NYU To Waive Tuition For Displaced Puerto Rican Students

WEST VILLAGE, NY — A group of at least 50 Puerto Rican students whose studies have been disrupted by Hurricane Maria will be able to study next year at NYU free of charge, the university announced on Thursday.

New York University announced the special program would be open to college students in Puerto Rico whose studies were disrupted. Admitted students will be provided with free tuition during the 2018 spring semester, plus housing, a meal plan, and enrollment in NYU's health insurance plan for students.

In September, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. At least 66 people are known to have died during the hurricane or in its aftermath, and much of the island remains without electricity. The dire situation on the island is still considered a humanitarian crisis by leaders throughout the world.

"New York City has a deep relationship with Puerto Rico, and so does NYU," NYU President Andrew Hamilton said in a statement. "We are pleased to make it possible for at least some of Puerto Rico’s college students to be able to carry on their studies here while their home institutions recover."

NYU said it anticipates accepting about 50 students, but that it would expand the program if possible.

Full-time tuition at NYU is $25,232 for 2017-2018 school year.

Accepted students from Puerto Rico will be expected to cover their travel costs to the U.S. and other learning and living expenses, in addition to their regular tuition at their home schools, NYU said.

Students can enroll in any NYU undergraduate school, college, or program for which they meet prerequisites and that have course availability.

Applications are open now through Dec. 15.

Image credit: Tina Fineberg / AP Photo