Although President Joe Biden announced an extension to pause federal student loan payments through August 31, current students at Hampton University are getting additional relief toward their college expenses.

In a recent announcement, Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey, announced that the HBCU will not increase tuition, student fees, or room and board for the upcoming academic year. Additionally, any outstanding student balances for the Spring 2022 semester will be erased.

“In keeping with the University’s efforts to help our students, there will be no increase in tuition, fees, room and board for the 2022-2023 academic year,” said Dr. Harvey. “In addition, on behalf of the University, I am pleased to announce that all outstanding balances for the Spring 2022 semester will be erased.  We hope that this action will continue to assist our students and their families at our Home by the Sea.”

Officials from the Virginia-based institution, say the move to offer financial relief comes from the continued financial struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This current move is the latest by Hampton to provide economic relief to its students. Last August, qualified students received financial disbursements, according to the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. The money distributed to students was given to those who had an outstanding balance from the Spring 2021 semester.

In addition to federal funds to help alleviate the cost burden from last semester, Hampton issued $200 book scholarships to all enrolled students for the Spring 2022 semester.

As a good-faith measure to those who recently graduated, Hampton sent direct payments of $500 to the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 to assist in the repayment of student loans. Students who were fortunate to not have any student loans received a $150 reimbursement for their graduation fee. Without any deferment plans, student loans are typically due for payment up to six months after graduation.