Florida HBCU doles out $16 million to pay off student debt

Students graduating from Florida A&M University got a big surprise during graduation. The historically Black college spent $16 million to cover student costs.

Students at a historically Black college received a huge parting gift from their school during commencement ceremonies Saturday. Larry Robinson, the president of Florida A&M University, announced the school spent over $16 million to cover fees, tuition and unpaid student account balances during the 2020-2021 school year. "This is an indication of our commitment to student success and our hope that your time on the 'Hill' has been transformative as you take on the challenges of the day, go out and make a difference," he told the graduates. The university was able to use money from the federal Cares Act, which provides COVID-19 relief to organizations, to pay for the students' costs.