Students at Jay-Z's Roc Nation-backed school unexpectedly owe thousands

[Teletubby 159,890]

In 2020, Long Island University and Roc Nation announced the creation of the Hope Scholarship: a promise of full tuition for 25% of the incoming class at the newly launched school in Brooklyn. The announcement, made with fanfare and widespread media attention, was interpreted by many as a life-changing opportunity—particularly for students from underserved communities.

 

But nearly four years later, as Gothamist reported, several recipients say they were blindsided by out-of-pocket expenses and inconsistent scholarship renewals. Despite the public branding of a “full ride,” students have found themselves on the hook for thousands of dollars in academic fees, housing and unanticipated tuition gaps.

An online archive shows that in 2023 the university changed language on an LIU webpage about the Hope Scholarship from a “debt-free education” to a “tuition-free education.”:

The 12 students who spoke with Gothamist shared financial records that show they owe money ranging from $5,000 to $39,000.
Justice Stephenson, who in the fall of 2021 she became part of the inaugural class of the Roc Nation School of Music, said she's paying off $5,000 in student debt. She said she negotiated that amount down from $26,000 after arguing to LIU officials that she’d been promised a debt-free graduation.
In two separate cases, school officials suggested in writing that a student take out private loans to pay off an outstanding balance. 

The language used in the initial announcement of the Hope Scholarship promised full tuition to one in four students. But in practice, the financial aid packages have varied widely. Some students received aid only for their first year. Others saw their awards reduced without warning.

Adding to the confusion was Roc Nation’s high-profile involvement. Many students say they believed Jay-Z’s company was directly funding their scholarships. But a spokesperson for Roc Nation told Gothamist the company does not administer financial aid and declined to say whether it contributed financially to the program.

When Hope scholar Jorden Drone arrived at the Roc Nation School of Music, he said he quickly realized the school had no professional recording studios. He said he and his friends spent much of their first semester building their own studio in an abandoned room once used as a student radio station.
Now he is nearly $39,000 in debt for student loans he thought he’d never need.
“This sounds like a scam. It sounds like a ‘School of Rock’ bulls---, Donald Trump University s---,” Drone said. 
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[Addison Rae 17,864]

the way rita ora left roc nation and the label’s been in shambles ever since

[freebit 6,264]

Jay Z sucks. I remember he was in the news  a few years ago because he was trying to encourage people who live in the Marcy projects to join classes for some type of bitcoin thing that he & Jack Dorsey invested in. It was obviously a waste of time and vaguely scammy. His "philanthropy" does more harm than good I think because he just seems out for himself. 

[Bronco 21,279]

Knew Roc Nation was a racket when I lived through Kylie's KMO era.

[Killa 18,597]

Yeah jay z Is involvend in all kinds of Shady businesses and straight up scams. This with the pretentious attitude. So unlikeable, never liked him nor his music. 

[freebit 6,264]

2 hours ago, Bronco said:

Knew Roc Nation was a racket when I lived through Kylie's KMO era.

I remember thinking her joining Roc Nation was good news.