The TL;DR
Before we start:
The NYU Promise is more than a scholarship for students with demonstrated financial need; it’s a commitment to dreams and potential. By removing financial barriers, this groundbreaking initiative is helping students across diverse backgrounds embrace their NYU experience fully, empowered to focus on what matters most: their education and future.
We spoke with three students who shared how this life-changing support has reshaped their paths.
Now I present:
Jasmine
She/Her || Brooklyn, New York || Stern School of Business; BS in Business with concentration in Finance and Data Science
Q: What was your reaction when you first learned that NYU would fully meet your financial need through the NYU Promise?
To be completely honest, I was skeptical about NYU Promise when I first heard about it. As a first gen low-income student, it was my top priority to not only pick a school I was most interested in, but also I needed to find a school that provided me with the best financial aid. NYU had been my dream school since I was in middle school, but I never thought it was a realistic option with its competitive acceptance rate and tuition. It was hard to believe that such an opportunity at a prestigious school like NYU existed,
Q: How has the NYU Promise changed your life or influenced your college experience?
The NYU Promise is truly one of the greatest blessings I have received in this past year. Had this opportunity not existed, I would have never considered applying to NYU in the first place, knowing it would be impossible for my family to pay for the tuition out of pocket. Thanks to the NYU Promise, I am able to focus on my studies without worrying about the affordability of my education. There was no greater feeling than telling my parents that they would not have to break the bank to give me a proper education.
Q: What dreams or goals do you feel more empowered to pursue because of this opportunity?
Thanks to the NYU Promise, I am empowered to further my education. I will become one of the first in my family to graduate from college. Although I am still deciding on a specific career path, I know that I am surrounded by plenty of helpful resources and upperclass students who will help me find the path that is right for me.
Jordi
He/Him || Sunset Park, Brooklyn || Stern School of Business; BS in Business with concentration in Finance
Q: What was your reaction when you first learned that NYU would fully cover your tuition through the NYU Promise?
When I was completing the college applications, one thing I kept in mind was affordability. NYU was the #1 school I wanted to attend, but I thought it was way out of my reach because of the tuition. That was, until my advisor mentioned NYU Promise. Although I wasn’t sure if it was a real thing, I took a leap of faith, applied in December, and submitted all of the documents needed to be considered for financial aid. The following March, when I received my offer of admission , I was filled with joy and excitement! And when I first learned that NYU would fully cover my tuition through the NYU Promise, I was in awe.
When applying to NYU, there was a big “if” on my mind. If I did get accepted into NYU, then what? Could I even afford to go to this school? Once I learned that NYU Promise was meeting my financial need, the possibility of becoming part of the NYU community became a certainty.
Q: How has the NYU Promise changed your life or influenced your college experience?
The NYU Promise has changed my life, because it has allowed me to pursue higher education at a prestigious university–something that I have always dreamt of. It has given me the opportunity to have a unique college experience without the burden of debt. The NYU Promise allows me to focus entirely on my studies and have the college experience of a lifetime, socializing and forming part of a diverse and amazing community.
Q: What dreams or goals do you feel more empowered to pursue because of this opportunity?
I feel much more motivated to achieve my goal of being the first generation of my family to earn a bachelor’s degree and ultimately work towards building my career. I want to support my community and have an impact on the world. I’m still figuring out how I will get there, but with this opportunity, I know that I can go further in life. I hope to be an influential person for the next generation!
Pascual
He/Him || Sunset Park, Brooklyn || Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, BS. in Teaching Social Studies: 7-12
Q: What was your reaction when you first learned that NYU would fully cover your tuition through the NYU Promise?
When I first heard that NYU would cover my whole tuition, I was in complete disbelief. I was bursting with excitement and tears as my family and I celebrated. Who knew that on that same day I was admitted, a whole new world of possibilities would open up? That day will always be engraved in my mind as one of the best days of my life.
Q: How has the NYU Promise changed your life or influenced your college experience?
Being a first-generation college student can be difficult. It can be a daunting experience with deadlines, papers, and exams but NYU opens so many doors for getting help. Likewise, NYU has support for you academically,finding your community and turning your passion into your career. NYU offers incoming students so many opportunities to meet and connect, with events ranging from career workshops to food fests. I have attended these events and felt so welcomed, and met new people that I am now friends with. Among my favorites are the restorative justice workshops that I attend and my mentorship program at NYU. You also have the whole city of New York at your doorstep–the city is literally your campus!
Q: What dreams or goals do you feel more empowered to pursue because of this opportunity?
I have always been drawn to teaching. From elementary school to high school, I have had so many great teachers that have impacted and inspired me. Each and every one of them helped me grow out of my shell into the person that I am now. Continuing on this path and with the aid of NYU, I strive to make an impact on every single student because I enjoy helping people and my community. Following in the footsteps of some of the best teachers, I believe that every student can succeed and aim for the stars!
Before we depart...
As these lovely students share their journeys, we’re reminded of the profound difference that support can make. The NYU Promise doesn’t just fund a student’s tuition, by taking into account demonstrated need, students can also receive additional funds to cover housing and other expenses.
The NYU Promise fuels hope, ambition, and a sense of belonging. For every dream ignited and every goal made possible, NYU celebrates the power of community and shared purpose. Here’s to a future where every student’s potential shines, unburdened and unstoppable.
PS: Many thanks to each and every of our interview subjects for their amazing input! Also, many thanks to Dario Anaya for connecting me with these amazing people!
Always rooting for you,
Andrew Zihao Wang
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