similar additional expenses.
The estimated annual costs for students include several components. While tuition is provided free of charge, students can expect to pay approximately $2,270 in fees. Room and board costs vary depending on the choice of housing, with on-campus options averaging around $19,090 per year. Books and supplies are estimated to cost about $1,800 for architecture and art students, and roughly $1,000 for engineering students. Additionally, personal expenses are projected to be around $1,576, and transportation costs are estimated at approximately $1,040.
(With inputs from agencies)





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