NYU offering free tuition to medical students

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NEW YORK (AP) -- New York University is offering free tuition for all of its medical students.

The Wall Street Journal reports on Thursday that the move is a first among major U.S. medical schools. Rising tuition and six-figure loans have been pushing new doctors into higher-paying fields and contributing to a shortage of researchers and primary care physicians.

The associate dean for admission and financial aid, Dr. Rafael Rivera, says there's a "moral imperative" to reduce debt.

Tuition had been set at about $55,000 for the coming year.

Most medical students will still need to pay about $29,000 for annual room, board and other living expenses.

NYU estimates it will need about $600 million to fund the tuition package in perpetuity. It has raised more than $450 million.

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