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Harvard University has announced a significant policy change aimed at increasing access to its education. Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, families with annual incomes below $200,000 will not be required to pay tuition. Additionally, for families earning under $100,000, the university will cover essential expenses such as housing and health insurance.
This decision comes as college affordability continues to be a pressing issue in the United States, where the cost of attending private universities has more than doubled since 2001, reaching an average of approximately $58,000 per year when including room and board. The expansion of financial aid at Harvard will allow an estimated 86 percent of U.S. families to qualify for assistance, making the institution more accessible to middle-class students. Previously, full financial aid was available only to families earning below $85,000.
Harvard’s initiative aligns with similar programs at other elite universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which have also implemented free tuition policies for families earning under $200,000. Harvard’s decision may influence additional universities to adopt comparable measures, given its significant reputation.
This change occurs amid increased political scrutiny surrounding university funding and diversity initiatives. The current administration has threatened to withdraw funding from institutions that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and the Department of Education is investigating several universities over alleged racial preferences in their admissions processes. The context of these political tensions highlights the challenges that institutions face in balancing financial aid policies with federal regulations.
Harvard’s shift towards expanded financial support underscores a growing recognition of the unsustainable nature of college costs for many American families. As tuition fees continue to rise and student debt burdens increase, similar policies may become essential for elite universities to ensure continued accessibility and diversity in higher education. However, the broader challenge remains, as many institutions still impose high tuition rates, limiting options for millions of students nationwide.
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