Cooper Union Offers Free Tuition for Seniors

The Cooper Union in New York City has announced a return to tuition-free education for undergraduate seniors, starting with the Class of 2025, following a decade of financial challenges that led to the introduction of tuition fees. Current seniors will receive refunds for any paid tuition, and the institution aims to provide full scholarships to all students by the 2028-29 academic year. This initiative follows a substantial $6 million grant from alumni, which supports the school's long-term goal of honoring its founder Peter Cooper's belief in education as a public good. Outgoing President Laura Sparks highlighted that this move reaffirms the foundational ideals of the institution. The school has raised over $114 million in funds and has maintained flat tuition rates for the past six years. The announcement was made during a convocation ceremony, celebrating a significant step toward alleviating the financial burden on students.