(DNAINFO) Danielle Tcholakian | March 25, 2016 New York University’s new president said the initiative came out of conversations around affordability.

New York University’s new president is setting a $15 minimum wage for student workers — and he promises it’ll happen at the school even if Albany drags its heels.

The minimum wage increase is a hot button issue in New York State right now, but new university President Andrew Hamilton said the need for it at NYU came to him as he has “listened to students in various settings.”

“As I have continued my efforts to listen and learn about NYU, the topic that recurs most often in my meetings with students is affordability,” Hamilton said in a school-wide email.

NYU is notoriously pricey, among the most expensive schools in the nation. The issue has prompted protests, rallies and negative media coverage over the last few years.

Source: NYU To Pay Students $15 Minimum Wage, Even If State Won’t – Greenwich Village – DNAinfo.com New York