Harvard University announced on Monday (March 17) that it will provide free tuition for students from families earning $200,000 or less starting in the 2025-26 academic year. The move marks a significant expansion of the Ivy League institution’s financial aid program.
A commitment to accessibility
Harvard University President Alan M. Garber emphasised the importance of making the institution more financially accessible to a broader range of students.
“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,” Garber said in a statement.
“By bringing people of outstanding promise together to learn with and from one another, we truly realize the tremendous potential of the University.”
New financial aid structure
With this expansion, approximately 86% of US families will now qualify for financial aid at Harvard. The updated policy includes full coverage for tuition, and for families earning $100,000 or less annually, additional benefits such as housing, food, health services, and other student expenses.
Previous financial aid thresholds
Harvard has steadily increased its financial aid eligibility over the years.
- In 2004, the income threshold for free tuition was $40,000.
- In 2006, it was raised to $60,000.
- Since 2023, families earning $85,000 or less qualified for full financial support.
- Now, for the 2025-26 academic year, the threshold has jumped to $200,000 for tuition-free education.
“Our team works closely with each student to ensure full inclusion in the Harvard experience,” said Jake Kaufman, Harvard’s director of financial aid. “The financial aid program is designed so that Harvard students can study, train, research, create, and fully engage in the Harvard experience with minimal constraints.”
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