Barron Trump attending college at New York University, his father says

Welcome to college, Barron Trump.

The youngest son of Donald and Melania Trump is attending New York University, his father reportedly told the Daily Mail. and is now a Bobcat (NYU mascot), news reports show.

Here's what we know about Barron Trump's college pick and the prestigious New York University.

Which New York college did Barron Trump pick?

Barron Trump, the sole child of Donald and Melania Trump, is now attending fall 2024 classes at New York University, according to a Wednesday, Sept. 4, story in the Daily Mail. His father confirmed in an Aug. 20 New York Post story that he chose a New York school: “He’s all set in a certain school that’s very good,” the former president told the New York Post in an exclusive interview. “He’s always been a very good student, he’s smart.”

At the time, neither of his parents announced which New York university Barron Trump might be getting his college degree, but Donald Trump did say his team would release the news "soon," according to the Post.

What is known, however, is that Barron Trump did not pick the University of Pennsylvania or Georgetown University, which have strong ties to the Trump family. Donald Trump and his other children — Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump and Tiffany Trump — have attended or graduated from the prestigious universities in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., respectively.

It is notable that he is breaking away from family tradition.

The now 6-foot-7 (or in some reports 6-foot-9) son of former president Donald Trump has been keeping a really low-profile: Barron Trump was the only Trump family member who did not make an appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July. His half-niece, 17-year-old Kai Trump, who's a year younger than him, did appear at the RNC and has (publicly) announced her college choice: the University of Miami, not far from where she goes to high school now.

Sorry, UPenn and Georgetown: Barron Trump picks a college in New York, bucking Trump family tradition

Barron Trump will not attend the University of Pennsylvania or Georgetown University, which have strong ties to the Trump family. Donald Trump and his other children — Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump and Tiffany Trump — have attended or graduated from the prestigious universities in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., respectively.

With Barron Trump NYU, it is notable that he is breaking away from family tradition. New York University is close to Trump Tower in Manhattan, where Barron Trump spent his childhood. His other New York City choices were Cornell University and Columbia University.

Melania Trump calls New York 'home' as Barron Trump starts college there. Will Melania follow Barron Trump?

Will Melania Trump follow her only son, Barron Trump, to college? It's what a lot of "empty-nester" parents fantasize about. With the extreme attention on the former president's youngest son coupled with the former first lady's fierce protectiveness of Barron Trump, it's not an unreasonable question.

In the past, Melania Trump chose to live separately from her husband, for a short while. When Donald Trump started his presidency in 2017, Melania Trump and Barron Trump stayed in New York for several months so Barron could finish school. According to a People magazine story, an unnamed source said Melania Trump would likely go wherever Barron Trump goes.

On the social media platform X, Melania Trump posted a photo of the New York City skyline on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, and mentioned how she feels about the iconic destination: "New York City captivated my heart the moment I arrived, 28 years ago today. This electrifying town isn't just my home; it's a colorful canvas where dreams come alive. New York’s iconic skyline and vibrant culture inspire me every day." That was about the same week Barron Trump and other college freshmen start fall 2024 classes with student orientation, college "move-in" weekends, etc.

It's a rare public statement from the former model married to former president Donald Trump, who is busy campaigning for Election Day (Nov. 5, 2024), against his Democratic challenger, Vice President Kamala Harris. As the 2024 Republican presidential candidate travels the country for rallies and speeches, Melania Trump has been noticeably absent. It's contrary to the 2016 and 2020 elections, when she made several public appearances alongside her husband.

Presumably, Melania Trump is preparing Barron Trump, her only son with Donald Trump, for college life in New York, her "home," following his graduation and life in Florida.

Contributing: Lianna Norman, USA TODAY Network-Florida

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Barron Trump college decision: What to know about NYU