Karmactive Staff
Harvard University announced a major expansion of its financial aid program that will make college free for many more students, especially those from middle-income families.
Starting in the 2025-26 academic year, Harvard will provide free tuition to students from families earning $200,000 or less annually. For families earning $100,000 or less, Harvard will cover all expenses, including tuition, housing, food, health insurance, and travel costs.
“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,” said Harvard University President Alan M. Garber.
This expanded program will allow approximately 86% of U.S. families to qualify for Harvard’s financial aid, significantly broadening access to the elite institution.
Additional Benefits
Students from families earning less than $100,000 will receive extra support beyond free attendance. Each eligible student will get a $2,000 start-up grant in their first year and a $2,000 launch grant during their junior year to help with transitions.
“Harvard has long sought to open our doors to the most talented students, no matter their financial circumstances,” said Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Hopi Hoekstra. “This investment in financial aid aims to make a Harvard College education possible for every admitted student.”
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History of Financial Aid Expansion
Harvard’s commitment to financial accessibility isn’t new. The university began expanding aid in 2004 when it launched the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative, covering costs for families earning $40,000 or less. The threshold has increased four times since then:
- $60,000 in 2006
- Reached $85,000 in 2023
- Now expanding to $200,000 in 2025
In 2007, Harvard eliminated loans from its financial aid packages, providing all assistance through grants instead of debt. The university also stopped considering home equity when determining a family’s ability to pay.
Harvard has awarded more than $3.6 billion in undergraduate financial aid since launching its initiative. For the 2025-26 academic year, Harvard College’s financial aid budget is $275 million.
Current Political Context
The expansion comes at a challenging time for higher education. The Trump administration has threatened to pull funding from universities over diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Harvard is currently under a hiring freeze due to what it calls “substantial financial uncertainties” in higher education.
According to the source material, the administration has already pulled $400 million in grants and contracts from Columbia University over alleged failure to prevent antisemitism on campus as protests grew over Israel’s war in Gaza.
Other elite universities have made similar moves to expand financial aid, including the University of Pennsylvania and MIT, which also offer free tuition for families making less than $200,000.
Current Cost and Impact
Harvard’s total cost, including tuition, housing, and fees, reached nearly $83,000 for the 2024-25 academic year. This is significantly higher than the U.S. median household income of $80,000 in 2023.
Currently, 55% of Harvard undergraduates receive financial aid. Their families paid an average of $15,700 for the 2023-24 year.
“Our team works closely with each student to ensure full inclusion in the Harvard experience,” said Griffin Director of Financial Aid Jake Kaufmann. “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.”
FAQ:
What exactly is Harvard offering in its new financial aid program? +
Harvard is offering free tuition to students from families earning $200,000 or less annually. For families earning $100,000 or less, Harvard will cover all expenses, including tuition, housing, food, health insurance, and travel costs.
When will these new financial aid changes take effect? +
The expanded financial aid program will begin in the 2025-26 academic year.
How many families will qualify for this new financial aid? +
Approximately 86% of U.S. families will qualify for Harvard’s financial aid under the new program.
How much does Harvard normally cost without financial aid? +
Harvard’s total cost, including tuition, housing, and fees, is nearly $83,000 for the 2024-25 academic year.
Are there any additional benefits beyond tuition coverage? +
Yes, students from families earning less than $100,000 will receive a $2,000 start-up grant in their first year and a $2,000 launch grant during their junior year to help with transitions.
What is Harvard’s history with financial aid programs? +
Harvard began expanding financial aid in 2004 with the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative, covering costs for families earning $40,000 or less. In 2007, Harvard eliminated loans from its financial aid packages. Since 2004, the income threshold has increased multiple times, reaching $85,000 in 2023 before the current expansion to $200,000.
