Harvard University announced Monday that it is expanding its financial aid program for undergraduates, including making the school tuition-free for students with annual family income below $200,000.
The school also announced that those with annual family income below $100,000 won’t have to pay anything to attend, including tuition, housing and other fees.
A slew of local universities have launches similar initiatives in recent months, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“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,” Alan Garber, the university’s president, said in a release.
Who is eligible for free tuition at Harvard?
Beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year, Harvard undergraduates with annual family income below $200,000 can attend the school tuition-free.
Similarly, students with annual family income below $100,000 won’t have to pay anything at all to attend. Additionally, students who meet this eligibility threshold will receive two $2,000 grants during their time at the school — one during their first year and one during their junior year.
The college first launched a free tuition program more than two decades ago, but Monday’s announcement marks a new eligibility threshold for the initiative. Currently, students from families with annual incomes below $85,000 attend for free.
Harvard said the expanded program will enable about 86% of families to qualify for financial aid.
How to apply for free tuition at Harvard
Harvard considers eligible admitted students for the free tuition program based on their financial aid application.
The school’s deadlines for the CSS Profile and Free Application for Federal Student Aid are both February 1, according to its website.
How much does it cost to attend Harvard?
This academic year, Harvard undergraduate tuition is more than $56,000, according to the registrar’s website.
Combined with other fees, including housing, the total annual rate for undergraduates during the 2024-2025 school year is more than $82,000.
Melina Khan is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY Network – New England, which serves more than a dozen affiliated publications across New England. She can be reached at [email protected].
