Harvard expands free tuition to families earning up to $200,000
- Harvard University will offer free tuition to students from families earning $200,000 or less starting in the 2025-26 academic year.
- This policy shift will enable around 86% of U.S. families to qualify for financial aid and is part of a broader effort to enhance diversity.
- The move aligns with trends from other elite institutions, addressing the current scrutiny on college admissions and financial accessibility.
On March 17, 2025, Harvard University, located in the United States, revealed a new financial aid plan that will allow students from families earning up to $200,000 annually to attend tuition-free starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This expansion aims to make the prestigious Ivy League institution more accessible to a larger demographic. Harvard President Alan M. Garber emphasized that this change will foster a diverse learning environment essential for the intellectual and personal growth of its student body. The new initiative will extend financial assistance to about 86% of U.S. families, a significant increase from previous thresholds. Prior to this announcement, undergraduate students from families with incomes of $85,000 or less were eligible for free tuition, housing, and other essentials. The move signals a response to both a changing educational landscape and increasing demands for diversity in higher education, gaining momentum amid government scrutiny of college admissions policies. The university's financial aid program is designed to include students from varied socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring a vibrant academic community that supports learning and collaboration among diverse individuals. Historically, financial aid thresholds at Harvard have shifted, from an initial limit of $40,000 in 2004, to $60,000 in 2006, and upward to the current $200,000. Alongside free tuition, students from families earning less than $100,000 will receive comprehensive coverage for housing, food, and health services. In addition to this announcement, other elite institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Caltech, have also adopted similar financial aid policies to increase accessibility. The growing trend reflects a broader shift in the landscape of higher education as schools adapt to changing demographics and address public concerns about equity and inclusion. Although Harvard has allocated a sizeable budget for its financial aid—$275 million this year—the university did not disclose an estimated cost for implementing the updated tuition plans.