At last, the anticipations are put to rest. Barron Trump, the son of the inimitable Donald Trump, has chosen New York University for his journey into higher education. Consistent with early reports by the Daily Beast, the Stern Undergraduate College at NYU was Barron’s preferred choice. The adult son of the renowned businessman was recently spotted on campus with a backpack tossed over his shoulder, striking a casual look in a white polo shirt and Adidas trainers.
As a member of a family which actively participates in national affairs, Barron was accompanied by the vigilant secret service agents responsible for his safety, as reported by the New York Post. This precautionary step is naturally undertaken given his father’s high-profile political engagements. The prestigious institution he is about to join commands a respectable position in the academic world. The U.S. News & World Report has awarded NYU the overall 35th rank among the finest colleges, and 5th spot for its stellar business programs.
Donald Trump, who is no stranger to the importance of a good education, revealed to the Daily Mail that various other colleges were part of their consideration. However, NYU notably stood out as Barron’s favourite option. The former President warmly endorsed his son’s decision, stating ‘It’s an exceptional institution. Ardent about the school, [Barron] found it to his liking.’ President Trump then shared a bit of personal history, recounting his days at Wharton and acknowledging that they looked at the famed institution as well.
Despite their deliberations, the conclusion pointed towards the Stern College at NYU. With his enrollment, Barron will be the first of the Trumps to attend a New York City academic institution since his father enrolled at Fordham University in the Bronx back in 1964. That was before he made the shift to the illustrious Wharton school at the University of Pennsylvania two years later.
Barron has crafted his own unique path, often choosing to keep some distance from the intense public attention his father’s high recognition and stature fetches. The 6’7″ young adult recently completed his high school studies at Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach, Florida. Notably, both his parents and the lone surviving grandparent on his mother’s side, Viktor Knavs, were present as he tossed his graduation cap.
Like many families, the tradition of academic excellence continues in the Trump clan. Barron’s siblings have also procured their degrees from some of the finest universities. Don Jr., Ivanka, and Tiffany, following the footsteps of their father, are all decorated graduates from the University of Pennsylvania. On a slightly different track, Eric turned out to be a proud Georgetown University graduate.
Melania Trump, Barron’s mother, initially embarked on a journey of studying design at the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia. However, she made a conscious decision to leave her formal education and chase her dreams in the world of modelling across Europe. Barron thus follows his own path, diverging from the family tradition of attending UPenn.
For a considerable length of time, speculations were rampant that Barron would gravitate towards his father’s alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania. But breaking the news recently, Donald Trump clarified that his son had picked a New York state school among the vast choices of more than 200 unique colleges and institutions.
NYU has been a hotbed of passionate student activism recently. As an example, in May, police were compelled to intervene during a protest involving a large number of students. As a center for lively debate, the university often becomes a venue for advocating diverse views and fostering meaningful dialogues.
On a geographical front, NYU nestles itself right in the heart of Manhattan. Tagging itself as ‘the largest private research university’ across the US, the institution boasts an impressive strength of over 65,000 students, including about 30,000 undergraduates. The volume of incoming applications each year is a testament to the popularity of this prestigious institution. This year, they’ve received a whopping 118,000 applications, from which they’ve accepted a mere 8%.
Reflecting NYU’s premium fee structure, the tuition costs come to about $62,796. When combined with other essentials like food, accommodation and personal expenses, the total estimated cost hovers around $99,366. While this may seem steep, the caliber of education and the prestige attached to the name present an attractive trade-off.
Treading the academic corridors of NYU are individuals who have left indelible marks on various fields. Among its distinguished alumni are world-renowned figures such as Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie, Alec Baldwin, Billy Crystal, Martin Scorsese and Rudy Giuliani. It speaks volumes about the institution’s legacy and the platform it provides to its students.
Serving on the college’s board is a roster of influential personalities. Home Depot co-founder and Trump supporter Ken Langone, for instance, upholds the honorary vice chair position. Enlightening the board meetings is the presence of Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo, known for her pro-Trump stand. Their participation further fortifies NYU’s commitment to quality education and its standing as a globally recognized institution.