Harvard Will Make Tuition Free for More Students

Harvard is the latest elite school to announce that families with incomes of $200,000 and under will not pay tuition as a way to bolster diversity.

NY Times

​Harvard University has announced a significant expansion of its financial aid program, aiming to make education more accessible to a broader range of students. Starting in the 2025-26 academic year, families earning up to $200,000 annually will qualify for free tuition, with those earning $100,000 or less receiving comprehensive support covering tuition, housing, food, and health services. ​

Details of the Financial Aid Expansion

• Families Earning $100,000 or Less: Students from these families will have all billed expenses covered, including tuition, housing, meals, health insurance, and additional support such as a $2,000 start-up grant in their first year and a $2,000 launch grant in their junior year. ​

• Families Earning Between $100,000 and $200,000: These students will receive free tuition and may also qualify for additional aid to cover other costs like fees, food, and housing, depending on individual financial circumstances. ​

• Families Earning Above $200,000: Many students from families with incomes above this threshold will still be eligible for tailored financial aid based on their specific financial situations. ​

Rationale Behind the Expansion

This initiative is part of a broader effort among elite universities to maintain campus diversity, especially in light of the Supreme Court's ban on race-based admissions practices. By alleviating financial barriers, Harvard aims to attract a more diverse student body, enriching the educational experience for all students. ​

Comparison with Other Institutions

Harvard joins other prestigious institutions in expanding financial aid. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Pennsylvania, and Caltech have implemented similar $200,000 thresholds for free tuition. This trend reflects a collective effort among elite universities to make higher education more accessible to middle-income families. ​

Financial Implications for Students

The annual cost of attending Harvard, including tuition, housing, and other expenses, is approximately $83,000. With the new financial aid policies, a significant number of students will benefit from reduced financial burdens, making a Harvard education more attainable for a broader spectrum of applicants. ​

Harvard's Commitment to Accessibility

Harvard's financial aid packages are based solely on financial need, and the university does not include home equity or retirement assets in calculating financial aid awards. This approach ensures that students from various financial backgrounds can access a Harvard education without undue financial strain. ​

Conclusion

Harvard University's expansion of its financial aid program represents a significant step toward making elite education accessible to a wider range of students. By covering tuition and additional expenses for families earning up to $200,000, Harvard aims to foster a more diverse and inclusive student body, enriching the educational experience for all. This initiative aligns with broader trends in higher education to support middle-income families and ensure that financial barriers do not hinder talented students from pursuing their academic aspirations.​

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com