Harvard Expands Financial Aid: Free Tuition for Families Earning Under $200,000

Harvard University has announced a major expansion of its financial aid program, offering free tuition to students from families earning $200,000 or less annually.

This initiative, set to take effect in the 2025 academic year, is part of Harvard’s ongoing commitment to making higher education more accessible, particularly for middle-income families, CNBC reported.

Harvard President Alan M. Garber emphasized the broader impact of this initiative, stating, “Putting Harvard within financial reach for more individuals broadens the range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives our students encounter, fostering their intellectual and personal growth. By bringing together people of exceptional promise to learn with and from one another, we truly unlock the University’s vast potential.”

With this expansion, approximately 86% of U.S. families will now qualify for financial assistance at Harvard College. Currently, the university covers tuition, housing, and food costs for students from families earning $85,000 or less annually. Under the new policy:

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• Families earning $100,000 or less will have tuition, fees, housing, food, and other expenses fully covered.
• Families earning up to $200,000 will receive free tuition, with additional financial aid available for other costs.
• Families earning above $200,000 may still qualify for financial aid, with support tailored to their specific financial needs.

Hopi Hoekstra, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, highlighted the significance of this expansion, stating, “Harvard has long worked to open its doors to the most talented students, regardless of their financial background. This investment in financial aid ensures that every admitted student can pursue their academic passions and contribute positively to our future.”

This move further solidifies Harvard’s position as a leader in making elite education more accessible, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from pursuing their academic dreams.