Harvard University has announced a major expansion of its financial aid program, offering free tuition to students from families earning up to $200,000 per year. The initiative, set to begin in the fall of 2025, significantly raises the previous income limit of $85,000, making higher education more accessible to middle-class students.
Under the new policy, students from families earning less than $100,000 will receive full coverage for tuition, housing, meals, and other expenses. They will also get a $2,000 start-up fund and additional support for winter clothing and travel.
The move places Harvard alongside other top universities, such as MIT and the University of Pennsylvania, which have expanded financial aid in response to growing concerns about college affordability.
Harvard’s decision comes as elite institutions face increasing scrutiny over accessibility and diversity. Recent enrollment data showed a decline in Black student admissions following the Supreme Court’s ban on affirmative action. By easing financial barriers, Harvard aims to attract a more diverse student body.
With a $53 billion endowment, the university has allocated $275 million to financial aid this year alone. University President Alan M. Garber emphasized that financial support is key to fostering an inclusive academic environment.