Harvard University Announces Free Tuition for Students from Families Earning Under $200,000

Harvard University has announced a groundbreaking expansion of its financial aid program, making tuition free for students whose families earn $200,000 or less annually. This significant move aims to broaden access to the prestigious institution and foster a more diverse student body. The Ivy League university will also provide free housing, food, and health services to students from families earning $100,000 or less per year.

Harvard President Alan M. Garber emphasized the importance of this initiative in a statement released on Monday. "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," he said. Garber highlighted the university’s commitment to bringing together individuals of outstanding promise to learn from one another, ultimately realizing Harvard’s tremendous potential.

The university underscored that this decision was driven by the goal of ensuring that admitted students can afford a Harvard education. "Our goal is to bring the most promising students to Harvard—period," the university stated on its website. "We know that paying for college is a big concern for many families, and we’re committed to making a Harvard education – and the opportunities that come with it – possible for more students than ever."

The announcement has sparked widespread discussion and praise, with many viewing it as a crucial step towards making higher education more accessible. Senator Bernie Sanders, a long-time advocate for tuition-free college, lauded Harvard’s move and called for its expansion to all public colleges and universities. "10 years ago, when I introduced a bill to make public colleges & universities tuition-free, it was called ‘radical.’ Not today," Sanders wrote in a post on X. "Over 100 colleges & universities now offer free tuition to working-class students. Now, we must expand that idea to all public colleges & universities."

The expanded program is projected to make Harvard College’s financial aid accessible to approximately 86% of families in the United States. Harvard reaffirmed its commitment to providing every admitted undergraduate student with the resources necessary to enroll and graduate.

The move follows a growing trend of institutions exploring ways to alleviate the financial burden of higher education. New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently unveiled a plan to offer free tuition at city and state colleges. Additionally, a medical school in New York City recently went tuition-free after receiving a billion-dollar donation. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the need to address the rising cost of college and ensure that talented students from all socioeconomic backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their academic goals.

While the average annual tuition for a Harvard student is $56,550, the total cost of attendance, including room, board, and health services, reaches approximately $83,000. Harvard’s commitment to covering tuition, and in some cases, room, board, and health services, will significantly reduce the financial burden for eligible students and their families.

William R. Fitzsimmons, Harvard College’s Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, emphasized the importance of attracting students from diverse backgrounds. "We know the most talented students come from different socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences, from every state and around the globe," he said. "Our financial aid is critical to ensuring that these students know Harvard College is a place where they can be part of a vibrant learning community strengthened by their presence and participation."

Harvard has a long-standing commitment to financial aid, having awarded more than $3.6 billion in undergraduate financial aid since launching the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative in 2004. This latest expansion builds upon that commitment and represents a significant step towards making a Harvard education accessible to a wider range of students.

The university’s decision to offer free tuition to students from families earning $200,000 or less is a bold and impactful move that could have far-reaching implications for higher education. By removing financial barriers and promoting diversity, Harvard is not only investing in the future of its students but also contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society. This initiative is likely to inspire other institutions to re-evaluate their financial aid policies and explore new ways to make college more affordable for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.