Important Update on 2020-21 Tuition Rates and Additional Support For Students
As the world continues to navigate unprecedented challenges, we know that students and their families are experiencing significant personal and financial stress. We take seriously the trust and confidence our students place in us by choosing The New School. And we are committed to taking specific steps to be as responsive and supportive as possible in these difficult and challenging times.
Today the University’s Board of Trustees made the decision that there will be no tuition increase for the academic year 2020-21. Tuition rates next year will remain the same as they are this year. This decision reverses the previously announced increase that had been set at 3.84%. We believe this is an appropriate step at a time when any increase in costs would exacerbate economic challenges that many of our students and their families are facing. Our fundamental goal is to help students arrive at The New School, thrive at The New School, and graduate from The New School.
Alongside this decision, we are also significantly increasing the Student Emergency Assistance fund to help students with specific urgent needs. We will be directing Federal CARES Act funding to this program.
These steps build on other recent actions including: expediting refunds for housing and dining plans; lifting financial holds that would have prevented some students from registering; allowing flexibility on tuition payment plans; providing technology equipment and internet access to help students transition to remote learning; and waiving fees for grade appeals and add/drop for the next academic year. We will continue to do more.
Our efforts are informed by voices across the New School community and our recognition of the profound circumstances through which we are all navigating. We appreciate everyone who has reached out to share their story, ask for help, or offer an idea. You are being heard. While we may be unable to meet every need or respond to all suggestions, we will steadfastly continue to seek ways to be as supportive as possible of all of our students while ensuring the university thrives as a place of learning for future generations of students.