Olivia Rodrigo Secretly Paid a College Student’s Final Semester Tuition

Pop star Olivia Rodrigo helped an Alabama college student finish her degree by quietly paying $5,000 toward her tuition.

Jamie Causey, 21, a first-generation college student from Alexander City, Alabama, recently revealed that Rodrigo stepped in when she was struggling to afford her final semester at the University of Alabama.

Causey, who graduated with a degree in public relations, said the unexpected kindness began in early 2025. Rodrigo had first sent her birthday wishes and later reached out after seeing one of Causey’s TikTok videos about her difficulty paying tuition.

“Hi girl! I know you don’t know me but I love your videos so much,” Rodrigo wrote in a message shared by Causey. “I watched ur last vid about tuition and I’d love to help out if you were open at all to that?”

Rodrigo then asked whether Causey had a Venmo account so she could send money directly.

Causey said she was shocked to receive the message and initially thought she was dreaming. She told Rodrigo that her music had been a source of strength during a difficult time and said she was grateful for any help.

In April 2025, a representative for Rodrigo confirmed that the singer had sent Causey $5,000 to help cover her education costs.

The amount came close to the University of Alabama’s in-state undergraduate tuition for a semester, which Causey said was $5,959.

Rather than immediately sharing the story publicly, Causey kept the exchange private for more than a year. She said she wanted to protect the personal meaning of Rodrigo’s gesture.

“ You made me feel like I belong on this platform,” Causey wrote to Rodrigo. “You didn’t owe me anything. You just chose to show kindness to a stranger.”

Causey finally decided to share the story as she celebrated her graduation, hoping the experience would encourage others to help people around them.

Her video also included a message from Paris Hilton’s representative offering Causey some merchandise. Hilton later commented on the video, writing, “Love you!”

Causey ended her post with a simple message about paying kindness forward.

“Send the message, pay for the coffee, pay for the car behind you or just smile at someone,” she said. “You never know the difference it will make.”