Harvard Offers Free Tuition for Families Earning $200,000 or Less

Harvard University has announced a significant expansion of its financial aid program, making education more accessible to a broader range of students.

Starting in the 2025-26 academic year, Harvard will provide free tuition for undergraduate students from families with annual incomes of $200,000 or less. This move represents a substantial increase from the previous income threshold of $85,000.

The new financial aid structure includes two main tiers:

1. For families earning $100,000 or less annually:

• Full coverage of all expenses, including tuition, fees, food, housing, health insurance, and travel costs.

• A $2,000 start-up grant for first-year students and a $2,000 launch grant for juniors to help prepare for post-Harvard life.

2. For families earning between $100,000 and $200,000 annually:

• Free tuition, with additional aid available based on individual circumstances to cover other expenses.

Harvard President Alan M. Garber emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Putting Harvard within financial reach for more individuals widens the array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that all of our students encounter, fostering their intellectual and personal growth".

This expansion is expected to make Harvard's financial aid program accessible to approximately 86% of families in the United States. The university aims to attract talented students regardless of their financial circumstances, reinforcing its commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

The announcement comes at a challenging time for higher education, with Harvard recently implementing a hiring freeze due to potential funding cuts and tax hikes proposed by the White House. Despite these financial pressures, the university remains committed to expanding its financial aid program.

Harvard's move aligns with similar initiatives at other prestigious institutions, such as MIT and the University of Pennsylvania, which have also recently expanded their financial aid offerings. This trend reflects a growing effort among top universities to address concerns about affordability and access to higher education for middle-income families.

As Harvard implements this new financial aid structure, it continues to evaluate and provide tailored financial assistance for families earning more than $200,000, depending on individual circumstances. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that a Harvard education remains accessible to talented students from diverse economic backgrounds.